california submarine tour

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• Tickets & Camping

Explore the Wonders of Lover's Cove Marine Preserve

Come face-to-face with Catalina’s abundant marine life aboard the Sea Wolf Semi-Submersible, as you cruise five feet below the surface in a spacious, climate-controlled cabin. Every passenger has their own seat and port hole. Plus, you’re free to roam about the cabin to enjoy other viewpoints.

Catalina's marine environment is considered one of the healthiest in the world. You’ll see an incredible array of undersea creatures, including bright orange Garibaldi, spotted calico bass, urchins, rock fish, and bat rays, just to name a few. This is more than a tour; it’s an undersea adventure.

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Seasonal information.

Year-round.

Pets are not allowed on any Catalina Island Company activity our tour.

Tours and times are subject to change. Prices are subject to change without notice and do not include Avalon City Admissions Tax or Harbor Use Fees.

*Please note: Food and beverages are not allowed on Catalina Island Co. Tours & Activities.

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Undersea Expedition

Quick Details

• Users Ages: All ages
• Clock Duration: 45 minutes
• Map Marker Location: Tour meets on the left side of the Green Pleasure Pier.
• Info Note: Guests of all ages are welcome aboard; infants required to have a ticket per Coast Guard regulations.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: Guests must transfer; have the ability to use stairs and ramps to enter & exit.
• Heart Restrictions: This tour on Catalina Island is available for most guests. Please see restrictions below.

Explore the Pacific on the Catalina Island Submarine

• Explore the undersea gardens around Catalina Island while staying completely dry.
• See a variety of plant and animal life including sea lions, calico bass, Garibaldi & more.
• Watch a feeding frenzy commence as schools of fish surround your porthole.
• Enjoy a leisurely harbor cruise as you head back into Avalon Harbor.
• This is more than a tour; it’s an undersea adventure.
• Watch the feeding frenzy as schools of fish go crazy for food from above. Get ready for fun!

*Refunds & exchanges are subject to availability. Click here to read our cancellation policy.

• Chevron down What to Expect

Come face-to-face with Catalina’s abundant marine life by cruising five feet underwater in a spacious, climate-controlled submarine cabin. Every passenger has their own seat and port hole plus you’re free to roam about the cabin seeking other viewpoints.

What marine life will we see?  Experience underwater sights from aboard the Sea Wolf Semi-Submersible on Catalina Island. You’ll see an incredible array of undersea dwellers: bright orange garibaldi, spotted calico bass, urchins, rock fish and bat rays, just to name a few.

• Chevron down Restrictions

For your safety, you should be in good health & free from high blood pressure, heart, neck or back problems, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this tour. Please note all guests must be able to use ramps and stairs to enter and exit the Sea Wolf. There are steep stairs up and down between the dock and the seating area on board the boat.

• Chevron down What to Bring

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes based on the season. High heels are not recommended. Check the Catalina Island weather forecast and dress appropriately. Small bags/purses can be accommodated, but please do not bring any large bags aboard the Catalina Island submarine. Larger bags can be left securely at the Cabrillo Mole. Gratuity for your guide is not included but is accepted and greatly appreciated!

• Chevron down Where to Meet

Undersea Semi-Submersible Expedition Green Pleasure Pier, Avalon, CA 90704

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• Chevron down FAQ

Do I need a reservation for the Semi-Submersible Undersea Tour?

While a reservation is not required, it is recommended. There are a limited number of seats and they do sell out.

Are there restrooms available near the Semi-Submersible check-in location or on board?

Yes, restrooms are located at the base of the Green Pleasure Pier. Please make sure to use them before you check-in. There is a restroom on board the semi-submersible for emergencies, however it is recommended that you use the restroom before you board the boat.

How far is the Semi-Submersible check-in location from certain areas?

Walking time to common locations:

• Cabrillo Mole Area: 7-10 minutes
• Basketball/Volleyball/Old Ben Park Area: 3-4 minutes
• Green Pleasure Pier/Island Tour Plaza: 1-2 minutes
• Casino Building: 10-15 minutes
• Descanso Beach: 15-20 minutes

Is food or drink provided on Semi-Submersible Undersea Tour? Can I eat and drink while on the boat?

Due to the nature & brevity of this tour, food & beverage is not provided or permitted on tour. Guests can bring a bottle of water with them, if they would like.

