Exploring Personal Defense Weapons on Naval Submarines

When discussing the defense mechanisms of naval submarines, the focus is primarily on the ship itself rather than individual personal weapons. Unlike land-based military units, submarine crews are designed to look out for one another, and the emphasis is on collective survival and survival of the vessel.

Defense on a Submarine

The primary line of defense on a submarine is its robust engineering and crew's ability to quickly react to unforeseen events. Damage control is crucial; fires must be extinguished swiftly and flooding must be stopped immediately to prevent the submarine from sinking. The submarine itself is vital for the crew's survival.

Another critical aspect of defense is sound silencing. The noise generated by the submarine is one of the primary ways it is detected. Maintaining a low noise level is imperative, as the slightest sound can attract unwanted attention. Maintaining silence not only ensures the submarine’s stealth but also reduces the risk of detection.

Lastly, each member of the crew must perform their duties with utmost precision. Regardless of their roles, from torpedo specialists to machinists, everyone has a critical function that contributes to the overall safety and success of the mission.

Arms Lockers on Naval Submarines

While personal defense weapons are not commonly carried by individual submarine crew members, each US Navy submarine, including the submarines of the U.S. Atlantic and Pacific fleets, does have an arms locker aboard. This locker is typically stocked with various weapons and equipment that may be used in case of an emergency, such as if the vessel is boarded by hostile forces or a shore party needs to be dispatched.

While the likelihood of such a scenario is low, it is still a possibility that must be accounted for. The arms locker is there to ensure that there is the ability to face unexpected situations with the necessary tools to address them.

Personal Weapons Carried by Submariners

Up until the 1980s, some submarines would carry a few personal weapons, such as folding knives. These knives were primarily used for tool purposes but could be adapted into a defensive tool if necessary. Individual submariners, like the author, would carry one or more folding knives, each for different purposes. Some carried pocket knives, one on the belt and another on the ankle, a choice influenced by personal comfort and practicality.

One particular reason for carrying knives, as the author experienced firsthand, is their potential use in a fight. For instance, when attacked by three younger individuals, the author initially used a knife but quickly realized its limitations. A folding knife is generally not ideal for combat due to its small size and lack of weight, and the author wisely discarded it in a fight, choosing instead to rely on items found around the submarine for defense, such as wrenches and crowbars.

Items like a meat cleaver, often jokingly referred to as a 'Philippine 45' in the galley, can be surprisingly effective in a defensive context. Despite the lack of necessity, the possession of a personal weapon can instill a sense of confidence and preparedness in the submarine crew.

Conclusion

The focus on personal defense in naval submarines is minimal, with the survival of the vessel and its crew being the primary objective. The collective effort and expertise of the entire crew ensure the submarine's safety, and personal weapons are more often used as tools rather than weapons. The arms locker on board provides a fallback for potential emergencies, but the reliance is more often on the submarine's engineering and the trained expertise of its crew to keep it safe and operational.