Longer Deployments For U.S. Submarines

Navy Explores Longer Submarine Deployments -- Salt Lake Tribune/AP

Groton, Conn. • The Navy is considering lengthening the standard deployment of attack submarines beyond six months as it faces rising demands with a fleet that has been shrinking since the end of the Cold War, the commander of American submarine forces told The Associated Press in an interview.

Already, attack submarines are at times asked to stay out longer than six months — extensions that can be trying for sailors who serve in tightly confined spaces with limited outside communication as members of the “silent service.”

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My Comment: On top of these longer deployments .... for smokers it is pure hell. On the bright side, at least the submariners now have new members in their unique fraternity.