CT has been a home for shipbuilders since our nation’s earliest days — and Groton was selected to be the main construction site for the world’s first nuclear sub, Nautilus.
USS Nautilus
USS Nautilus
The Museum explores the fascinating history of submarines and focuses on the Nautilus’ design, development, construction, launch in 1952 and time at sea. Nautilus was decommissioned in 1980 and, after historic conversion at Mare Island in Vallejo, CA, arrived in Groton in 1985 to be the first sub open to the public. And..it is still based here in Groton for tours and lectures!
USS Nautilus
USS Nautilus
As you might imagine, the most striking aspect of an onboard tour is the ship’s size: only 300 feet long with a crew of 104. There are sample crew quarters, kitchen and eating areas. It’s fair to say that every inch of the ship if well utilized! Nautilus was the first sub to make a fully submerged Arctic cruise under ice for 96 hours.
In addition, the current Naval Submarine Base New London is located next to the Museum — and we saw subs out on maneuvers in the Thames River!
Sub Sailing Out behind the USS Nautilus