SSN-37-1A

The SSN-37-1A is a small covert Chinese submarine stranded just off the coast of Point Lookout (location), it has no inhabitants, and only 1 interior. It will be gone if you complete The Velvet Curtain quest.

Background
Covert Submarine SSN-37-1A is a Chinese spy submarine sent to patrol hostile waters surrounding Point Lookout. It sunk before the nuclear phase of the Great War, it can be found at the Sub Recovery Site. As for remnants of equipment, all main systems seem to be broken, with no obvious reason. There is no working radio, no navigation, no targeting parameters for on board equipment or weapons; there is a radio (or radio type piece) that is rusted brown entirely and dead. There is no on board AI nor navigational software that is any longer accessible. Surprisingly, the electricity still works, and the presence of green goo on the back floor suggests that the sub was (fittingly) nuclear powered. This would make controversy of the small generators in the rear.

Externally there are no signs of torpedeo tube hatches and internally no torpedeo room, therefore it can only have been fitted with defensive electronical devices such as EMP weapon. It is highly likely that given the nature of the vessel as a spy submarine that it was never designed to directly engage with enemy forces merely to monitor them.

It is highly unlikely that the Chinese, in their patrol of hostile waters, miscalculated and surfaced in the bay of Point Lookout by accident, but if they had they would have run aground here. It is still more than likely that the submarine was found in deeper waters and ferried here for observation and data purges: processes which are unknown whether or not had occurred. However, the presence of undisturbed Chinese equipment (handgun but American stealth boy) suggests that it had not.

Its mission was as follows;

Classified Directives 

Chinese Naval Command

Mission parameters:

Routine Patrol/Observation

Vessel SSN-37-1A is ordered to patrol hostile waters between:

+38 3' 36.00", -76 18' 36.00"

+37 49' 41.61", -76 0' 37.02"

+37 5' 60.00", -76 1' 12.00"

''Variations from patrol are tolerated as required by evasive circumstances. Crew is under strict instructions not to engage enemy if detected. Self-destruct protocol must be initiated in event of imminent capture. Status updates are required at six hour intervals by one-way burst comm on orbital frequency #K17.18.v121.''

Inhabitants
There are only two bunks in SSN-37-1A therefore this suggests that the the crew was between 2-4 servicemen. It is likely that the submarine only had a crew of 2.

It is known that there was one surving chinese submariner, John Doe (obviosuly not his real name), he was transfered to Turtledove Detention Camp after his capture. It is noted in his interrogation report that he was "demonstrating extraordinary fortitude for a relatively low-ranking grunt". The fate of the skipper is revealed in the same report "I'm sure this one would have gone the same way as his skipper if the cyanide capsule in his molar hadn't been a dud". It is unknown had happened to John Doe post-Great War, there were no bombs dropped on North Point (therfore couldn't have been killed) and no reason for his interrogation to cease. It is likely that he was exectued by government forces when it became clear that he was of no further use in a post-apocalyptic world.

Exterior
Above is a small stranded boat and a Buoy. Below it's a medium sized sub with a hatch on top.

Interior
The submarine for its external size is extremely compact inside. There is only one accessible room, with just two beds available. The ladder leads straight into the roof and a pipe spraying water is also severed in another point but not leaking. There is a silver main frame at the front, and a generator leaking some kind of green goo. it's also flooded to about a foot high.

Notable Loot

 * Chinese Pistol
 * Stealth Boy
 * Power Armor (possible)

Related Quests
The Velvet Curtain

Appearances
The SSN-37-1A appears in the Fallout 3 add-on Point Lookout.

Behind the scenes

 * The designation SSN is used by the United States Navy to designate American Nuclear Powered Attack submarines and it is highly unlikely that the Chinese would use the same designation, especially on a reconnaissance sub.
 * The SSN-37-1A has a similar appearance to early model Los Angeles Class Attack Submarines.