The secrets of “independence”
For months they did not see the sky above their heads, they had to drink distilled water, had to live in a closed space according to a minute-by-minute schedule to do different things, and constantly felt the great responsibility and invisible presence of "potential opponents".
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| The secrets of "independence" |
And on board the submarine there is also an “atomic monster” (although tamed, but can also “run amok”) and ballistic or cruise missiles with nuclear warheads and torpedoes that are always ready for combat. Service on a nuclear submarine is considered one of the most difficult tasks in the Russian Navy, as well as in the naval forces of other countries. “Floating cities” often operate independently in the depths of the ocean. The captain of a nuclear submarine has the right to make decisions that can affect not only the geopolitical situation, but in general the fate of mankind…
The following article gives details about the preparation of Russian nuclear submarines for long voyages and about life on submarines.
Long-distance ocean voyages, that is, operations in "independent mode" or "combat mission performance" are the highest form of activities to maintain the Navy's combat readiness in peacetime. Submarines regularly travel to areas of the ocean where they will act in case of the outbreak of... World War III or a local armed conflict. Submarines monitor warships and submarines of "potential opponents", patrol their area of responsibility and are always ready to use weapons (including nuclear weapons), conduct reconnaissance. During long-distance voyages, submarines operate underwater. The journey in the ocean lasts on average from one and a half to two months, but can last much longer.
Nuclear ballistic missile submarine "Dmitry Donskoy"
"My record is a voyage in independent mode that lasted more than 90 days underwater," Colonel Vladimir Mamaykin, captain of the K-462 submarine of the Northern Fleet in 1981-1984, who participated in 13 "combat voyages," told Sputnik. During such operations, the captain actually holds the post of head of state. Any emergency situation can arise during a voyage, and the commander has the right to make decisions on actions in this or that situation."
Before going to sea, all members of the crew undergo special training. In addition, sailors and technical specialists carefully check all components and assemblies of equipment on the submarine. A mistake is very expensive. If the incident occurs near the coast of one's own country, the submarine can surface and request help. But what if a serious incident occurs under the ice in the Arctic Ocean or near the aircraft carrier group of a "potential opponent"? In such cases, the submarine either cannot surface or suffers a humiliating defeat! After carrying out preparatory work, the captain of the nuclear submarine allows the officers to stay with their families for a few days before going to sea. On the day of going to sea, the submarine leaves the base and goes underwater. And only a few months later, the submarine can surface — after returning from a long journey.
The timetable on a nuclear submarine, as well as on large warships, describes every minute of daily activities. There are shifts, combat watch, special operations, drills, training, alarms. Life goes on just like in any military unit. Of course, sailors have time to wash their uniforms and take a shower. In addition, on the most modern submarines there is a sauna and a swimming pool. Many nuclear submarines have libraries where competitions and film screenings are held. The diet of sailors on Russian submarines is more nutritious than, for example, the army, the navy, and even the airborne troops and surface ships. During long voyages, all crew members receive 100 grams of wine per day. This is necessary to ensure normal functioning in a closed space, with a lack of sunlight and oxygen. Additionally, wine flushes radioactive substances out of the body.
Soviet submarine "Yorsh"
"I don't remember a single case when someone went hungry during their service on a submarine," said Vladimir Mamaykin. "Of course, we wanted to enjoy dishes from fresh things, but, it was also comfortable to eat canned food. Moreover, in the 1970s, groups of 5-6 people were formed on nuclear submarines, which had different diets, and they tested food for cosmonauts. The ship's doctor observed and recorded the characteristics."
This method is useful because the service life of a nuclear submarine is similar to that of an astronaut on an orbital station. The only difference is weightlessness and sunlight. However, submarine crews never suffer from "sea sickness": underwater submarines do not jump waves.At a pre-arranged time, the captain gives the command to "approach the surface" to use the antenna for a communication session. Whether or not it is possible to establish contact with the "shore" station, the crew must strictly follow the communication session schedule. In an emergency, to convey important information, the submarine can "approach the surface" at any time. Shore specialists work around the clock and they will receive the signal.
The captain of any nuclear submarine does not know exactly what seas and oceans his ship will pass through during its combat mission. In principle, a nuclear submarine has unlimited operational capabilities, at any time the command can give the order and the captain will change the route.