Still have questions? Visit our FAQ page.

Related Activities

• Clock 45 minutes
• Users Ages 3+

Glass Bottom Boat Voyage

The original Catalina Island tour that started it all. Glass bottom boats offer a window into another world! See California sea life below you.

• Clock 3 hours
• Users Ages 10+

Discover Scuba Diving

Find out what makes scuba divers love Catalina Island! See majestic kelp and schools of colorful fish as you explore Catalina’s underwater world.

• Our most popular tour!

The Nautilus Semi-Submarine Excursion

Quick Details

• Clock Duration: 45 minutes

Six feet under your imagination

Join our captain and his crew on an exploratory mission that is both educational and entertaining. This vessel features a fish food feeding system launched by torpedo buttons so you can feed the fish from your seat (for an additional charge). This makes for the most amazing, up-close views of Catalina Island’s spectacular, colorful fish and local marine life. No aquarium can compare with these exclusive views.

Fire One! Fire Two! You have not entered enemy waters; you are now in a marine preserved sanctuary where a feeding frenzy delight seafarers. Seasonal evening missions may also be offered for viewing nocturnal sea creatures active only after dark!

Book now and board the submarine for an unforgettable adventure.

Things to Know:

Participants must be able to transfer to vessel (walk 12 steps down to and up from seating area)

For safety, you should be in good health and free from claustrophobia or anxiety symptoms, high blood pressure, motion sickness, or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure

Late Policy

If you arrive late, we are not able to provide you with a refund. Our tours are scheduled to provide you with the best experience possible, and we are not able to make any exceptions if you are late. Please arrive 15 minutes early to ensure you are on time.

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• Clock 2 hours

Inside Adventure Tour

Spectacular canyons, a scenic coastline, and an unspoiled countryside alive with native plants and wildlife will take your breath away on this two hour guided eco-land excursion.

• Clock 50 minutes

Avalon City Terrace Tour

There are great photo opportunities around every turn as we explore Avalon on a guided tour. View iconic landmarks and famous sites.

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• USS Pampanito

USS Pampanito: What It's Like to Visit this WWII Submarine Museum

by Jill Loeffler   •

Updated: September 4, 2023

The USS Pampanito SS-383 is a WWII Balao-class fleet submarine. This historical vessel is now a famous floating museum in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood.

This important sub went out on six patrols in the Pacific during World War II. During these tours, it sank six Japanese ships and damaged four others.

It is open every day (including major holidays) from 10 am to 6 pm.

Disclaimer : I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

Touring the Submarine

If you are a military history buff or have never been on a submarine before, I highly recommend touring the USS Pampanito SS-383. Here are pictures and some details about what it's like to go inside it from my last visit.

The tour starts at the back of the submarine. The first room you will enter is the torpedo room.

Several torpedoes are on display here. The room is very small, which gives you the chance to get a close look at these massive weapons.

This is where they would load the torpedoes at the back of the USS Pampanito.

From here, you walk behind the stairs you came down to enter the first of two engine rooms. These are some of the controls used to manage the submarine.

This is the main engine control panel.

After walking through the second engine room, you'll come upon the sleeping quarters. According to the audio tour, the USS Pampanito had only two bunks for every three people on board. Since at least one of them was always on duty, they didn't need a bunk for each person.

The next room you will enter is the small mess hall. This is where everyone ate and hung out when they weren't on duty. There was only a little bit of room, and this area was almost always crowded.

The final room you will enter below deck is the room where they planned the missions.. This room is full of interesting controls, lights, and more.

Make sure you spend some time looking at this route map. It shows the routes for all of the missions for the USS Pampanito SS-383.

This panel was known as the Christmas Tree. It has both red and green lights. All lights had to be green before the submarine could start its journey.

After you finish in this room, you'll head back upstairs to the main deck. These are just a couple of pictures from this area of the submarine.

Additional Touring Details

While visiting the submarine is a fantastic experience, there are a few things you need to know. This SF museum was only slightly modified to accommodate visitors visiting it. This means the entire tour is in close quarters.

There are only two sets of stairs. Each one is STEEP. They are more like ladders than stairs. Here is a look down the first set of stairs.

The doors are also small. Here is an example of the doorways that you will need to pass through to get from room to room.

