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How a trip underwater propelled Teddy Roosevelt to improve submariners’ pay
By Stephen Ruiz ·
We Are The Mighty
· Tuesday, February 24, 2026
· 1 min read
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Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States, took a notable trip underwater on August 25, 1905. He boarded the USS Plunger, a US Navy submarine, in Long Island Sound, New York. Despite
Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States, took a notable trip underwater on August 25, 1905. He boarded the USS Plunger, a US Navy submarine, in Long Island Sound, New York. Despite bad weather, Roosevelt proceeded with his plans, ignoring advice from the Secret Service.
Roosevelt rowed alone to the submarine and ordered the crew to conduct a series of dives. The crew obeyed his orders, and the event had a significant impact. Further details about this event and its effects are available from the source.
The incident is a notable example of Roosevelt's adventurous spirit and willingness to take action. His experience on the USS Plunger ultimately led to improvements in pay for submariners.
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Our analysis Theodore Roosevelt's decision to dive aboard the USS Plunger in 1905 highlights his willingness to take risks and experience new technologies firsthand. This event is particularly notable given the experimental nature of submarines at the time, with the US military still learning about their capabilities through trial and error. Roosevelt's actions may have been driven by his curiosity and sense of adventure, but they also underscored the importance of understanding the challenges faced by submariners. Following his experience, Roosevelt advocated for improved pay for submariners, recognizing the unique risks and difficulties they encountered. This move reflects the broader context of military policy and personnel management, where firsthand experience and observation can inform decisions about compensation and working conditions. The connection between Roosevelt's submarine dive and subsequent policy changes demonstrates the potential for personal experience to shape leadership decisions and drive positive change for military personnel.
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