This thesis addresses how the United States and the United Kingdom submarine force changed after the end of the Cold War in 1991. Specifically, this thesis examines reduction in the number of platforms, personnel, and funding of each nation's submarine force to that of their respective navies and armed forces over the next decade. This research identifies the changes to the submarine mission because of the changing international landscape and the personnel and funding reductions along with the introduction of the Tomahawk missile to each submarine fleet. Additionally, the fall of the Soviet Union introduced more changes to each country's submarine force including the cancellation of the expensive Seawolf class attack submarine in favor of the cheaper Virginia class, the elimination of diesel submarines from the Royal Navy, and the constraints placed by the START treaty on ballistic missile submarines. Analysis of how and why these two countries changed their respective submarine forces following the end of the Cold War provides understanding of the reasons and basis for the size, composition, and use of each nation's submarine fleet. This understanding offers guidance for future decisions for military leaders involving submarines.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)