When people hear the term “Silent Service,” they often assume it refers to the necessity for submarines to operate quietly beneath the waves, undetected by enemy forces. While stealth and silence are indeed paramount for submarine operations, the true origin of this intriguing moniker is rooted in a fascinating piece of history that reveals much more about the ethos and secrecy of the submarine force. Let’s dive into the depths of this story, exploring how a crucial incident during World War II and the unwavering commitment to confidentiality have shaped the identity of the submarine force we know today.
The Birth of the Silent Service: A Lesson from History
The phrase “Silent Service” emerged from an incident during World War II, known as the May Incident. In 1943, Congressman Andrew May, head of the House Military Affairs Committee, visited U.S. forces in the Western Pacific Fleet. During his visit, he attended a top-secret security briefing where the head of submarine forces in the Pacific Fleet disclosed critical information: U.S. submarines were having significant success against Japanese forces because they were operating at depths deeper than the Japanese anticipated. Consequently, Japanese depth charges were set to explode too shallow, allowing American submarines to evade them effectively.
Upon returning to the United States, Congressman May, perhaps with good intentions but lacking discretion, held a public hearing to share his findings and experiences with the American public. One of the critical pieces of information he revealed was that the high survivability rate of U.S. submarines was due to the incorrect setting of Japanese depth charges.
This disclosure quickly reached Japanese intelligence, prompting them to adjust their depth charges to explode at deeper depths. The result was devastating: the submarine force lost ten submarines and over 800 lives due to this breach of confidential information. Vice Admiral Charles Lockwood, head of all submarine forces in the Pacific Fleet, famously remarked, “I understand Congressman May said that the depth charges of the Japanese aren’t set deep enough. He should know now that they set them much deeper.”
This tragic event, like the loss of the USS Thresher leading to the Navy’s SUBSAFE program, led the submarine force to adopt a new, stringent policy of absolute secrecy. Information was no longer shared, even in top-secret briefings, unless it was on a strict need-to-know basis.
The Reporter’s Frustration and the Adoption of the Name
In the aftermath of the May Incident, the flow of information from the submarine force dried up. Reporters who previously had access to details and stories from the submariners found themselves cut off. One frustrated reporter, accustomed to getting insights and updates, penned an article lamenting the lack of information, dubbing the submarine force the “Silent Service.” Rather than reject this moniker, the submarine force embraced it with pride, signifying their commitment to silence and security.
Stealth and Silence: Core Strengths of the Submarine Force
Over the past 80 years, “Silent Service” has taken on additional layers of meaning. The primary strength of a U.S. submarine lies in its stealth—the ability to operate undetected, to move silently beneath the waves. When an adversary looks out over the ocean and wonders if a submarine is off their coast, they cannot be sure. This uncertainty forces them to assume the presence of a submarine, which itself serves as a powerful deterrent.
U.S. submarines operate daily, with approximately 35 to 50 submarines conducting missions critical to national security at any given time. These missions require utmost secrecy and precision, contributing to the submarine force’s reputation for unparalleled stealth. It is estimated that U.S. submarines have traveled some 51 million miles under the ocean’s surface, a testament to their relentless and covert operations.
The Submariner’s Oath: A Lifelong Commitment to Silence
The final aspect of the “Silent Service” name is the personal commitment each submariner makes to secrecy. Submariners are frequently asked questions about their operations, such as how deep they dive, how long they stay underwater, how many missiles or torpedoes they carry, and how close they have come to enemy coasts. The answer to these questions is always the same: “I don’t know.” This response is not due to a lack of knowledge but because each submariner has signed a piece of paper pledging to take all their experiences and knowledge to their grave. This solemn oath underscores the profound dedication to confidentiality that defines the submarine force.
The Legacy of the Silent Service
The story of the Silent Service is a compelling reminder of the crucial balance between transparency and security in military operations. It highlights the profound impact that seemingly small information breaches can have on the lives and effectiveness of those serving. The submarine force’s commitment to silence and secrecy has not only saved lives but has also solidified its reputation as an elite, formidable branch of the military.
As we reflect on the Silent Service’s origins and evolution, it becomes clear that the name embodies more than just the operational necessity for stealth. It represents a legacy of sacrifice, a culture of discretion, and an unwavering commitment to national security. For submariners, the Silent Service is not just a name; it is a way of life, a badge of honor, and a testament to their critical role in safeguarding our nation’s interests.
By understanding the true origins and the enduring principles behind the Silent Service, we gain a deeper appreciation for the silent warriors who patrol the depths, unseen and unheard, yet ever vigilant and ready to defend.