Inside the US Navy's nuclear submarine, the most powerful in the world | 60 Minutes Australia

At more than three hundred and sixty billion dollars, the cost for Australia to acquire a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines is beyond substantial. For the money though, the country will get enormous firepower in the form of the most advanced, and lethal, fighting machine humans can build.

The politicians who engineered the deal through the AUKUS security pact say we will also obtain something that’s impossible to put a price on: stability in our region. China definitely doesn’t agree, but the theory is that by showing our fighting capability, Australia is really proving how much we want peace. But what are these submarines really like?

On 60 MINUTES, Amelia Adams is given very rare permission by the United States Navy to go aboard and test drive one of its incredible attack subs, the Virginia Class USS North Carolina.

For over forty years, 60 Minutes have been telling Australians the world’s greatest stories. Tales that changed history, our nation and our lives. Reporters Liz Hayes, Tom Steinfort, Tara Brown, Nick McKenzie and Amelia Adams look past the headlines because there is always a bigger picture. Sundays are for 60 Minutes.

#60MinutesAustralia

[kevincostello]

Im an American Submariner, Plank Owner USS SCRANTON SSN- 756. Watching this has brought back the best years of my youth. The men and life long friends I served with I consider Family more so than my own blood relatives. Loyalty unlike any people Ive ever met in 56 yrs on this earth. Truly, thank you for this.

[Indigo_European]

As an American I am grateful to have Allies such as Australia. Such a wonderful country and people. I’m glad we have each other’s backs.

[energyasylum]

Much love to Australia 🇦🇺, one of our closest allies! You’re like family to us Americans!

✌️💪✊🇺🇸
From Los Angeles USA.

[glennkrieger]

Living in the U.S. I haven't seen any documentaries on our own subs like this one from Australia. Thank you. Amelia Adams, you did a great job.

[mikeblankenship]

I helped build these subs before I retired a few years ago. I consider myself lucky to have been inside these while they're getting built and to see just how complex they are before the walls are installed. There isn't an inch of unused space. They're truly a modern marvel.

[seanhunter]

I have many friends from Australia. They are some of the finest people I’ve ever met. Peace and love to Australia!!

[UltimateAnarchy]

For the record, the Command Master Chief you mentioned at 24:24 is not an officer, just a high-ranking (E9) enlisted crewman aboard the sub. Anyone reaching this rank is typically one of the most experienced of the crew simply because it takes quite some time to reach that rank. This is the highest rank you can achieve as an enlisted member. There is a rank known as a Chief Warrant Officer which is higher but it is a hybrid if you will, rarely achieved, moving from E9 into a specialty rank of officer. Master Chiefs and Warrant Officers are always revered and respected due to the long years of dedication to reach that pinnacle. Also, just because someone reaches E9 doesn't make them automatically the Command Master Chief as there could be other crewman of the same rank but the CMM (Command Master Chief) is simply a role, not a rank. We had 19 Master Chiefs on my boat, but only one was designated the "Command" Master Chief.

[titan_o]

I am a student submariner at the sub base here in Groton. I’ve occasionally seen Australian officers and even other country’s junior sailors come through here, and every time I do, it brings a smile to my face.

It amazes me that other countries (some I’ve never even heard of) send their own over here to learn and train from us, and it instills a sense of pride and sense of duty like no other to talk to these people and be the leading edge in submarine training and tech all around the world.

I’m excited to work alongside my fellow Australian shipmates in the future, I hope I can teach them a thing or two by then!

[ArleneGray-dukf]

I have a family member in the Navy who is currently serving on one of these, very proud of him

[luistpuig]

Two decades of service 1987-2008 with the US Navy Submarine Force. One of the best things I ever did.
Australia Fair Winds, and Following Seas.

[amerigovespucci]

Excellent reporting. Visited Australia many times on holiday and feel very fortunate to see the beautiful country
and people.. As Americans, we are proud to have Australia as a longtime friend and ally.

[StuartConsulting]

Pick your friends, USA and Australia have been buddies through lots of battles, it’s a win win partnership.

[sarabeth]

Our good friends in Australia should have this capability on their side. Americans everywhere will be proud to provide it.

[axle.australian.patriot]

P.S. Thanks for allowing the 60 min team to sail with you. Rare privilege for a civilian to see one of these let alone a TV reporter and camera person inside.

[imurgodsgod]

My dad works at electric boat in Groton, across the river from New London, as a machinist, a outside machinist Forman, and now R&D I’ve always felt so proud that my dad is doing stuff to build these machines that honestly are THE THING that keep our country safe, it’s our ace in the hole, I remember watching them launch ( it was already floated but they “inaugurated” ) the ship was BREATH TAKING…. There was also a GIANT pile of hamburger… the only two things I remember about that day

[geekvinos]

When I left the Navy, I booked a 1-way ticket overseas and ended up backpacking across the globe for a few years. During that time, I landed a few jobs in Australia to earn my keep. Met a ton of solid individuals and had a great time. Almost got in a fight working demolition, 1st time I met my boss he says: 'oye, your a big c*nt.' I thought he was having a go at me. Aussie slang, haha. Cheers from Atlanta, USA, oye oye oye!

[brown]

Aussies piloting these incredible machines will be an asset to the western world. 🇦🇺🇺🇸🇦🇷🇯🇵

[TheSubHunter]

Absolutely first class and great to see Australia taking defence seriously

[nznsi]

24:46 did that guy say "f**king hell?" HAHAHAHA

[sbboy]

Worked “green side” with the Marines as a Corpsman, and then with a NSW unit, which made the submariner world very foreign to me. I then had the unique opportunity to train with them. They have some of the most skilled “Docs” in the Navy. And while some submariners are pretty, well, quirky, don’t underestimate these sailors, they are true warriors