How did submarine sailors deal with fear when they were attacked while submerged?
Fear was a constant companion for submariners, especially during World War II. Crews lived and fought in a fragile steel tube, often hundreds of feet underwater, facing depth charges, flooding, mechanical failures, and long periods of uncertainty. The question was never whether fear existed, but how it was managed. Fear was managed through training, professionalism, discipline, and trust in shipmates and leaders. Humor and camaraderie also helped.
Training and professionalism were the first lines of defense. Submariners were rigorously trained to respond automatically to emergencies—fires, flooding, loss of power, or battle damage. They practiced drills every day. When something actually went wrong, there was no time to panic. Men fell back on practice from these drills, checklists, and muscle memory. Knowing exactly what to do reduced fear and replaced it with action.The story of the USS Puffer (SS-268) offered an example. When she was held down by enemy ships for nearly 38 hours, those who had something to do fared better. It was the sailors who wanted something to do who brought the boat home. (Refer to the category “Attacks and Battles, Small. And Large” for more about the Puffer.)
Routine and discipline also mattered. Life aboard a submarine followed a strict rhythm of watches, maintenance, meals, and sleep. Even during combat patrols, maintaining routine provided psychological stability and a sense of normalcy in an otherwise extreme environment.
Trust in shipmates was perhaps the most important factor. Submarines operated with small, tightly knit crews where every man depended on everyone else. Submariners learned quickly that their survival rested on the competence and reliability of their shipmates. This mutual trust helped keep fear in check—each person focused on doing his job well so others could do theirs. In any combat, and not just on submarines, you were fighting for your fellow sailors, marines or soldiers, not just yourself.
Leadership played a crucial role. Calm, confident officers and chiefs set the tone for the entire crew. A skipper who remained steady during depth charging reassured the men throughout the boat. In most cases, the crew was confident that the captain would get them out of the situation and home safely. Panic at the top would spread instantly; calm professionalism did the opposite.
Humor and camaraderie were common coping mechanisms. Gallows humor, pranks, nicknames, and storytelling helped release tension. Laughing together, even in dangerous circumstances, reminded the crew of their shared humanity and strengthened bonds.
Acceptance of risk was part of submarine culture. Many submariners understood that fear could not be eliminated, only controlled. As one veteran put it, fear was “always there—but you didn’t let it drive.” You acknowledged it, compartmentalized it, and kept going.
It might be that in WW2, the bravest step sailors on submarines and ammunition ships took was just showing up when their ship was leaving port.
In short, submariners dealt with fear through training, routine, trust, leadership, humor, and an unwavering focus on the job at hand. Fear was real—but professionalism was stronger.