While most Americans likely know about the countless battlefields scattered throughout the United States – Gettysburg, Vicksburg, and Antietam to name just a few – these same people might not be familiar with the many decommissioned Navy submarines open for tours around the country. These vessels give visitors an opportunity to learn about another more-hidden side of American military history. One place where you can see a former member of the U.S. Navy fleet is Portsmouth, New Hampshire, home to the USS Albacore.
The USS Albacore was built in the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard - which, due to border disputes between Maine and New Hampshire, is now located within the former’s jurisdiction - between 1952 and 1953. The submarine served the Navy from 1953 to 1972, when she was decommissioned.
The Albacore was never actually involved in any battles, serving instead as a guinea pig for naval experiments. She was a prototype for the Navy’s nuclear-powered submarine force and was the first vessel built specifically to operate underwater instead of mainly on top of the water. After she was decommissioned, Portsmouth City Councilman Bill Keefe campaigned vigorously to have the Albacore returned to her place of birth. She finally came back to Portsmouth in 1985 and has been serving as a museum ever since.
When you visit the Albacore, first stop by the visitor center to buy your tickets. Admission is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors and military veterans, $4 for children ages five to fourteen years old, and free for active military members. The museum also offers discounts for families.
As well as serving as the ticketing office, the visitor center also showcases photos and artifacts both from the Albacore and other submarines. You can also find a gift shop within the visitor center that sells books and Albacore-themed items like cups, hats, and shirts.
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To the right of the main entrance to the visitor center is the Memorial Garden which contains monuments to the crew members of submarines lost during World War II and the Cold War. One of these monuments memorializes the previous Albacore which is thought to have gone down off of Hokkaido, Japan in November 1944.
A granite dolphin, the symbol of those in the submarine service, is located behind the Albacore monument. There are also several benches located throughout the garden from which visitors can stop and remember those who gave their lives for their country.
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After you get your tickets, be sure to check out the propeller field which is also next to the visitor center.
In this area you can view the main propeller from the Albacore as well as several smaller propellers including one from the USS Jack, in service from 1967 to 1990.
The first area of note inside the Albacore is the crew’s sleeping quarters in the bow of the submarine. This was one of two main “berthing areas” for enlisted members of the crew and slept 26 servicemen.
You’ll notice how tight the sleeping quarters were, especially for those who slept on the top bunks. These bunks were quite close to valves and other equipment.
The next notable stop is at the submarine’s control panel. Kids - and kids at heart! - will have fun sitting at the controls, pretending they are operating the vessel and sounding the alarms.
Moving on, you’ll eventually reach the Albacore’s galley where all the submarine’s food was prepared. Cooks, assisted by junior members of the crew, prepared breakfast, lunch, and dinner - as well as “soup down” (soup and sandwiches) and “mid rats” (or midnight rations for watch-standers) - for 55 officers and crewmembers.
On the mess deck crew members ate, watched evening movies, wrote letters, and played cards. Servicemen could also just grab a cup of coffee and relax here, too.
Touring the USS Albacore is a great, family-friendly way to learn about America’s military past. You are able to see how Navy servicemen during the Cold-War era lived and worked aboard a vessel which was one of the first of its kind. If you are ever in southern New Hampshire do not miss this fun, educational attraction. To learn more about touring this vessel, be sure to check out the Albacore’s website and the submarine’s Facebook page. When you’re done with your tour, recharge with a burger and shake at BRGR Bar. Have you been aboard the Albacore? Let us know about your visit in the comments!
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