Since it is such a tight fit inside, I don't recommend this tour for those who are claustrophobic or have difficulty getting around tight spaces. It will most likely be an unpleasant visit.

Note: If you still want to see a WWII vessel without being so cramped, then I recommend heading to Pier 35 and visiting the SS Jeremiah O'Brien . It is a World War II Liberty ship, and offers more room to move around it.

Tickets & Tours

You can buy tickets online or in person for this tour. It's usually not too busy here, so you won't have any problems buying tickets at the time of your visit.

You can spend as much or as little time on the USS Pampanito as you want. The audio tour takes about 35 to 40 minutes if you let it run without pausing. It runs at a good pace and gives you plenty of time to look around each room.

It is open seven days a week starting at 10 am and closing at 6 pm. This includes most major holidays.

Admission Prices

• Adults : $30
• Seniors (62 and over) : $20
• Youth (5 - 13) : $15
• Children (4 and under) : Free
• Family (2 adults and 2 juniors) : $65
• Students with ID : $20
• Active U.S. Military With ID: $10

There is a free audio tour that you can listen to while you explore on your own. Docent-led tours are available by prior arrangement.

You can also use the Go City all-inclusive pass. This discount card offers you admission to the USS Pampanito as well as tickets and tours for more of SF's top attractions and activities. Learn more here . 

Finding the Museum

The museum is in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf. Here is a map showing its location.

When you get close, you will see this sign. Walk under the sign to access the USS Pampanito.

Additional Pages You Might Enjoy

Other Military History Sites

Fort Point National Historic Site

SF National Cemetery

Other Popular Attractions Nearby

Boudin Bakery : One stop you must make on your visit to San Francisco is Boudin Bakery. This yummy bakery serves up the world-famous San Francisco sourdough bread. You can either grab a quick lunch downstairs or enjoy a relaxing meal upstairs in their restaurant.

Pier 39 : The famed Pier 39 is just steps away from the USS Pampanito. This remodeled pier offers shopping, restaurants, and several other attractions. This is where you will find the sea lions basking in the sun, get the chance to visit the Aquarium of the Bay, and ride the historic carousel.

The Cannery : Not too far away is another historic building, the Cannery. It is now a shopping plaza with some great places to grab lunch or dinner. Make sure you stop by their courtyard to admire the 100+ year-old olive trees.

A Perfect Day in Fisherman's Wharf : Still trying to figure out how to see it all in one day? This "perfect day" itinerary offers the best way to stroll through Fisherman's Wharf in just one go. Savor a famous Irish Coffee, visit SF's historic ships, grab fresh crab for lunch on Fish Alley, and more.

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

I would love for you to join me in my private Facebook group ! 

It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.

You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!

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Going Under: 10 Best Submarines Tours In The USA

Looking to explore the ocean's depths and learn more about some fascinating submarines? These submarine tours in the USA are a must-try!

It is believed that there were many underwater cities and civilizations in the past. The ocean is still a mysterious and largely unexplored place, making submarine tours an exciting and thrilling way to see the ocean's fascinating depths up close and discover some of the most interesting submarines in history.

There are several options for submarine tours in the US, from historical vessels to modern-day military craft. They offer the perfect opportunity to take in some of America’s coastal beauty from a whole new perspective beneath the seas – with exclusive window views of wildlife and breathtaking coral reefs. It will be like nothing else anyone has ever experienced! To help visitors plan the best trip possible, we've put together a list of the top 10 submarine tours in the US worth visiting right now.

10 Waikiki Atlantis Submarine

Get an exclusive look at the marine life beneath Hawaii's beautiful turquoise waters from the comfort and safety of an Atlantis submersible. The approximate two hours tour features expert commentary from the submarine's captain, who provides interesting information about every aspect of the trip. The fleet also includes a larger submarine that can accommodate many passengers and offers the chance to swim with the fish – no scuba gear required! Although all passengers are required to be at least 36 inches tall to take part.

• Tour: Waikiki Atlantis Submarine Adventure
• Duration: 2 hours
• Cost: From $175.43 USD per adult

Book this tour

RELATED: 10 Epic Adventures To Experience In Maui This Summer

9 Maui Atlantis Submarine

Another 2-hour submarine tour set in Hawaii, the Maui Atlantis Submarine adventure is ideal for visitors who want to explore the breathtaking waters surrounding the island of Maui. The submarine features large viewing windows that offer spectacular views of marine life and colorful coral reefs, as well as a comfortable climate-controlled cabin. It descends to depths of 100 feet , providing passengers with a fascinating glimpse of the magical underwater world. Similar to Waikiki Atlantis, children have a minimum height requirement of 36 inches to enjoy the tour.

