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Today, we commemorate the 58th anniversary of the commissioning of our submarine, the former USS Growler. Here’s the story of how Growler joined the Intrepid Museum’s collection—and became the only missile submarine open to the public in the United States.
During the Cold War, American submarines armed with nuclear missiles patrolled near Soviet territory. Commissioned on August 30, 1958, Growler was designed to launch and guide Regulus I nuclear missiles. Between 1960 and 1963, Growler conducted eight patrols in the western Pacific Ocean, each of which lasted about two months. While Growler patrolled the Pacific Ocean, the U.S. Navy was improving submarine and missile technologies. Growler was decommissioned on May 25, 1964, after only six years in service.
Growler was scheduled to be destroyed as a test target, but the submarine was saved from this fate. Richard P. Torykian, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps in Vietnam, led the effort to save Growler. He approached the Secretary of the Navy to request that Growler be transferred to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. The Secretary of the Navy and the United States Congress authorized its transfer to the Museum. A diplomatic effort was also required: the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks agreement between the U.S. and the Soviet Union required dismantling of decommissioned nuclear missile submarines. Through special negotiation, Growler was exempted from this condition because its public display would be a peaceful use of the vessel.
At the time of the transfer, Growler was located at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Washington. In early 1989, Growler began a 6,000-mile journey, under tow, to the Intrepid Museum. After transiting the Panama Canal, Growler stopped at a shipyard in Florida for substantial restoration work. In May 1989, Growler opened to the public at the Intrepid Museum.
Growler is about to undergo another round of maintenance and restoration. The Museum was awarded a grant from the NPS Maritime Heritage Program to support much-needed interior and exterior restoration work, including steel repair, floor replacement, hull protection and drainage improvements.
Growler will be closed November 14 through December 16, 2016.
Visit Growler before the submarine is closed for restoration, and check back for updates about our progress!
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