A Trident II (D-5) missile clears a flat pad during the Navy's eighth development test flight. The missile is designed for submerged firing from the ninth nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, USS TENNESSEE (SSBN 734). The first eight Ohio class ballistic missile submarines will be backfitted to carry the Trident II missile in accodance with regularly scheduled shipyard availability. Note: Fifth view in a series of eight

Beginning in ancient times, humans sought to operate under the water. The legendary origins of the submarine stretch back to 332 BC with a tale about Alexander the Great being lowered into the sea in a glass barrel to study fish. The submarine concept was thereafter consigned to the backwaters of history for some 1,800 years. This collection presents various submarines: from small and simple to nuclear-powered underwater behemoths.