Learning Pearl Harbor: What Is a Submarine?

Learning Pearl Harbor: What Is a Submarine? The history of submarines stretches back centuries, but it was during World War I that they became a defining element of naval warfare. In both World War I and World War II, submarines had a major impact, particularly in the Atlantic, where German U-Boats inflicted devastating losses on Allied shipping. While the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, was primarily an aerial assault, submarines—specifically Japanese midget subs—also played a role, albeit an ineffective one.
The evolution of submarines from primitive submersibles to advanced nuclear-powered vessels highlights their significance in naval history. Today, submarines remain a crucial part of modern naval fleets worldwide.

The concept of underwater navigation has fascinated inventors for centuries. Although the first known functional submarine was created in 1620 by Dutch engineer Cornelis Drebbel, the idea had been explored earlier. English mathematician William Bourne first described a submarine design in 1578, followed by Scottish mathematician John Napier in 1596. However, it was Drebbel who successfully built an oar-powered submersible, laying the foundation for future innovations.
By the mid-18th century, England had issued multiple patents for submersible vessels. Among the pioneers of this period were Nathaniel Symons, Giovanni Broelli, and David Bushnell. Bushnell, an American inventor, created the Turtle, the first military submarine, which attempted to attack British ships during the American Revolutionary War.
The first recorded instance of a submarine successfully engaging an enemy vessel occurred in 1864 when the Confederate submarine H. L. Hunley sank the USS Housatonic. This marked the beginning of submarines as a formidable force in naval warfare. Over time, propulsion methods evolved from hand-cranked systems to compressed air and steam power. By the 1880s, innovators such as Spain’s Isaac Peral y Caballero, France’s Gustave Zédé, and England’s James Franklin Waddington developed the first electrically powered submarines, setting the standard for future designs.

While submarines had been conceptualized and tested for centuries, it wasn’t until the early 1900s that they became practical for widespread naval use. Major advancements included diesel-electric propulsion and the integration of the periscope, allowing for greater stealth and efficiency.

By the onset of World War I, submarines had proven their value in combat. The German U-Boats emerged as a formidable threat, sinking over 11 million tons of Allied shipping. One of the most infamous attacks was the sinking of the RMS Lusitania in 1915, which played a role in drawing the United States into the war. The impact of U-Boats showcased the lethal effectiveness of submarine warfare.

Submarines played an even greater role during World War II. The German U-Boats continued their dominance in the Atlantic, while Japan expanded its submarine fleet in the Pacific. A unique addition to the Imperial Japanese Navy was the midget submarine, a small submersible that aimed to launch surprise attacks in enemy harbors.

One of the earliest uses of midget submarines occurred during the attack on Pearl Harbor. As part of Japan’s strategy, five Type A Ko-hyoteki-class midget submarines were deployed to infiltrate the harbor undetected. However, their mission failed. The USS Ward (DD-139), an American destroyer patrolling the harbor entrance, detected and sank one of the submarines before the aerial attack even began. None of the five submarines achieved their objectives or survived the assault.
Despite the failure of the midget subs at Pearl Harbor, similar small submarines were later employed by Britain and Germany, proving to be more effective in other operations.

After World War II, submarines underwent rapid technological advancements. The introduction of nuclear propulsion revolutionized submarine capabilities, allowing vessels to remain submerged for extended periods without surfacing for air.

The Cold War era saw the transformation of submarines into powerful strategic assets. The USS Tunny (SS-282) and USS Barbero (SS-317) were among the first submarines converted to carry cruise missiles, introducing a new level of naval warfare. By 1959, ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) were deployed by both the United States and the Soviet Union, escalating tensions between the two superpowers.
During this period, submarines engaged in high-stakes cat-and-mouse games beneath the ocean, often shadowing enemy vessels in an ongoing battle of stealth and strategy. The presence of nuclear-armed submarines served as a deterrent, ensuring that any conflict between major powers would have devastating consequences.

While submarines are primarily associated with naval warfare, their applications have expanded into civilian use. One of the first submarines designed for tourism was the Auguste Piccard (PX-8), launched in Switzerland in 1964. By 1997, approximately 45 tourist submarines were in operation worldwide, offering deep-sea exploration experiences to civilians.
In recent years, narco-submarines have become a growing concern, particularly in drug smuggling operations. These low-profile, custom-built submersibles are used by cartels to transport illicit substances across international waters, evading detection by law enforcement agencies.

Modern military submarines continue to evolve, incorporating cutting-edge technology such as autonomous systems, AI-powered sonar, and advanced stealth features. The transition from diesel-electric to nuclear-powered submarines has enabled larger vessels to operate underwater indefinitely, significantly enhancing their strategic capabilities.
From their humble beginnings as wooden submersibles to today’s nuclear-powered giants, submarines have become an indispensable part of naval warfare and oceanic exploration. Their role in history, from the midget subs of Pearl Harbor to the Cold War’s nuclear deterrents, highlights their enduring significance in global security and maritime strategy. As technology continues to advance, the next generation of submarines will push the boundaries of what is possible beneath the waves.