Visited the Submarine Force Museum today - lots of photos!

[Subnuts]

My aunt took me to the Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton today. I haven't been since 2002 and wanted to take some photographs this time around. The Nautilus wasn't there last time I visited, and the Seehund has since been replaced by the USS X-1. The place is worth about a two hour visit (I would have spent three hours, but my aunt would have probably fallen asleep), and it's very busy on weekends - probably because it's free, air-conditioned, and has submarines!

The Nautilus's propellers:
http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/5203/newlondon001.th.jpg (http://img59.imageshack.us/i/newlondon001.jpg/)

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/1967/newlondon002.th.jpg (http://img217.imageshack.us/i/newlondon002.jpg/)

The sail of the USS George Washington (SSBN-598):
http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/9247/newlondon003.th.jpg (http://img52.imageshack.us/i/newlondon003.jpg/)

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/7673/newlondon004.th.jpg (http://img245.imageshack.us/i/newlondon004.jpg/)

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/1863/newlondon006.th.jpg (http://img69.imageshack.us/i/newlondon006.jpg/)

"41 For Freedom" Memorial:
http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/1679/newlondon005.th.jpg (http://img59.imageshack.us/i/newlondon005.jpg/)

From left to right, Nautilus propellers, Nautilus anchor, George Washington sail, replica Polaris missile, "41 For Freedom" memorial:
http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/1467/newlondon007.th.jpg (http://img10.imageshack.us/i/newlondon007.jpg/)

Missile silo hatch:
http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/2443/newlondon008.th.jpg (http://img541.imageshack.us/i/newlondon008.jpg/)

Swimmer Delivery Vehicle:
http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/2056/newlondon011.th.jpg (http://img692.imageshack.us/i/newlondon011.jpg/)

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/1483/newlondon013.th.jpg (http://img132.imageshack.us/i/newlondon013.jpg/)

[Subnuts]

USS Holland (SS-1) versus USS Ohio (SSBN-726):
http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/8519/newlondon009.th.jpg (http://img340.imageshack.us/i/newlondon009.jpg/)

Italian World War II human torpedo:
http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/2470/newlondon012.th.jpg (http://img249.imageshack.us/i/newlondon012.jpg/)

USS X-1:
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/8125/newlondon014.th.jpg (http://img517.imageshack.us/i/newlondon014.jpg/)

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/4493/newlondon015.th.jpg (http://img72.imageshack.us/i/newlondon015.jpg/)

Japanese midget submarine HA-8:
http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/7749/newlondon016.th.jpg (http://img176.imageshack.us/i/newlondon016.jpg/)

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/1441/newlondon017.th.jpg (http://img130.imageshack.us/i/newlondon017.jpg/)

http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/8473/newlondon018.th.jpg (http://img195.imageshack.us/i/newlondon018.jpg/)

http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/4809/newlondon019.th.jpg (http://img37.imageshack.us/i/newlondon019.jpg/)

UGM-84 Harpoon missile:
http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/1351/newlondon020.th.jpg (http://img704.imageshack.us/i/newlondon020.jpg/)

The entrance lobby and Disney Nautilus replica:
http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/6016/newlondon021.th.jpg (http://img231.imageshack.us/i/newlondon021.jpg/)

[Subnuts]

Sturgeon-class Ballast Control Panel:
http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/6574/newlondon022.th.jpg (http://img7.imageshack.us/i/newlondon022.jpg/)

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/6693/newlondon023.th.jpg (http://img31.imageshack.us/i/newlondon023.jpg/)

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/1605/newlondon024.th.jpg (http://img339.imageshack.us/i/newlondon024.jpg/)

http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/9025/newlondon025.th.jpg (http://img697.imageshack.us/i/newlondon025.jpg/)

Sturgeon-class Ship Control Panel:
http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/8777/newlondon026.th.jpg (http://img130.imageshack.us/i/newlondon026.jpg/)

http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/2894/newlondon027.th.jpg (http://img708.imageshack.us/i/newlondon027.jpg/)

USS Lafayette (SSBN-616) torpedo fire control station:
http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/2149/newlondon028.th.jpg (http://img297.imageshack.us/i/newlondon028.jpg/)

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/6015/newlondon030.th.jpg (http://img291.imageshack.us/i/newlondon030.jpg/)

