A Century of Silent Service

100 Years of Submarine History
At the dawn of the 20th century the United States made an investment in a primitive steel boat that could operate under water. The investment would change the world. It is the story of heroism, of tragedy, of victory, of rescue; from the days of gasoline engines to remarkable nuclear power, from errant torpedoes to missiles with precision accuracy; from being overlooked and underestimated to becoming America’s most potent force. It is the story of an indomitable human spirit that survived the challenges, faced the enemies, and devised the technologies.

It is the story of A Century of Silent Service.

A Century of Silent Service, hosted by former President Jimmy Carter, the only U.S. president to serve on a submarine, is a story about submarines told by the men who served aboard them. The program traces the history of the submarine force from the gasoline fueled Holland to the nuclear powered submarines of the 21st century. Submarine admirals, officers and enlisted men describe their experiences, from the sinking of the USS Squalus, to WWII war patrols, to the cruise missile attacks on Kosovo. They tell a remarkable story of courage and sacrifice – the story of A Century of Silent Service.