Thursday, September 8, 2022

USS Albacore



The first stop on our trip to Camp Ogunquit was the USS Albacore Museum in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.



The dolphin represents the coveted insignia submariners must earn to be qualified for submarine duty. The dolphin sculpture was in a memorial garden dedicated to all the submarines and crews lost at sea. "Sailor rest your oar."


The USS Albacore was a research submarine from 1953 to 1972. One of it's unique features is the  rudder and dive planes are in a cross configuration.


The sail
Albacore was the first sub with a tear-drop shape. With her streamlined hull she was able to set submerged speed records in 1965



Bow Compartment, the main entry into the submarine. This was also the forward escape trunk in case of an emergency. Visitors to the submarine use an entrance that was cut into the hull.


The Captain's Stateroom. The captain usually shared his quarters with the XO, executive officer (second in command). Shared locker, storage under bunk, and a pull-down sink.


The Wardroom where the officers ate their meals, and had meetings about the running of the boat and other business.


Intercom



There's a third bunk below the middle bunk. There's not a lot of space so you wouldn't expect 6 footer burly men to be in "the silent service.". I was surprised to learn there are no height or weight requirements.


Ship's Office. The enlisted administrative assistant didn't have a computer to work on just an old-fashioned typewriter.


Control Room


Periscope and port control room. Behind the periscope, the chairs for the Helmsman (far seat) and the Diving Officer (near seat)


Crew's Mess


The Galley


Watertight hatches. Watch your head.


Engine Room


In the museum were all sorts of submarine memorabilia. This photo shows the various dolphin/submarine insignia from various countries.


Newspaper accounts about the USS Thresher lost in 1963 off the coast of New England during sea trials. 129 souls lost their lives.


While there was lots of cool stuff to look at in the museum, I wondered who did the calligraphy on the award for new submerged speed record.


Photograph of the USS Alabacore during her heyday

13 comments:

  1. I could never stay long in this crampy environment - and I am small. We were in one in Wilhelmshaven and once in La Boe. Never again... I was happy to get out!
    And imagine, what if you get into an argument? You have nowhere to go...And the under water... help!!!
    It must be a men´s world...

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    1. Women now serve on submarines. At least in the USA.

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  2. And Just Think, This Beauty Was Designed , Built, And Operated Pre Computers - So Thankful You Toured This Old Relic - Way Cool - Travel On My Friend

    Cheers

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  3. Nope nope nope.....I toured a sub once.....well....almost toured it.....LOL. Got into it and after several steps had to get out!!!

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    1. Not me. I sat in the chairs, looked through the periscope. Looked at all the gauges and dials. This is the 2nd sub I've toured

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  4. This was fascinating. I get claustrophobic in elevators, but I wonder if I would if I visited the sub. I would at least enjoy the history. I was quite impressed with your incredible photos.

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    1. The tour is self-guided. There are red buttons at various stations where you listen to a recording from a former crew member. Some described the workings of the station, some shared a story.

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  5. Interesting to read your post and see your photographs.
    I can tell you really enjoyed it.

    All the best Jan

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  6. They’ve fused up the grounds since I visited. It’s cool though, isn’t it? It’s great they’ve made a museum so people can actually see what it was like. I couldn’t live on a sun though. 😀 hugs Erika

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    1. Ever since the tv show, "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea", I've been fascinated with submarines.

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