The USS Albacore is a test submarine that was donated to the Navy in 1953 for the purpose of researching experimental features and new technologies. Today, after nearly 20 years of service, it is open to the public as a museum in Albacore Park in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Tours are self-guided and enhanced by audio recordings of former crew who describe their lives aboard the vessel. Each tour begins outside the ship with a series of five audio recordings on informative podiums, and continue with eleven additional stations inside the ship.

  • What can visitors see at Albacore Park’s Visitor Center?
    • Albacore Park’s Visitor Center contains a small museum with additional information, artifacts, and displays related to the submarine.
    • A memorial garden adjacent to the Visitor Center honors the members of the United States Submarine Service who gave their lives for their country.
    • The memorial garden is home to several granite monuments that honor the submarines lost in World War II and the Cold War.
    • A black granite sculpture of a dolphin stands as a symbol of the United States Submarine Service. The dolphin insignia dates back to 1923 and indicates that a serviceman is qualified for submarine service.
  • What is the USS Albacore?
    • The USS Albacore, the third navy vessel to bear that name, was the first submarine to have the cylindrical shape most commonly seen today.
    • From 1953 to 1972, the USS Albacore served as a test platform for the U.S. Navy and was designed by engineers at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
    • The submarine was built to function primarily underwater and featured innovative designs inspired by aircraft and blimps. Its motto, Praenuntius Futuri, means Forerunner of the Future.
  • What made the USS Albacore unique?
    • The USS Albacore was smaller than the nuclear-powered submarines of the day, yet it could outrun any with its silver-zinc battery.
    • In 1966, the Albacore set the speed record for underwater submarine propulsion at close to 40 miles per hour.
    • The Albacore tested several systems for the Navy, including dive breaking systems, escape mechanisms, and sonar equipment. Its unique design improved speed, allowed for tight turns, and enabled steep, sudden dives.
  • What happened to the USS Albacore after its decommissioning?
    • The USS Albacore was decommissioned in 1972 after several failures of her diesel pancake engines. It was not financially feasible to replace the engines.
    • Stored at the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility in Philadelphia, the submarine was eventually released to the public following a campaign by Portsmouth City Councilman Bill Keefe.
    • In a challenging towing process, the Albacore was moved back to her birthplace in Portsmouth, which involved a 70-hour tugboat pull and required a special marine railway system for her final positioning.
    • The submarine was opened for public viewing in 1986, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1989, and inducted into the Submarine Hall of Fame in 2005.
  • What educational programs are available at Albacore Park?
    • All tours of the submarine are self-guided and enhanced by an audio program.
    • Knowledgeable staff at the Visitor Center are available to answer questions, ensuring an informative experience for visitors.

600 Market St, Portsmouth, NH 03801

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