USS Connecticut (SSN-22) - Seawolf-Class: The Quietest Hunter

This model represents USS Connecticut (SSN-22), a Seawolf-class nuclear-powered attack submarine of the United States Navy, built in 1/350 scale and finished using acrylics with oils applied for restrained, realistic weathering. As with all of my submarine builds, the model is displayed on a standardized, hand-cut hardwood base painted to resemble a miniature slipway, providing consistent presentation across the collection.

The display base incorporates three reference elements: the national flag of origin, a 1/350 scale human figure positioned just above and to the right of the flag for size comparison, and a QR code that can be scanned with a cellphone camera (see the side-view photo) to access additional historical and technical information about the submarine.

The Seawolf class was conceived during the final years of the Cold War as the ultimate U.S. Navy attack submarine, designed specifically to counter the most advanced Soviet submarines of the era. Emphasis was placed on extreme acoustic stealth, very high sustained speed, deep-diving capability, and heavy weapons load, resulting in one of the most capable submarines ever constructed.

USS Connecticut, commissioned in 1998, is one of only three Seawolf-class submarines built, as the collapse of the Soviet Union led to the program’s early termination due to cost and shifting strategic priorities. Despite the limited production run, the Seawolf class set new benchmarks in quieting technology, sonar performance, and undersea survivability, directly influencing the design of subsequent U.S. attack submarines, including the Virginia class.

Capable of carrying a large payload of torpedoes and cruise missiles, the Seawolf class features eight torpedo tubes and advanced combat systems optimized for anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, and special operations support. The class remains among the fastest and quietest nuclear attack submarines ever fielded.

Weathering on this model was intentionally kept subtle to reflect the appearance of a modern, well-maintained frontline submarine rather than a heavily worn hull. The focus was placed on capturing the clean lines, sail geometry, and overall proportions that define the Seawolf class, allowing its purpose-built, high-performance design to remain the dominant visual feature.