Before it was a print, it was the Navy's own infographic — commissioned for All Hands magazine, distributed to Congress and military leadership, and later installed aboard the USS North Carolina herself. This is Deadly Quiet: the definitive cutaway of one of the most advanced submarines ever built, now available as a museum-quality collector's print.
Working with the U.S. Navy, I wanted to create a piece that gives the viewer X-ray vision — to marvel at the technology, appreciate the designers who engineered it, and honor the crews who serve on it.
Pickup currently not available
Commissioned by the U.S. Navy after Rountree's Los Angeles-class submarine illustration appeared in U.S. News & World Report and the Smithsonian's Fast Attack and Boomers exhibit, this piece became the Navy's official VIRGINIA-class infographic. Rountree worked directly with naval officials — balancing technical accuracy with operational security — to create a Navy-approved cutaway that has since been published internationally and installed aboard the USS North Carolina (SSN-777) itself.
A framed edition serves aboard the USS North Carolina (SSN-777) itself, presented to her first commanding officer, Capt. Mark Davis.
★★★★★
"I remember seeing this print the first time and being so excited, because it was one of the best renderings of the future class of submarines. As a submariner myself at the time, seeing this new class was not only beautiful but also made me proud to be able to show my family and friends the type of vessel I served on, because other contemporary renderings did not have the detail that I could use to describe submarine life. It is a great item to display for anyone who has an interest in submarines!”
— Paul Quinn, LCDR US Navy Retired
★★★★★
“Deadly Quiet is one of the most visually stunning computer-generated images I have seen! This poster’s sophistication and attention to detail demonstrate great skill and mastery, and the graphics are displayed with impeccable clarity. These aspects enhance the appreciation for the Virginia-class submarine's technical complexity. In addition, the diagram is presented in plain language, affording both the expert and the uninformed a clear understanding of the Navy’s most lethal platform. It would make a great gift to any sailor who was part of the “Silent Service” or any enthusiast of the Armed Forces."
— David R. Brown, CDR, CHC, USN (Ret.)
★★★★★
"I served as an Operations Specialist on board a guided missile cruiser. It was always a challenge doing exercises with these submarines when we were supposed to detect and destroy them. We never succeeded in that mission. Seeing this print, Deadly Quiet, gives me a better understanding of why this weapon system is so formidable. The detail and plain language convey this information so even a surface guy can understand."
— Drew Warren Operation Specialist 3rd Class (OS3)
These gorgeous special editions of the Deadly Quiet VIRGINIA-class collectible print come in two sizes: 36"x24" and 24"x 18".
This museum-quality print on magnificent matte paper is a piece of naval history and looks great in any setting — home, office, den, study, or mancave.
For yourself — or your family or friend who serves or served on a VIRGINIA-class sub, or those who will. Inspire the next generation of the Silent Service.
From its origins at the Smithsonian to its place aboard a real submarine, Deadly Quiet has a history worth knowing.
Rountree was a staff or contributing artist to these and other publications for many years:
Join the Silent Service
Learn about new editions before anyone else, learn the story behind the art, and get updates from the studio.
