In a display of tactical prowess that reverberates through naval strategy discussions to this day, the USS Dallas, a Los Angeles-class submarine of the U.S. Navy, illustrated the enduring relevancy of submarine warfare by “sinking” a British aircraft carrier during a NATO exercise in the Arabian Sea in 2013.

This drill emphasized the crucial role of submarines in contemporary naval warfare.

The Los Angeles-class submarines, developed in the Cold War era, were specifically crafted to excel in a wide range of naval missions, encompassing surface and underwater combat, intelligence gathering, and providing assistance to carrier battle groups.

Boasting advanced stealth capabilities and a diverse sensor suite, these submarines remain integral to U.S. naval strategies.

The exercise showcased the effectiveness of these submarines against formidable adversaries, such as heavily defended targets like aircraft carriers.

Its success against the HMS Illustrious during the 2013 drills not only showcased the prowess of this stealthy predator of the deep but also served as a stark reminder of the strategic advantages submarines contribute to modern naval warfare.

Despite the Illustrious being armed with advanced systems, sonar buoys, and helicopter support, the Dallas managed to penetrate its defenses undetected, positioning itself within lethal striking range of the carrier.

The Dallas, with its torpedo tubes capable of launching Mark 48 torpedoes and a nuclear reactor, demonstrated just how formidable an adversary a well-equipped submarine can be.

As nations weigh the utility and vulnerabilities of aircraft carriers, the strategic role of submarines has come into sharper focus.

Historical parallels drawn from WWII, when the USS Archerfish sank the Japanese carrier Shinano, add credence to the notion that submarines can alter the outcome of naval engagements significantly.

The sinking of the Shinano marked the demise of the largest warship ever sunk by a submarine, with 1,435 sailors perishing, including the ship’s captain.

If a U.S. Navy Nimitz-class or Gerald R. Ford-class carrier were to face a similar tragedy, the loss of life could be even more substantial. These nuclear-powered carriers typically accommodate around 5,000 and 4,500 personnel, respectively.

While no U.S. Navy aircraft carrier has been sunk since World War II, submarines have been responsible for the sinking of four out of the twelve enemy carriers lost in history.

Among these instances was the torpedoing of the Bogue-class escort carrier USS Block Island (CVE-21) by U-549 off the Canary Islands on May 29, 1944.

Six crew members lost their lives, the remaining 941 were rescued by escorting destroyers, which also successfully neutralized the German U-boat.

Relevant articles:
– A Navy Los Angeles-Class Attack Submarine ‘Sank’ a British Aircraft Carrier, The National Interest
– How a Los Angeles-Class Navy Submarine ‘Sank’ a British Aircraft Carrier, The National Interest
– How a Submarine Could Sink a U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier No Problem, nationalinterest.org
– Carrier vs submarine naval power in the Indo-Pacific, Universidad de Navarra