Hero Ships

The name "Nautilus" was passed along Navy surface ships from the War of 1812 through the Mexican War, and then eventually given to submarines beginning in World War I. During World War II, the name was given to a unique sub that was equipped with two six-inch guns designed to combat destroyers and cruisers, yet was also big enough to be assigned to deliver massive amounts of cargo to Marine raiders. From 1951 through 1979, the replacement USS Nautilus completed numerous successful voyages, including sailing under the polar icecap.