SSN (hull classification symbol)

Designed during the Cold War the Los Angeles-class boats' raison d'etre was to protect USN carrier battle groups and to hunt Soviet Navy SSBNs before they could launch a first strike against the United States.

An Argentinian cruiser, ARA General Belgrano was sunk by torpedoes fired by the Royal Navy fleet submarine HMS Conqueror.

The advantages of an SSN over a conventionally powered SSK are much longer endurance (limited more by the crew than the boat, a nuclear submarine can stay submerged for months and does not need refueling in their 25-year lifespans), and higher speed.

The main disadvantages of an SSN are the technological challenges and expenses of building and maintaining a nuclear power plant.

Nuclear submarines can have political downsides, as some countries refuse to accept nuclear-powered vessels as a matter of policy.