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[[Image:Typhoon3.jpg|right|thumb|250px|A typhoon class nuclear ballistic missile submarine.]]

[[Image:Typhoon3.jpg|right|thumb|250px|A typhoon class nuclear ballistic missile submarine.]]

A '''submarine''' is a vehicle that travels under water (i.e. an underwater boat). It should be noted that the term "nuclear submarine" refers to a submarine that uses nuclear power for propulsion, not necessarily one which carries nuclear weapons. The submarine was invented in the 17th century. Though it was originally designed for the purpose of exploration, its military benefits soon became clear. The first military submarine was the Turtle which was used by the Colonists during the [[American Revolution]], although without success.

A '''submarine''' is a vehicle that travels under water (i.e. an underwater boat). The submarine was invented in the 17th century. Though it was originally designed for the purpose of exploration, its military benefits soon became clear. The first military submarine was the Turtle which was used by the Colonists during the [[American Revolution]], although without success.

The first submarine to successfully sink a ship was the Confederate vessel [[CSS Hunley|CSS ''Hunley'']] which sank the USS ''Housatonic'' during the [[American Civil War]] on 17 February 1864 in Charleston Harbour.  The ''Hunley'' never returned from the mission, sinking with the loss of all crew.  It has recently been found and recovered.

The first submarine to successfully sink a ship was the Confederate vessel [[CSS Hunley|CSS ''Hunley'']] which sank the USS ''Housatonic'' during the [[American Civil War]] on 17 February 1864 in Charleston Harbour.  The ''Hunley'' never returned from the mission, sinking with the loss of all crew.  It has recently been found and recovered.

The first submarine commissioned into the United States Navy was the USS ''Holland''.  She was commissioned on Columbus Day in 1900 and was subsequently designated SS 1.   

The first submarine commissioned into the United States Navy was the USS ''Holland''.  She was commissioned on Columbus Day in 1900 and was subsequently designated SS 1.   

Submarines played a significant role in both World Wars I and II, and to this day many nations have submarine fleets, varying from the large, highly trained nuclear fleets of of the United States and the United Kingdom, to countries owning one Kilo class diesel submarine.  

Submarines played a significant role in both World Wars I and II, and to this day many nations have submarine fleets, varying from the large, highly trained nuclear fleets of of the United States and the United Kingdom, to countries owning one Kilo class diesel submarine.

Various different power sources have been used on submarines over the years.  The ''Hunley'' was powered by its crew turning a crank which was connected to the propeller.  Petrol engines have also been used, but they gave way to diesel engines.  Hydrogen peroxide was used in some German submarines during [[World War II]].  More recently nuclear power has been used.  It should be noted it this context that the term "nuclear submarine" refers to a submarine that uses nuclear power for propulsion, not necessarily one which carries nuclear weapons.

Today, the United States Navy operates 14 Ohio class SSBN's, 4 Ohio class SSGN's, 3 Seawolf class SSN's, approximately 40 Los Angeles Class SSN's, and 2 commissioned Virginia class SSN's.

Today, the United States Navy operates 14 Ohio class SSBN's, 4 Ohio class SSGN's, 3 Seawolf class SSN's, approximately 40 Los Angeles Class SSN's, and 2 commissioned Virginia class SSN's.