• Tour: Maui Atlantis Submarine Adventure
• Cost: $163.56 USD per adult

8 Atlantis Submarine Kona

One of the many interesting places to explore underwater , the Atlantis Kona submarine tour is located on the Big Island of Hawaii. It offers a glimpse at the underwater riches of lava rock reefs and dozens of vibrant fish species. The submarine has large viewing windows and the ability to descend to depths of up to 100 feet , allowing passengers an incredible view of the stunning marine life surrounding Hawaii. The tour lasts around one hour and includes 32 miles of the beautiful Kona coastline. Passengers can have a pickup and drop-off service from their hotel, making the submarine tour even more convenient.

• Tour: Atlantis Submarine Kona - Hawaii Island
• Duration: 1 hour
• Cost: From $164.39 USD per adult

7 Catalina Island Semi-Submarine Tour

The Catalina Island Semi-Submarine Tour is a fantastic way to explore the underwater world of Avalon Bay. The semi-submersible vessel takes visitors on a 45-minute journey along the spectacular Santa Catalina coastline, providing guests with incredible views of marine life, such as sea lions and colorful fish. During the tour, guests will also have the chance to observe various species of deep-sea coral in their natural habitat – a truly unforgettable experience. It dives 6 feet underneath the Love's Cove surface.

• Tour: 45 Minute Semi-Submarine Tour of Catalina Island From Avalon
• Duration: 45 minutes
• Cost: From $47 USD per adult

RELATED: The Complete Guide To Visiting California's Beautiful Catalina Island

6 Catalina Island Undersea Expedition

The Catalina Island Undersea Expedition takes passengers on a duration of 45 minutes tour of the ocean's depths surrounding Catalina Island - featuring a variety of marine animals, including starfish, sea cucumbers, reef sharks, and more. What makes this tour unique is that guests can either ride a ferry transit or enjoy a roundtrip car ride. The trip offers an exciting opportunity for guests to get up close and personal with the local marine life in a completely safe environment and learn more about the various conservation efforts of the Catalina Island Conservancy.

• Tour: Catalina Island Undersea Expedition
• Cost: From $48.53 USD per adult

5 Maui Atlantis Submarine & Snorkel Cruise

For 2 hours on the Maui Atlantis Submarine & Snorkel Cruise, visitors will get to explore the underwater world without getting their feet wet. The submarine takes passengers on a journey to depths of up to 100 feet , allowing them to observe a wide variety of marine life in the warm Hawaiian waters. Travelers can charter their own submarine by snorkeling and swimming with the fish on a nearby reef. The cruise is perfect for everyone, from young children to adults, and features a comfortable climate-controlled cabin.

• Cost: From $163.56 USD per adult

4 Catalina Island Day Trip with Optional Upgrades

For those who want to spend the entire day exploring Catalina Island, this submarine tour is such a great way to explore and learn more about the whole world. Enjoy a full-day adventure from Anaheim by getting on a ferry to cross Catalina Island, the easternmost California state. Besides a ferry ride, there are other activities to do for an optional upgrade, such as zip lining over the canyons and hills close to the Avalon area or a ride on the glass-bottom boat to learn more about marine life while staying dry.

• Tour: Catalina Island Day Trip from Anaheim hotels with Optional Upgrades
• Duration: 8 hours
• Cost: From $189.75 USD per adult

RELATED: 10 Beautiful Oahu Waterfall Hikes For Hawaii Tourists

3 Catalina Island Day Trip with Undersea Adventure

Another great tour of Catalina Island is the Undersea Adventure, which includes the ferry ride, glass-bottom boat ride, and an underwater submarine that takes passengers to depths of up to five feet within 45 minutes. During the submarine tour, guests can observe various marine life, including sea turtles, stingrays, sea stars, and sharks. The guide also provides interesting insights into the fascinating underwater ecosystem. This tour is perfect for families, couples, and anyone who wants to get up close and personal with the incredible marine life of Catalina Island.

