5 Things About Jimmy Carters Submarine Days

Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, had a remarkable career in the US Navy before entering politics. One of the most fascinating aspects of his naval career was his time serving on submarines. Here are five interesting things about Jimmy Carter's submarine days:

Jimmy Carter's interest in the Navy began at a young age, and he was especially drawn to the submarine service. After graduating from the US Naval Academy in 1946, Carter was assigned to the submarine USS Pomfret (SS-391), where he served as a junior officer. His experience on the Pomfret laid the foundation for his future submarine career.

Early Days on the USS Seawolf

In 1949, Carter was assigned to the USS Seawolf (SSN-575), a diesel-electric submarine that was one of the most advanced of its time. As a lieutenant, Carter played a key role in the Seawolf's operations, including serving as the boat's executive officer. During his time on the Seawolf, Carter was involved in several notable incidents, including a collision with a tugboat and a near-miss with a Soviet submarine.

Qualifying as a Submarine Officer

To become a qualified submarine officer, Carter had to undergo rigorous training and pass a series of challenging exams. In 1950, he completed his submarine qualification, earning the coveted "dolphin" pin that symbolized his expertise as a submariner. Carter's qualification as a submarine officer marked a significant milestone in his naval career and demonstrated his commitment to the submarine service.

Nuclear Submarine Pioneer

In 1952, Carter was assigned to the USS Skate (SSN-578), one of the first nuclear-powered submarines in the US Navy. As a member of the Skate's crew, Carter played a key role in the development and testing of nuclear submarine technology. His experience on the Skate helped pave the way for the modern nuclear submarine fleet and earned him recognition as a pioneer in the field.

Carrying the Legacy Forward

Jimmy Carter's submarine days had a lasting impact on his life and career. After leaving the Navy, he went on to become a successful politician, serving as Governor of Georgia and eventually as President of the United States. Throughout his career, Carter has remained committed to the submarine service and has continued to support the US Navy's submarine program. His legacy as a submarine pioneer and advocate continues to inspire new generations of submariners.

Conclusion: A Lasting Impact

Jimmy Carter's submarine days were a defining period in his life and career. From his early days on the USS Pomfret to his pioneering work on the USS Skate, Carter's experience in the submarine service helped shape him into the leader he became. As we reflect on his remarkable career, it's clear that Jimmy Carter's submarine days had a lasting impact on his life and on the world.