3. Triton was the largest submarine ever built at the time
There were other reasons which rendered Triton the most suitable boat in America’s arsenal for an around-the-world cruise. Triton was the largest submarine ever built by any navy at the time it first entered the water in 1959. The boat was over 447 feet in length. Nonetheless, as with all submarines, its interior was cramped. Every nook and cranny was crammed with the equipment necessary for it to complete its mission. Besides equipment, it accommodated the crew with 96 bunks. There were separate quarters for Chief Petty Officers, known as the goat locker among the rest of the crew (from “old goats”). Triton’s status as the longest American submarine wasn’t surpassed until 1981 (USS Ohio).
Triton also had the largest sail of any American submarine, a record it retains. The large sail was necessary to house the various masts and antennae needed for it to perform its duties as a radar picket. It also housed the navigational periscope, designated Number One scope, with the built-in sextant. One thing Triton did not have was the ability to generate oxygen, a capability later shared by all American submarines. The lack of oxygen generators meant Triton would have to operate at periscope depth daily throughout the voyage, using the snorkel to ventilate the submarine and provide fresh air. Captain Beach was preparing Triton for its shakedown cruise when he received orders to attend a top-secret meeting in Washington on February 4, 1960.