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Built right here at the Portsmouth Naval Base, this sub served the US Navy from 1953-1972 and never fired a weapon or went to war. Her motto, Praenuntius Futuri (Forerunner of the Future), explained her experimental mission: to be constantly redesigned and readapted into new prototypes.

You can explore (self-guided audio on board) all 205 ft of the fastest submarine of her time as she pioneered the teardrop design which became the model for many countries. This lab afloat tested new control systems, dive brakes, sonar, escape mechanisms and hydrodynamics.

The indoor museum has Navy memorabilia.

Opened: Memorial Day - Columbus Day 9:30-5, Oct-May Thursday-Monday 9:30-4 (call for hours Jan-Mar).