Portsmouth, NH, has a long naval history. Even so, you might not expect to find an actual submarine in a trench when you drive through the town. But the U.S.S Albacore is just that, a decommissioned naval research submarine that was designed a National Historic Landmark. A submarine seemingly rising out of the ground is a great photo op – but better yet, you can explore inside yourself.
Commissioned in 1953, the U.S.S. Albacore sailed up and down the Atlantic until her retirement in 1972 and was dedicated as a memorial in 1985, after getting briefly stuck in the mud of Portsmouth harbor.
Flickr/Selble Lynn
The Navy tested Cold War technology on the Albacore, including nuclear propulsion and her pioneering teardrop hull design.
RT Peat
Take a seat in the periscope operator’s station and imagine this is where you spend your workdays.
Flickr/Chris Devers
and take a look out the periscope for yourself.
Flickr/Chris Devers
Check out the radio operator’s station, complete with an old-school typewriter.
Flickr/Chris Devers
You can use the navigation table to chart the sub’s next course - you just might not get too far through the mud.
Flickr/Chris Devers
For a taste of life aboard, visit the crew’s mess hall.
Flickr/Rickpilot_2000
Take a quick nap in the sleeping quarters - if you’re not too claustrophobic.
Flickr/Chris Devers
Don’t forget to check out the submarine toilet – and read the fine print!
Flickr/rickpilot_2000
Before you leave, make sure to look at the hatches that keep everything sealed up safe and dry.
Flickr/Chris Dever
By the time you step off the U.S.S. Albacore, you’ll be grateful for open space and fresh air, and have a newfound respect for submarine crews – but you’ll definitely be glad you made the trip. For more information and visiting hours, check out the park’s website.
Flickr/Selble Lynn
RT Peat
Flickr/Chris Devers
Flickr/Rickpilot_2000
Flickr/rickpilot_2000
Flickr/Chris Dever
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