• Tour: Catalina Island Day Trip from LAX area hotels with Undersea Adventure
• Duration: 12 hours
• Cost: From $238.47 USD per adult

2 Oahu Submarine Scooter Tour

This time, ride a scooter to explore the underwater world of Maunalua Bay. The electric, self-propelled scooter takes guests on an adventure of a lifetime, allowing them to dive down and observe colorful coral reefs, schools of tropical fish, sea turtles, eels, and more. Travelers can scuba shipwrecks & reefs , too! The whole tour usually takes around 2 hours and is led by knowledgeable guides who provide interesting insights into the local marine life. Even non-swimmers can enjoy this amazing tour and observation of the underwater world.

• Tour: Oahu Submarine Scooter Adventure
• Cost: From $183.25 USD per adult

1 Key West Submarine Tours

The Key West Submarine Tours submarine takes passengers on a journey to the ocean's depths around Key West. The underwater environment is home to an abundant variety of marine life, including sponges, octopuses, eels, and colorful fish. While the tour is great for all ages, it's particularly popular with families. Guests are equipped with a low-profile mask and snorkel to view the colorful underwater world up close. The trip also includes a guided snorkeling tour around the caiman and butterfly fish. There is also a luxury yacht that turns into a submarine , giving guests a better experience while traveling.

• Tour: Submarine Tours in Key West
• Duration: Varies
• Cost: Varies

• » HOME «

Mission Statement: "To unite all submarine museum authors, curators, docents, enthusiasts, historians, librarians, visitors, and volunteers through positive promotion and cooperative education in order to perpetuate the American submarine museums of our forefathers."

Each museum submarine is unique in her own way. Many hold some various record, some were used in movies, and a few have rare operational, functioning equipment. All of them have a following of hard-working volunteers that keep them going.

This site also has a forum that I hope you'll take part in. The forum is here for visitors to ask questions and learn about the different submarines. It is also here for all those who work and volunteer on the submarine museums to share ideas, talk about fund raising efforts, find restoration advice, promote special events, etc.

These are the submarines in your neighborhood! Find one near you and go visit it with your friends and family. All of these museum submarines are open for you get down inside and explore. Nineteen are still in the water while six ( Albacore , Batfish , Cavalla , Drum , Marlin , and U-505 ) are secured on dry land. It is truely an amazing experience to tour any submarine museum! Also, there is more to the submarine museums than just submarines. Many have exhibits of torpedoes, mines, and ships (targets) to see while you're there.

" They weren't just hull numbers, they were our home addresses. Now the old neighborhood is torn down and gone and all that is left are memories. " - Richard "Murph" Murphy, IC3(SS)

Here are some interesting facts about each museum submarine:

• Launched on May 12, 1941, she is the oldest of all the WWII fleet submarines remaining in the USA
• She was the first Gato class submarine commissioned
• Opened to the public on July 4, 1969, the Drum is the oldest submarine museum in the USA
• Due to heavy damage from a depth charge attack on her 8th war patrol in WWII, the Gato class submarine received a new Balao class conning tower
• The only German U-boat museum in the USA
• Is one of only two remaining class IX-C German U-boats in the world
• Is one of only five remaining WWII era German U-boats in the world
• The only submarine on display inside (under) a building in the USA
• Boarded and captured from the Germans on June 4, 1944, the only foreign enemy man-of war done so since the War of 1812

• Silversides sank 23 ships (3rd highest in WWII) and 90,080 tons (5th highest in WWII) making her the highest-scoring WWII submarine of all the submarine museum boats
• The first man to die on the top deck of a submarine in WWII died on the Silversides , Mike Harbin TM3c
• Was used to film exterior scenes for the movie Below in 2002.
• Houses one of only two Mark III Torpedo Data Computers (TDC) in existence
• Launched on the first anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack, hence being called "The Pearl Harbor Avenger"
• Located today in Pearl Harbor
• Oldest remaining Balao class submarine in the USA
• Sank the Japanese cruiser Nagara on her first war patrol, along with two freighters, earning a Navy Unit Commendation
• Underwent SSK (hunter-killer) conversion in 1953
• Rescued the crew of the Dutch submarine O-19 in July of 1945, performing the only international submarine-to-submarine rescue in history
• Only submarine museum still in original WWII configuration
• Visitors enter and exit the boat using her original hatches and ladders
• Houses a fully operational Mark IV Torpedo Data Computer (TDC)

