Classified material in the USN

[MBot]

Just out of curiosity, how long does classified material in the USN stays so? Is there a general rule that all documents are unclassified after X years or are there special exceptions (for example nuclear propulsion)?

[Frame57]

Very good question! When I had my debreifing they mentioned nothing about time frames.

[Task Force]

Im guessing after the stuff becomes old and is no longer secret they probably do.:-?

[Terror_666]

It is my understanding that classified materials will remain so for X number of years unless it is still relative to current operations.
As for nuclear technology that information is also covered under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty and will remain "secret" for the foreseeable future.

[Bubblehead Nuke]

With NNPI: it is 99 years, unless you have a waiver signed by the current Navsea08 with specifics as to what can be discussed and WHY the disclosure is needed.

In this disclosure request, you have to be sure that you do not show methods or modes of operation, procedures, or engineering practices. It can not disclose operational capabilities or limitations.

Otherwise, it is all classified.

Case in point: The Nautilus engineroom if tour ready, but will NEVER be made accessable to the public because of this rule. Each system and component has to be individually evaluated and reviewed to ensure that no current system may be disclosed. The USN would have to totally change how they work in order for the engineroom to be opened.

[PeriscopeDepth]

When it comes to SSNs/SSBNs, I would have to think for a very long time. They are very, very critical to SIOP type stuff. Besides all the other sneaky stuff I'm sure they do.

PD

[MBot]

What do you think about technical specs of weapons and sensors?

I guess torpedo calculators of WWII are now unclassfied, right? What about for example the combat systems of the Skipjack SSN? While totaly outdated today, I guess they might still be relevant regarding todays operations.