Triton's shakedown becomes Operation Sandblast

Triton's size and nuclear propulsion made a long submerged journey possible, although nuclear endurance was becoming available in other submarines too. Her two S4G pressurized-water reactors distinguished her machinery arrangement. A stated output of 45,000 shaft horsepower is questioned alongside a quoted combined reactor rating of 78 megawatts, or about 105,000 horsepower. Another published figure gives a possible plant output of 60,000 shaft horsepower, or 45 megawatts. These conflicting public specifications do not establish an independently verified maximum shaft output. Triton's power and size nevertheless made her suitable for a fast, unusually ambitious shakedown cruise.