Professional Military Knowledge Eligibility Exam (PMK-EE) E4 Naval Heritage Practice Exam

The legacy of the USS Nautilus as the first nuclear submarine lies primarily in how it set the stage for modern submarines. Commissioned in 1954, the Nautilus demonstrated the capabilities of nuclear power in naval operations, primarily extending the time submarines could spend submerged without needing to surface for fuel. This breakthrough fundamentally changed submarine design and operational procedures, allowing for longer patrols and more complex missions.

As the first vessel to utilize nuclear propulsion, the Nautilus paved the way for future submarines to be faster, deeper-diving, and more capable than their diesel-electric predecessors. This technological advancement led to a new era in naval warfare, where submarines became a crucial element of strategic deterrence and overall naval capabilities. The improvements in speed and endurance offered by nuclear power directly influenced the design and capabilities of future submarines, thus establishing the Nautilus's role as a pivotal point in the evolution of submarine warfare.