ABSTRACT
A mid-1980s look at the attack submarine has to be done using some form of reference. The US Navy built the fleet submarine as a scouting asset for the battle line. From a mid-1980s’ viewpoint, one very interesting aspect of the US submarine campaign in the early stages of the Pacific war is the lack of significant military impact. Whatever the reason for its warfare assignment, the US fleet submarine performed well in cutting Japan’s supply lines because of the adaptability of range, endurance, and quick diving response that had been designed into it for the scouting role. With conventional land-attack missiles in the submarine inventory, strike warfare becomes a mission for SSNs. Submarines on station in the Soviet sea-control areas will probably be in the best position to launch cruise missile attacks on critical land-based targets, or for planting offensive minefields.
