Serving on board a submarine is a unique and challenging experience. Submarines are notoriously cramped, with limited space for living and working. The USS Missouri, for example, has only 94 beds for its 135 crew members, leading to a practice called "hot-racking," where sailors share bunks and sleep in shifts. Junior submariners sleep in stacked bunks with limited personal space, often sharing the same bunk in rotation due to the lack of available beds.

Submariners have developed unwritten rules to maintain peace and order on board. For instance, they avoid discussing politics and slamming doors to ensure everyone gets enough sleep. Submarines are known for their good food, with dedicated chefs preparing four freshly cooked meals a day. Entertainment options include movies, cell phone video games, and even growing beards and mohawks.

The Control Room is the command center of the submarine, housing the steering position, periscopes, and navigation plotting table. It is also where the Tactical Systems Department uses data from sensors to ensure safe travel and target information during wartime. Submarines use sonar, radar, and other sensors to track objects above and below the surface, providing a near 360-degree picture of the surrounding sea.

The dangerous and claustrophobic life on board a submarine requires the ship's company to work as a close team. This camaraderie is essential for maintaining operational readiness and cohesion. Submariners respect the sacrifices they make, including limited contact with home and the challenges of living in close quarters. This shared sense of sacrifice fosters a strong bond among the crew.