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/7329/newlondon031.th.jpg (http://img9.imageshack.us/i/newlondon031.jpg/)

One of the periscopes in the "attack center."
http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/2787/newlondon036.th.jpg (http://img193.imageshack.us/i/newlondon036.jpg/)

[Sailor Steve]

Some cool stuff there! Thanks for sharing.:rock:

[Subnuts]

A view from the same periscope:
http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/4201/newlondon038.th.jpg (http://img534.imageshack.us/i/newlondon038.jpg/)

The famous Torpedo Data Computer:
http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/7856/newlondon032.th.jpg (http://img33.imageshack.us/i/newlondon032.jpg/)

http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/2700/newlondon034.th.jpg (http://img691.imageshack.us/i/newlondon034.jpg/)

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/1354/newlondon035.th.jpg (http://img249.imageshack.us/i/newlondon035.jpg/)

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/3525/newlondon037.th.jpg (http://img176.imageshack.us/i/newlondon037.jpg/)

USS Barb battle flag:
http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/9198/newlondon039.th.jpg (http://img696.imageshack.us/i/newlondon039.jpg/)

Submarine message buoy:
http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/3953/newlondon040.th.jpg (http://img88.imageshack.us/i/newlondon040.jpg/)

This elevator was designed specifically for John F. Kennedy's use when he visited the USS Thomas Edison (SSBN-610) in 1962:
http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/1316/newlondon041.th.jpg (http://img15.imageshack.us/i/newlondon041.jpg/)

The rescue bell, JFK elevator, messenger buoy, and diver's helmet seen from above:
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/4770/newlondon056.th.jpg (http://img405.imageshack.us/i/newlondon056.jpg/)

The main exhibit hall, with a Polaris missile on the left and a 1:6th scale cutaway model of a Gato/Balao-class suspended overhead:
http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/7380/newlondon043.th.jpg (http://img190.imageshack.us/i/newlondon043.jpg/)

I took about 120 pictures in total, but it's getting late and I'll wrap this up tomorrow.

[TarJak]

Nice shots. Thanks for sharing them Subnuts.:up:

[nikimcbee]

Can't wait to see this! Is it possible to look inside the midget sub?

[Weiss Pinguin]

Very cool :yeah: Visited the Pampanito last year, a visit to Submarine Force Museum would be a dream. :o

[nikimcbee]

Very cool :yeah: Visited the Pampanito last year, a visit to Submarine Force Museum would be a dream. :o

How did you like the Pampanito? Did you go on the Jerimiah Obrien too? I wonder if they still have the subsim almanac I donated?

[Weiss Pinguin]

How did you like the Pampanito? Did you go on the Jerimiah Obrien too? I wonder if they still have the subsim almanac I donated?
I wish, it was late and we were planning on visiting the rest of the pier so we left as soon as I hopped off the sub.

But I definitely loved the Pampanito, when we went in there was almost nobody inside, except for a half dozen tourists and I believe a former crewmember who was telling stories :)

[Schroeder]

Nice pictures. Thanks for sharing.:DL

[SteamWake]

Cool pictures, tell us about the 'swimmer delivery system' and the 'human torpedo' thing.

[Subnuts]

Polaris missile:
http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/197/newlondon044.th.jpg (http://img80.imageshack.us/i/newlondon044.jpg/)

Closeup of warning on second stage (reminds me of the explosive bolts warning on the EVA Pod in 2001: A Space Odyssey):
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/8146/newlondon045.th.jpg (http://img215.imageshack.us/i/newlondon045.jpg/)

20mm Oerlikon cannon:
http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/5863/newlondon046.th.jpg (http://img294.imageshack.us/i/newlondon046.jpg/)


http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/2944/newlondon047.th.jpg (http://img10.imageshack.us/i/newlondon047.jpg/)

Tail end of Mk 48, front end of a SUBROC:
http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/733/newlondon048.th.jpg (http://img99.imageshack.us/i/newlondon048.jpg/)

The new NR-1 exhibit:
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/2323/newlondon049.th.jpg (http://img215.imageshack.us/i/newlondon049.jpg/)

Replica of Bushnell's Turtle:
http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/2461/newlondon050.th.jpg (http://img707.imageshack.us/i/newlondon050.jpg/)

