What is the approximate crew size of an SSN?

• A. About 20 officers and 150 enlisted
• B. About 5 officers and 60 enlisted
• C. About 15 officers and 120 enlisted
• D. About 10 officers and 80 enlisted

Answer: (C)

The main concept is the typical balance of officers and enlisted on an SSN and the total crew size. On a modern attack submarine, a small group of officers leads and manages the ship’s missions, navigation, and department heads, while the vast majority of sailors are enlisted who operate sensors, weapons, propulsion, maintenance, and daily life aboard. This structure yields about 15 officers paired with roughly 120 enlisted, giving a total around 135 sailors. That mix fits the duty demands and space constraints of a submarine, whereas the other options would imply either too many officers for the size of the crew or too few enlisted to cover all required specialties. So, about 15 officers and 120 enlisted is the best approximation.