What was the name of the first nuclear-powered submarine?

The correct answer is the USS Nautilus. This submarine holds historical significance as it was the first nuclear-powered vessel in the world, making its maiden voyage on January 21, 1954. The successful launch of the USS Nautilus marked a pivotal moment in naval engineering and military technology. It demonstrated the potential of nuclear power for propulsion, which allowed submarines to operate submerged for extended periods without the need to surface for fuel, drastically enhancing their capabilities and changing naval warfare forever.

The achievements of the USS Nautilus also represented a significant advancement during the Cold War era, when nuclear technology was becoming a key factor in national defense. Its mission, "Operation Sunshine," included an important trip under the Arctic ice, solidifying its role in the history of naval exploration and nuclear technology.

This information contextualizes the importance of the USS Nautilus, distinguishing it from the other submarines listed, which, while significant in their own right, do not share the same groundbreaking status in naval history.