Produced by General Dynamics, this black & white educational film is about the world’s first atomic powered submarine – the USS Nautilus (SSN-571). This was released circa 1956, with the intent of touting the achievement represented by the “first true submersible” — a submarine which did not have to surface to recharge its batteries or operate its air-breathing engines. The film also suggests that nuclear power has a limitless future, and reactors could not only power ships, but entire cities and nations. At the time the film was made, the Nautilus was new under commission and had not yet transited the North Pole.
USS Nautilus (SSN-571) was the world’s first operational nuclear-powered submarine and the first submarine, under Commander William R. Anderson, to complete a submerged transit of the North Pole on 3 August 1958. Her initial commanding officer was Eugene Parks “Dennis” Wilkinson. Nautilus was decommissioned in 1980 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1982.
Opening titles: The USS Nautilus (:09-:31). People walk around in Groton, CT. John J. Hopkins, president of the General Dynamics Electric Boat Shipyard, speaks. President Harry S. Truman speaks (:32-2:16). Keel plate is lowered into position, the production of the world’s first nuclear powered submarine has begun. President Truman writes his initials on the keel plate. Electric Boat is where this is being built, men come to work. Mechanics and technicians at work. Launching ceremony January 21, 1954. The sub is complete and ready for launch off the ways. Workers wave. President Eisenhower’s wife Mamie christens the ship with a bottle (2:17-4:34). Rudder fin touches the water and the atomic era has launched. Submarine has entered the sea. Launching cradle is cast off. Tugboats attend the Nautilus. Commission ceremony on Sept 30, 1954. Navy men and important officials attend. A happy John J. Hopkins (4:35-6:40). The Nautilus pulls out for sea trials; an historic message “Underway on nuclear power” is broadcast. The specs of the boat are provided. The USS Nautilus at sea. The submariners in their dining area. A library in the sub. A cook makes food on a grill (6:41-8:52). Commemorative plaque. A special patch for the men onboard. Men head down the steps. Men steer with a wheel. Men climb on top of the sub while at sea. The USS Seawolf is to be the U.S. Navy’s second nuclear powered submarine (8:53-10:32). Watertight door on the Nautilus is locked as the boat prepares to dive. The Nautilus at sea. Commander Eugene P. Wilkinson uses the periscope onboard the ship. Nautilus at sea. Nautilus disappears under the ocean (10:33-12:05). End credits (12:06-12:23).
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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com