• Sank a record 3 Japanese submarines over a period of four days, hence nicknamed "Submarine Killer"
• Was placed on a dry berth when opened as a submarine museum boat
• Originally named USS Acoupa but was renamed Batfish before launch
• Spotted the famous Japanese battleship Yamato on her 1st war patrol
• Houses one of only two Mark III Torpedo Data Computers (TDC) in existence - the Pampanito 's TDC is the only one that is fully operational
• Rescued more than 73 Allied POWs who were aboard enemy transports that she sank in September of 1944
• Was portrayed as the fictional submarine USS Stingray in the movie Down Periscope in 1995
• The last fleet boat to patrol American shores in WWII
• The only museum submarine to retain all of her batteries
• First boat to be named for the lionfish
• Her first captain was Lt. Cmdr. Edward D. Spruance, son of the WWII admiral Raymond Spruance

• Sank the aircraft carrier Shokaku which had a role in the bombing of Pearl Harbor
• Was one of the submarines present in Tokyo Bay in September of 1945 for the Japanese surrender
• Underwent SSK (hunter-killer) conversion in 1952
• Houses the oldest operating radar set in the world
• Only submarine museum boat sold and bought back from a foreign country. She was sold after decommissioning in 1970 to the Turkish Navy - the city of North Little Rock, AR bought her back in 2004 for $1 plus shipping costs and opened her as a museum in 2005
• The Razorback is the only American museum submarine that is not subject to annual USN inspections due to being purchased from a foreign navy
• The most years in active service of any submarine museum boat
• Underwent GUPPY IIA conversion in 1954 by Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
• Her #2 periscope is operational and freely rotates on ball bearings
• Spotted the famous Japanese battleship Yamato on her 2nd war patrol
• Underwent GUPPY IA conversion in 1951 by Electric Boat and took part in many Cold War excercises

• Launched on September 6, 1944, she is the oldest remaining Tench class submarine in the USA
• The last US submarine to sink an enemy ship via torpedo in WWII on August 14, 1945 with an electric Mark 27 passive acoustic homing "Cutie" torpedo
• Impressive number of dives/surfaces - 11,884 in her career
• Nicknamed the "Galloping Ghost of the Japanese Coast"
• Underwent Fleet Snorkel conversion in 1952 by Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
• Her first captain was the famous Slade D. Cutter - his wife sponsored the boat launch
• Became one of the first converted radar picket submarines after WWII
• Underwent MIGRAINE II conversion in January of 1948 and was redesignated as SSR-481
• Underwent Fleet Snorkel conversion in 1959 by Charleston Navy Yard
• Final deployment was part of the search effort for the USS Scorpion
• The only submarine museum boat that underwent GUPPY II conversion in 1948 by Philadelphia Naval Shipyard and GUPPY III conversion in 1962 by Charleston Navy Yard
• As a pure experimental submarine, she pioneered the modern teardrop hull
• Was built without any weapon systems

• Was originally named T-2
• The only SST (training submarine) submarine museum boat in the USA
• World's first nuclear-powered submarine
• The only SSN (nuclear powered attack submarine) submarine museum boat in the USA
• The only SSG (guided missile attack submarine) submarine museum boat in the USA
• The only submarine museum boat to display a Regulus nuclear missile
• The last diesel-powered, non-research submarine built by the US Navy, and the last to be decommissioned after 31 years of service
• Made the longest ever submerged voyage by a diesel-electric submarine, traveling 5,340 miles from Yokosuka, Japan, to San Diego, California
• Appeared in the movie The Hunt for Red October

• Also known as "Black Widow" and "Cobra"
• Built to be a research and development submarine
• With an operating depth of over 3,000 feet, she is one of the world's deepest diving submarines
• Holds the record for the deepest launching of a torpedo
• Was the last diesel-electric submarine in the US Navy fleet
• Performed the first two-way laser communication between a submarine and an aircraft
• First submarine to use the mobile submarine simulator (MOSS) decoy system
• Also known as "Scorpion"

While Lockwood Internet Base is no more, you can still purchase the patch from SubmarineShop.com to show your support for museum submarines.

