Guena pig in a pipe

YES! This did actually happen (I was the driver - Helmsman, my battle station). I was assigned to a Nuclear Fast Attack Class Submarine (1963/64). We were in San Diego, California. Someone in the pentagon ask the Question, "What would happen if someone dropped a depth charge on a Nuclear Submarine?"; and sure enough someone said, "Let's Do It!" So, us being in the "Silent Service" We kept our mouth shut (but they picked us anyway). We were to head out off of S. California and submerge in less then 300 feet of water (very reassuring); They had a Submarine rescue Vessel standing by (I think it was the one that hit us). There were a couple of destroyers on station, and numerous other vessels. The purpose was to see "what if anything would happen to the reactor" when the tremendous shock waves hit the boat? Would the reactor shut down (or would the nuclear pile go 'critical' (get supper hot and melt EVERYTHING) - great thought)? How would you like to be a Guenna pig in a pipe? So, there I was at my Battle station with the skipper talking on the underwater radio to the destroyer above about to launch the depth charges, he was giving them our "EXACT" location - according to our sonarman who was very good. The 'drill' was to drop two charges, one about 150 yards infront and one about 100 yards behind. We were to remain on an exact course/speed and at an exact depth. The charges were dropped; and I will tell you that if you can imagine being inside a steel drum and having BABE RUTH hit it with a baseball bat, you would be close. All the guages at my station (there are many), went crazy, some just went blank, cork (sound proofing) was raining down on everything. I was without instruments for about 55 seconds, then many came back on line (eventually all did). The test on the reactor was very good overall. All there guages did about the samething, but as fare as the reactor itself ( classified - I'm still alive and don't glow in the dark). It really went well considering we didn't have to make any "repairs" from the experience, but there were a lot of VERY high officals who came to talk to the Captain. Over all, We got an "attaboy"!