[RayChuang88]

A nuclear submarine is not a good idea in shallow waters because given all the extra equipment you need to cool the reactor, that generates a LOT of noise. That's why diesel-electric submarines are preferred in shallower waters, since by running on batteries alone the noise signature is extremely low.

[Boogieman]

I wouldn’t assume they intend this to operate in the gulf. The more logical assumption is that their ultimate goal is to develop ICBM nuclear subs to extend their range to hit the US.