Object

Lieutenant Commander Jack Reese's Los Angeles-class Submarine

Lieutenant Commander Jack Reese describes his routine deployment aboard this Los Angeles-class submarine in the South China Sea. Donna, Bow Tie Boy, and others listen outside the polling place as Jack explains his infrequent in-person voting stems from extended naval duty on the vessel. The submarine anchors his military backstory during the election night exchange.

2 appearances

Purpose

Conduct naval operations in the South China Sea

Significance

Highlights Jack Reese's active-duty commitments, justifying his rare votes and underscoring staff loyalty to Bartlet amid electoral frenzy

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S4E7 · Election Night

Donna Tries to Buy Back an Honor Vote

The Los Angeles-class submarine is referenced rhetorically by Jack to explain why he'd often been absent for voting; it functions as a background military credential that makes his agreement to help feel weightier and highlights civilian/military civic rhythms.

Before: Unstated operational status; referenced as Jack's usual deployment location in the South China Sea.

After: Unaffected by the interaction; remains a referenced, off-stage asset anchoring Jack's backstory.

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S4E7 · Election Night

Balancing the Ballot: Donna's Mistake, Jack's Gesture

Jack references his service aboard a Los Angeles-class submarine as part of his voting backstory — explaining why he has had many absentee votes and thus why this in-person vote matters to him. The submarine is a verbal prop that lends credibility and weight to Jack's civic participation and explains his deferential, duty-minded demeanor.

Before: An element of Jack's personal history — not physically present, existing as a past assignment in his record and memory.

After: Unchanged; remains a background detail that helps shape how Jack is perceived in the moment.

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