When the first submarine joined the Navy

Nuclear-Powered Submarines Nuclear-powered submarines are perhaps the most well-known type of submarine, thanks to their immense power and long range capabilities. These submarines are equipped with a nuclear reactor that generates the electricity needed to power the vessel and propel it through the water. This allows nuclear-powered submarines to operate for extended periods of time without needing to resurface, giving them a significant advantage over their diesel-powered counterparts. There are two main types of nuclear-powered submarines: ballistic missile submarines and attack submarines.