The transient dynamic response of a submerged laminated composite cylindrical shell with infinite length subjected to a step plane shock wave is investigated. First, the governing differential equations of motion for laminated composite cylindrical shell are derived on the basis of Flugge thin shell theory. Then, the reflected-afterflow virtual-source technique is used to simulate the fluid-structure interaction. Finally, the center difference method is adopted to compute the transient responses of the composite cylindrical shells under plane shock waves. The influences of fiber angle, and shell radius upon the dimensionless mid-surface strain, 0th mode radial displacement and 1st mode radial velocity of the shells are carried out in detail.