If You're Listening The secret weapon that changed war forever
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Apr 16, 2025 
Marc Fennell, a distinguished host known for his work on ABC RN's "No One Saw It Coming," joins the discussion about the Confederate submarine HL Hunley. This innovative vessel attempted to revolutionize underwater warfare during the Civil War, leading to a tragic mission that marked a turning point. The engaging conversation weaves humor with historical insights, examining how this stealth technology has shaped military tactics and the significance of historical narratives in understanding modern conflicts. Fennell also touches on the cultural implications of victory in America.
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First Military Submarine Use
- The first successful military use of a submarine was during the US Civil War in the 1860s.
- It was a Confederate invention designed to break Union blockades using manpower-powered stealth attack.
Hunley's Deadly Test Runs
- The Confederate submarine HL Hunley had disastrous test runs killing many crew members.
- Its tiny hatches made escape nearly impossible, leading to its nickname "the murdering machine".
Hunley's Sole Successful Attack
- The Hunley successfully attacked and sank the USS Housatonic, killing five men.
- However, the submarine then disappeared, sunk by the blast's shockwave with its crew inside.
