Which engineer developed the first submarine commissioned by the US Navy?

The development of the first submarine commissioned by the US Navy is attributed to John Philip Holland. He was an Irish engineer and inventor who designed and built the Holland VI, which was the first submarine to be commissioned by a branch of the United States military in 1900. Holland's designs were groundbreaking for their time and significantly advanced naval technology, incorporating innovations such as a torpedo system and the ability to operate underwater.

His work laid the foundation for modern submarine design and operation, highlighting the importance of submarines in naval warfare. Other figures listed, like Dugald Clerk, Christopher Cockerell, and Nicolaus Otto, made significant contributions to engineering but were not involved in the development of the first US Navy submarine. Clerk was noted for his advancements in the field of internal combustion engines, Cockerell is known for the invention of the hovercraft, and Otto is famous for the development of the four-stroke engine, none of which directly relate to submarine technology. Thus, John Philip Holland stands as the pivotal figure in the creation of the first US Navy submarine.