1/6th scale cutaway fleet boat:
http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/981/newlondon054.th.jpg (http://img375.imageshack.us/i/newlondon054.jpg/)

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/8388/newlondon055.th.jpg (http://img52.imageshack.us/i/newlondon055.jpg/)

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/7933/newlondon057.th.jpg (http://img441.imageshack.us/i/newlondon057.jpg/)

[Subnuts]

Tomahawk cruise missile:
http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/4875/newlondon058.th.jpg (http://img185.imageshack.us/i/newlondon058.jpg/)

Overhead view of the weapons display:
http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/2505/newlondon059.th.jpg (http://img190.imageshack.us/i/newlondon059.jpg/)

1/40 scale 688(I) cutaway:
http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/8349/newlondon061.th.jpg (http://img534.imageshack.us/i/newlondon061.jpg/)

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/8984/newlondon062.th.jpg (http://img411.imageshack.us/i/newlondon062.jpg/)

Sonar console:
http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/7313/newlondon063.th.jpg (http://img263.imageshack.us/i/newlondon063.jpg/)

Strategic Deterrence display:
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/711/newlondon064.th.jpg (http://img156.imageshack.us/i/newlondon064.jpg/)

Dolphin display (yes, the museum staff does keep the plexiglass clean!):
http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/705/newlondon065.th.jpg (http://img684.imageshack.us/i/newlondon065.jpg/)

Submarine insignia of the world:
http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/8792/newlondon066.th.jpg (http://img34.imageshack.us/i/newlondon066.jpg/)

[Subnuts]

Nautilus photos ahead!

I like this shot so much I'm showing it full size:
http://i50.tinypic.com/sls6x2.jpg

It was incredibly sunny in New London yesterday, which explains why it looks like an atomic bomb is going off is many of these photos:
http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/5582/newlondon067.th.jpg (http://img514.imageshack.us/i/newlondon067.jpg/)

Looking dark and mysterious:
http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/7848/newlondon068.th.jpg (http://img249.imageshack.us/i/newlondon068.jpg/)

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/5125/newlondon069.th.jpg (http://img689.imageshack.us/i/newlondon069.jpg/)

Better like this?
http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/2647/newlondon115.th.jpg (http://img697.imageshack.us/i/newlondon115.jpg/)

More exteriors:
http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/1918/newlondon116.th.jpg (http://img706.imageshack.us/i/newlondon116.jpg/)

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/6233/newlondon117.th.jpg (http://img249.imageshack.us/i/newlondon117.jpg/)

http://img686.imageshack.us/img686/566/newlondon118.th.jpg (http://img686.imageshack.us/i/newlondon118.jpg/)

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/678/newlondon119.th.jpg (http://img17.imageshack.us/i/newlondon119.jpg/)

One of the first things you'll see when you go inside:
http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/6629/newlondon114.th.jpg (http://img687.imageshack.us/i/newlondon114.jpg/)

[nikimcbee]

What kinda stuff do they have on the midget sub? I also can't wait to see the Holland sub.

[Subnuts]

The forward torpedo room:
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/1883/newlondon073.th.jpg (http://img227.imageshack.us/i/newlondon073.jpg/)

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/8279/newlondon111.th.jpg (http://img249.imageshack.us/i/newlondon111.jpg/)

http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/9181/newlondon112.th.jpg (http://img687.imageshack.us/i/newlondon112.jpg/)

It's not very obvious in these shots, but Nautilus's torpedo room is a huge facility as far as submarines go. The compartment spans two decks in height, and in reality, she could carry up to 18 torpedo reloads, as opposed to the two shown on display.

Oxygen charge/bleed station:
http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/8139/newlondon074.th.jpg (http://img269.imageshack.us/i/newlondon074.jpg/)

http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/1094/newlondon075.th.jpg (http://img687.imageshack.us/i/newlondon075.jpg/)

Forward Head:
http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/1962/newlondon076.th.jpg (http://img683.imageshack.us/i/newlondon076.jpg/)

Officer's Pantry:
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/6329/newlondon077.th.jpg (http://img153.imageshack.us/i/newlondon077.jpg/)

Officer's cabins:
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/1149/newlondon078.th.jpg (http://img517.imageshack.us/i/newlondon078.jpg/)

http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/8126/newlondon079.th.jpg (http://img541.imageshack.us/i/newlondon079.jpg/)

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/2769/newlondon084.th.jpg (http://img9.imageshack.us/i/newlondon084.jpg/)

[Subnuts]

What kinda stuff do they have on the midget sub? I also can't wait to see the Holland sub.

Actually, the midget submarines are just static exhibits, and there isn't actually a Holland submarine at the museum, just a ring representing it's hull diameter compared to the Ohio.

But hey, you'll spend the rest of the week bitching about how much everything costs, because you got to tour the world's first nuclear submarine for FREE!

The Wardroom (you may have noticed by now that rank has it's privileges!):
http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/4673/newlondon081.th.jpg (http://img97.imageshack.us/i/newlondon081.jpg/)

Commanding Officer's Stateroom:
http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/3606/newlondon082.th.jpg (http://img408.imageshack.us/i/newlondon082.jpg/)

XO's Cabin:
http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/2197/newlondon083.th.jpg (http://img52.imageshack.us/i/newlondon083.jpg/)

Forward access hatch:
http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/1523/newlondon080.th.jpg (http://img375.imageshack.us/i/newlondon080.jpg/)

Watertight door (there are three of them you'll have to pass through, so I hope you're not "big boned!"):
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/1015/newlondon085.th.jpg (http://img525.imageshack.us/i/newlondon085.jpg/)

Sail access hatch:
http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/1410/newlondon086.th.jpg (http://img13.imageshack.us/i/newlondon086.jpg/)

AN/WQC-2 panel:
http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/7539/newlondon087.th.jpg (http://img534.imageshack.us/i/newlondon087.jpg/)

Fuse panel:
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/8358/newlondon088.th.jpg (http://img525.imageshack.us/i/newlondon088.jpg/)

Periscopes in the attack center:
http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/7673/newlondon090.th.jpg (http://img706.imageshack.us/i/newlondon090.jpg/)

(Until the 1960s American submarines had a separate control room and attack center, which was roughly analogous with the "conning tower" on Fleet boats. More recent boats combine both functions into a single compartment.)

The hatch to the reactor compartment (nothing to see here, move along...):
http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/770/newlondon091.th.jpg (http://img697.imageshack.us/i/newlondon091.jpg/)

[Subnuts]

The ESM (Electronic System Measures) bay:
http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/5088/newlondon092.th.jpg (http://img229.imageshack.us/i/newlondon092.jpg/)

The hydraulic manifold:
http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/7492/newlondon095.th.jpg (http://img130.imageshack.us/i/newlondon095.jpg/)

A bunch of other stuff (crappy quality courtesy of Plexiglas):
http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/6393/newlondon097.th.jpg (http://img210.imageshack.us/i/newlondon097.jpg/)

High Pressure air gauges:
http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/4968/newlondon098.th.jpg (http://img109.imageshack.us/i/newlondon098.jpg/)

Helmsman and bow and stern planesmen:
http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/9629/newlondon099.th.jpg (http://img97.imageshack.us/i/newlondon099.jpg/)

General Announcing System control panel:
http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/7668/newlondon101.th.jpg (http://img185.imageshack.us/i/newlondon101.jpg/)

Real cozy:
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/174/newlondon102.th.jpg (http://img205.imageshack.us/i/newlondon102.jpg/)

Battery well:
http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/6774/newlondon103.th.jpg (http://img185.imageshack.us/i/newlondon103.jpg/)

Damage control equipment:
http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/7614/newlondon104.th.jpg (http://img267.imageshack.us/i/newlondon104.jpg/)

[Subnuts]

I couldn't take any pictures of the crew's mess without getting those aluminum panels holding the Plexiglas together in the view.

The hatch to the store room:
http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/9161/newlondon105.th.jpg (http://img189.imageshack.us/i/newlondon105.jpg/)

The galley:
http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/3656/newlondon106.th.jpg (http://img717.imageshack.us/i/newlondon106.jpg/)

http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/3540/newlondon107.th.jpg (http://img28.imageshack.us/i/newlondon107.jpg/)

Storage lockers:
http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/8323/newlondon108.th.jpg (http://img297.imageshack.us/i/newlondon108.jpg/)

Loudspeaker and battle lamp:
http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/9190/newlondon109.th.jpg (http://img199.imageshack.us/i/newlondon109.jpg/)

12 enlisted men slept here:
http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/6357/newlondon110.th.jpg (http://img3.imageshack.us/i/newlondon110.jpg/)

(The Nautilus had a partial "third deck" from the torpedo room to reactor compartment with contained additional enlisted quarters, store rooms, and batteries. Bill Nichols could probably explain it better if he drops in on this thread.)

EM log actuator:
http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/9825/newlondon113.th.jpg (http://img404.imageshack.us/i/newlondon113.jpg/)

This final photo has a funny story and a word of warning to go along with it. I couldn't get a good "beauty shot" of the Nautilus (and you won't either, unless you're passing by it on a boat from the other side) so I went looking for a good vantage point to capture the entire boat.

I start walking down the railroad that's adjacent the museum, and after about 100 feet, I realize that, one, I'm probably never gonna get a good shot of this thing, and two, if I keep going, I'm going to walk right onto a military base. Despite realizing that I'm doing something really stupid, I press on. I get to about this point:

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/1088/oopsi.jpg (http://img441.imageshack.us/i/oopsi.jpg/)

Take my photo, and turn around to see a very concerned looking Petty Officer 1st class standing next to my aunt with both of his hands on his hips, around where the railroad crosses the pier. We both exchange some nervous "sorrys" and "please watch where you're going next time," but I'm sure I'm on at least a half dozen terrorist watch lists by now. Seriously, is it too hard for the Navy to put up a "No Trespassing" sign?

Had this been September 13, 2001, this probably would have been the last photo I'd ever taken:
http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/8264/newlondon121.th.jpg (http://img696.imageshack.us/i/newlondon121.jpg/)

(Actually, I think the guy went easy on me because I said "thank you, sir" when he handed me the audio wand. Be sure to say "thank you" as often as possible, unless you want the waitress to spit in your coffee.)

[TLAM Strike]

Dolphin display (yes, the museum staff does keep the plexiglass clean!):
http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/705/newlondon065.th.jpg (http://img684.imageshack.us/i/newlondon065.jpg/)

Submarine insignia of the world:
http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/8792/newlondon066.th.jpg (http://img34.imageshack.us/i/newlondon066.jpg/)



Nice photos. Noticed they didn't have dolphins for Albania. I've heard those are hard to find as are the Yugo ones. But Ghana? When did they have a Submarine?!? :o

That one they have from the Soviet Union, I have one of those. :rock:

[AVGWarhawk]

Nice shots. Looked like a nice day and trip.

[Jimbuna]

Excellent shots....your a very lucky guy...thanks for sharing http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/thumbsup.gif

[Subnuts]

(Shameless BUMP)

All of the photographs from my visit (okay, the ones that came usable) are now viewable at a higher resolution here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/27417638@N07/sets/72157624177268872/detail/

(Shameless BUMP)

[nikimcbee]

Do they have a research library there?

[geetrue]

I wonder if when I pass away they could just stuff me like at the wax musemun and put me in sonar on a boat of their choice?

I couldn't answer any questions, but I could manage a fart or two for the visitors when they least expect it.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4657752155_bdbf3b9229_m.jpg

I wish I had a dollar for everytime someone asked me
if we could see out of those windows in the sail while underwater.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1277/4658235002_a972cba7f2_m.jpg

No sir! You see we would drown if we weren't down below where the hull is ...

[TLAM Strike]

I wish I had a dollar for everytime someone asked me
if we could see out of those windows in the sail while underwater.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1277/4658235002_a972cba7f2_m.jpg

No sir! You see we would drown if we weren't down below where the hull is ...

Why are their two levels of windows on the sail? :hmmm:

[nikimcbee]

I wonder if when I pass away they could just stuff me like at the wax musemun and put me in sonar on a boat of their choice?

I couldn't answer any questions, but I could manage a fart or two for the visitors when they least expect it.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4657752155_bdbf3b9229_m.jpg

I wish I had a dollar for everytime someone asked me
if we could see out of those windows in the sail while underwater.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1277/4658235002_a972cba7f2_m.jpg

No sir! You see we would drown if we weren't down below where the hull is ...

:haha::salute:

[Tchocky]

Great stuff! :yeah:

[nikimcbee]

I wonder if they'd let you look inside the japanese midget sub?