How 19,000 tons of steel can vanish beneath the ocean
In short: The USS Kentucky is a massive nuclear submarine that manages to remain undetected for months at a time. This video explores the engineering and logistics required to keep nearly 200 people hidden underwater while carrying enough supplies to last 90 days.
Despite its size—measuring 560 feet in length—the USS Kentucky can operate without sending out sonar pings. The vessel relies on a navigation system capable of crossing entire oceans without the use of GPS and features a reactor designed to last for a 42-year lifespan.
The video examines the logistical reality of life at sea, where patrols are often dictated by food supplies rather than fuel. For a three-month mission, the crew requires over 20,000 eggs and approximately 500 bags of microwave popcorn. It also investigates a 2015 launch drill in Southern California that was mistakenly attributed to extraterrestrial activity.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Why America's Largest Submarine Is More Insane Than People Think
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