USS Chicago (SSN-721) facts for kids
_returns_from_Desert_Storm.jpg)
The USS Chicago (SSN-721) is a special kind of submarine used by the United States Navy. It's the fourth ship to be named after the big city of Chicago, Illinois. This submarine is part of the Los Angeles class, which means it's a fast and powerful underwater vessel designed for many different missions.
Contents
What is a Submarine?
A submarine is like an underwater ship that can travel completely hidden beneath the ocean's surface. They are very important for a country's defense. Submarines can do many jobs, such as watching other ships, gathering information, or even launching missiles. They are built to be very quiet so they can move around without being detected.
How Submarines Work
Submarines use special tanks called ballast tanks to go up and down in the water. To dive, they fill these tanks with water, which makes the submarine heavier. To surface, they push the water out with compressed air, making the submarine lighter. This clever system allows them to control their depth in the ocean.
Building the USS Chicago
The USS Chicago was built by a company called Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company. This company is located in Newport News, Virginia.
Key Dates in Construction
- August 13, 1981: The Navy officially decided that Newport News Shipbuilding would build the USS Chicago.
- January 5, 1983: The "keel" was laid down. This is like starting the very first part of the ship's bottom structure. It's a big step in building any ship.
- October 13, 1984: The submarine was "launched." This means it was moved into the water for the first time. It was a huge event, showing the submarine was almost ready.
What Does SSN-721 Mean?
The "SSN" in USS Chicago (SSN-721) tells us what kind of submarine it is.
- SS stands for "Submarine."
- N means it is powered by "Nuclear" energy. Nuclear submarines can stay underwater for a very long time without needing to refuel.
- 721 is the hull number, which is a unique number for each ship.
Life on a Submarine
Life aboard a submarine like the USS Chicago is very different from life on land. Sailors live and work in small, confined spaces for months at a time. They have to be very disciplined and work well as a team. Even though it's challenging, serving on a submarine is a very important job for national security.
