How Many People are on a Submarine?
When it comes to asking about the number of people on a submarine, people often wonder how many minds, hands, and legs are working together to operate this immense machine. The answer depends on various factors, such as the type of submarine, its purpose, size, and crew requirements.
Direct Answer: Crew Size
The number of people on a submarine ranges from a few dozen to well over a hundred. This variance is due to differences in submarine design, capability, and mission requirements.
Types of Submarines and Their Crew
| Submarine Type | Crew Size |
|---|---|
| Attack Submarine (SSN) | 60-100 ( officers, enlisted personnel) |
| Ballistic Missile Submarine (SSBN) | 85-150 ( officers, enlisted personnel) |
| Cruise Missile Submarine (SSGs) | 50-90 (officers, enlisted personnel) |
| Research Submarine (SSR) | 20-40 (scientists, research personnel) |
| Training Submarine (for officer training) | 10-20 |
Attack Submarine Crew
Attack submarines, responsible for hunting and destroying enemy ships, typically have around 60-100 people on board. Crew members include:
• Commander or Captain
• Navigator
• Sonar Chief
• Radar Chief
• Torpedo Chief
• Engineer
• Propulsion Specialist
• Deck Hands
• Ensigns (junior naval officers)
Ballistic Missile Submarine Crew
Ballistic missile submarines, which carry nuclear warheads, have a larger crew due to the complex equipment and systems they operate:
• Commander or Captain
• Navigator
• Electronic Warfare Officer
• Cryptologic Technician
• Maintenance Officer
• Missile Commanders
• Engineer
• Propulsion Specialist
• Deck Hands
• Ensigns (junior naval officers)
Up to 10 sailors responsible for maintaining the sensitive missile systems
Large Crews for Long Missions
Some submarines, designed for extended missions, are crewed by up to 150 people due to the need for crew rotation and relief. Such crews include:
• Captain
• Executive Officer (Second-in-Command)
• Department Heads (Ship, Engineering, Operations)
• Officers (Enlisted, Junior, and Mid-level)
• Chief Petty Officers (Senior Non-commissioned Officers)
- Junior Enlisted personnel for deck, engineering, operations, and other support services
Research Submarines and Training Submarines
Research submarines often have smaller crews, depending on the specific research agenda:
• Scientists
- Research Assistants
• Engineer - Crew Specialists (for maintenance and communication)
Training submarines typically house:
• Officer Cadets
- Junior Officers undergoing training
- Senior Naval Officers for instruction and observation
Conclusion
There is no single answer to the question "How many people are on a submarine?" as it depends on the type of submarine and its mission requirements. Attacking submarines have the lowest crew size, while long-duration research and training operations require larger crews. The largest crews are typically found in ballistic missile submarines due to the complexity of their payload systems.
