7. USS Nautilus (SSN-571)
The USS Nautilus (SSN-571) was the world’s first operational nuclear-powered submarine, commissioned in 1954. It shattered records for speed and endurance underwater and in 1958 became the first vessel to travel beneath the North Pole. Decommissioned in 1980, the Nautilus is now a museum ship at the Submarine Force Museum in Groton, Connecticut. More at Naval History and Heritage Command.
