'America's first millennial submarine' is also its deadliest hunter-killer ever

[Onkel Neal]

https://www.businessinsider.com/mill...us-navy-2019-2

The South Dakota is a fast-attack submarine, which trades the world-ending nuclear might of a ballistic-missiles submarine, or "boomer," for Tomahawk cruise missiles, mines, and torpedoes.

Boomer submarines hide in oceans around the world on the longshot chance the US may call upon them to conduct nuclear warfare. These submarines are not to be seen and avoid combat.

But fast-attack subs such as the South Dakota meet naval combat head-on.

Unlike boomer crews, the South Dakota may be called up as the first line of defense in a fight with China or Russia. The US increasingly expects some confrontation with one of these near-peer powers.