Submarines & Submariners: An Introduction

This two-day course is designed for engineers in the field of submarine R&D and Operational Test and Evaluation. It is an introductory course presenting the fundamental philosophy of submarine design, submerged operation and combat system employment as they are managed by a battle-tested submarine organization that all-in-all make a US submarine a very cost-effective warship at sea—and under it.

Today’s US submarine tasking is discussed in consonance with the strategy and policy of the US, and the goals, objectives, mission, functions, tasks, responsibilities, and roles of the US Navy as they are so funded. Submarine warfare is analyzed referencing some calculations for a Benefits-to-Cost analysis, in that, Submarines Sink Ships!

From this course you will gain a better understanding of submarine warships being stealth-oriented, cost-effective combat systems at sea. Those who have worked with specific submarine sub-systems will find that this course will clarify the rationale and essence of their interface with one another. Attendees will receive copies of the presentation along with some relevant white papers.

Follow this link for a short overview video

• Differences of submarine types (SSN/SSBN/ SSGN)
• Submarine onboard organization and day to day operations
• Basic Fundamentals of submarine systems and sensors
• Submarine Mission profiles
• Basics of Submarine Warfare tactical and operational control
• How submarines support national military objectives
• Makeup and function of the Submarine Support Enterprise
• How the sea impacts submarine operations
• Submarine Maintenance Cycles – Supporting the Tip of the Spear

1. Warfare from Beneath the Sea:
   • US Submarines – From a glass-barrel in circa 300 BC, to SSN 774
   • Review of the Order of Battle for Submarines of the World
2. Submarine Warfare Basics:
   • Employment of Submarines past, current and future
   • US/UK/USSR Cold War Submarine Operations
3. Current Day Submarine Tasking:
   • What US nuclear-powered submarines are tasked to do.
   • What the tasking of US submarines is based on
4. Submarine Organization (Onboard and Force Wide):
   • Makeup of today’s submarine crew
   • What does it mean to be “Qualified in Submarines”
   • What does the shore based support for the “Submarine Enterprise” do
5. Fundamentals of Submarine Design, Construction and Modernization:
   • Makeup of today’s submarine force
   • Submarine Form, Fit, & Function.
   • Basic submarine operational characteristics
6. Maintenance Cycles for Submarines:
   • Submarines Maintenance cycles – past, current and future

CAPT (ret) Todd Massidda, P.E. has over 30 years of Navy leadership experience serving on seven different submarines, including command of USS ALABAMA SSBN-731. As commanding officer of ALABAMA and executive officer on ALASKA he has extensive experience in bringing combat systems technologies to the fleet after major overhaul periods. In addition to his operational submarine experience he served as a Future Concepts Officer at US Special Operations command during which he had extensive experience in bring new technologies and ideas to special operations forces. As Operation Officer at Submarine Group Nine, he led a highly successful multi-year effort to proof SSGN concepts ahead of the SSGN conversion program. He completed his career as the Branch Head for Ocean Systems and Nuclear Matters on the OPNAV staff in Washington, DC. He is currently applying his knowledge as a Program Manager in the SSBN Security Technology Program at John Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory.