Where is the Nautilus Submarine Today?
The Nautilus submarine, also known as the USS Nautilus (SSN-571), is a historic nuclear-powered submarine that was commissioned in 1954 and played a significant role in the Cold War era. After serving the United States Navy for over 25 years, the Nautilus was decommissioned in 1980 and is now a museum ship and National Historic Landmark. But where is the Nautilus submarine today?
Early Years and Historic Voyage
The Nautilus was built by the Electric Boat Company in Groton, Connecticut, and was commissioned on September 30, 1954. The submarine was designed to operate at depths of up to 400 feet (122 meters) and had a top speed of 15 knots (28 km/h). On January 17, 1958, the Nautilus completed the first submerged transit of the North Pole, a historic voyage that marked a major milestone in the development of nuclear-powered submarines.
Decommissioning and Museum Status
After serving the United States Navy for over 25 years, the Nautilus was decommissioned on March 3, 1980. The submarine was then donated to the Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton, Connecticut, where it was converted into a museum ship. In 1985, the Nautilus was designated as a National Historic Landmark, recognizing its significant contributions to the development of nuclear-powered submarines.
Current Status
Today, the Nautilus submarine is on display at the Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton, Connecticut. The museum is open to the public and offers guided tours of the submarine. Visitors can explore the submarine’s control room, engine room, and other areas, and learn about its history and significance.
Key Features and Specifications
Here are some key features and specifications of the Nautilus submarine:
- Length: 320 feet (98 meters)
- Beam: 28 feet (8.5 meters)
- Draft: 20 feet (6 meters)
- Displacement: 3,500 tons
- Speed: 15 knots (28 km/h)
- Range: 11,000 nautical miles (20,000 km)
- Crew: 80 officers and enlisted personnel
- Armament: 6 torpedo tubes, 22 torpedoes
- Propulsion: S5W nuclear reactor, 13,500 horsepower
Interesting Facts and Figures
Here are some interesting facts and figures about the Nautilus submarine:
- First nuclear-powered submarine: The Nautilus was the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine, and its development marked a major breakthrough in submarine design and technology.
- Longest submerged dive: The Nautilus held the record for the longest submerged dive by a submarine, staying underwater for 84 hours and 3 minutes.
- Fastest submarine: The Nautilus was the fastest submarine in the world at the time of its commissioning, with a top speed of 15 knots (28 km/h).
- Most decorated submarine: The Nautilus is the most decorated submarine in the United States Navy, with 15 battle stars and several other awards and decorations.
Conclusion
The Nautilus submarine is a historic and significant vessel that played a major role in the development of nuclear-powered submarines. Today, the submarine is on display at the Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton, Connecticut, where it serves as a museum ship and National Historic Landmark. Visitors can explore the submarine and learn about its history and significance, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in naval history and technology.
Table: Nautilus Submarine Specifications
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 320 feet (98 meters) |
| Beam | 28 feet (8.5 meters) |
| Draft | 20 feet (6 meters) |
| Displacement | 3,500 tons |
| Speed | 15 knots (28 km/h) |
| Range | 11,000 nautical miles (20,000 km) |
| Crew | 80 officers and enlisted personnel |
| Armament | 6 torpedo tubes, 22 torpedoes |
| Propulsion | S5W nuclear reactor, 13,500 horsepower |
Bullets: Key Features and Specifications
• Length: 320 feet (98 meters)
• Beam: 28 feet (8.5 meters)
• Draft: 20 feet (6 meters)
• Displacement: 3,500 tons
• Speed: 15 knots (28 km/h)
• Range: 11,000 nautical miles (20,000 km)
• Crew: 80 officers and enlisted personnel
• Armament: 6 torpedo tubes, 22 torpedoes
• Propulsion: S5W nuclear reactor, 13,500 horsepower