TrendyDigests

Unveiling the Future of Underwater Superiority: US Navy's Block V Virginia-Class Submarines

Posted: May 17, 2024 | Last updated: May 17, 2024

The United States Navy is poised to maintain its underwater dominance with the advanced Block V Virginia-class submarines, strategically designed to bridge the missile gap and enhance the U.S. naval force's prowess.

These next-gen fast-attack submarines are not just a leap in naval technology; they are set to be the vanguard of U.S. maritime strategy for decades to come.

Currently being constructed in Groton, Connecticut, these innovative vessels represent a significant step forward from their predecessors, offering enhanced capabilities for a range of critical operations.

The incorporation of the Virginia Payload Module (VPM) signifies a revolutionary advancement, allowing the Block V to carry three times as many Tomahawk missiles.

The Block V Virginia-class is not just a counter to contemporary threats but also a platform ready to evolve with the future of naval warfare. It offers unmatched stealth, versatility, and endurance, all critical traits for the unpredictability of future conflicts.

Designed with stealth in mind, these submarines can covertly gather intelligence and strike with precision, all while remaining undetected by potential adversaries. Their nuclear-powered propulsion affords them unlimited range, allowing for sustained global presence without the need for frequent refueling.

Cost-effective yet powerful, each Block V unit is estimated at $1.8 billion, undercutting the price of the previously favored Seawolf-class, which stands at a hefty $2.8 billion per unit.

This strategic cost management does not compromise on capability; instead, it ensures that the Navy can deploy a sizeable fleet equipped to tackle future maritime challenges.

The Block V SSNs also stand ready to engage in seabed warfare operations, a role increasingly vital as nations develop intricate networks of infrastructure under the shoreline that are critical to civil society. This capacity to engage with the ocean floor will be pivotal in safeguarding against the security threats posed to underwater infrastructure, as highlighted by the recent attacks on the Nord Stream pipelines.

It's crucial to acknowledge that the Virginia-class submarines are the backbone of the U.S. submarine force, capable of disrupting enemy shipping with torpedoes and cruise missiles. The Block V update, currently under development, includes 10 vessels in various stages of the process, with significant enhancements over the previous blocks.

These include a suite of technological innovations tailored for littoral operations, providing better support for special operations forces with a more accommodating system for launching frogmen underwater.

The submarines eschew traditional periscopes in favor of photonic masts that provide both physical and infrared views to the crew. This, along with their nuclear reactors, enables them to remain operational underwater for extended periods.

The Virginia Payload Module (VPM) is the centerpiece of the Block V update, incorporating four additional payload tubes that significantly increase the submarines' missile capacity. With the current focus on the Indo-Pacific region, the capabilities of the Virginia-class Block V submarines will be a decisive factor in any potential conflict, especially in close-quarters combat where their advanced systems shine.

The U.S. Navy has long-term plans beyond Block V, with concepts for Block VI and Block VII already in the works to leverage the technology and advances made with the latest variant.

These submarines, beginning with Block V, promise to be a formidable presence beneath the waves, quietly safeguarding national interests and projecting power where necessary, all while operating under a veil of secrecy that keeps potential aggressors at bay. With each vessel expected to serve for half a century post-commissioning, the Virginia-class is set to define the future of naval warfare.

Relevant articles: - The Navy's Block V Virginia-Class Submarine Is Something No Nation Can Match , The National Interest - Class Subs Are the Face of Future Warfare , CT.GOV-Connecticut's Official State Website (.gov) - The US Navy’s Block V Virginia-class submarine has a secret , Sandboxx

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Nigerian visit is a reminder of how much the House of Windsor could have used them

Analysis Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Nigerian visit is a reminder of how much the House of Windsor could have used them

Prince Harry and Meghan's 72-hour visit to Nigeria has attracted a level of publicity Buckingham Palace has been sorely lacking of late.

The photographs of the former royals taking part in a casual volleyball game, accepting flowers from a little girl and visiting local schools to promote mental health awareness made headlines around the world over the weekend .

Prince Harry drew praise over a heartfelt speech about the importance of "acknowledging bad days ", and photographers snapped pictures as he accepted an invitation to sit and throw the ball around with army veterans wounded in battle against the country's Islamist insurgency.

His wife's instinctive sartorial choices were also avidly followed by royal and non-royal watcher s alike, as was her special connection to the country she called "home".

The lightning-quick tour of Nigeria was intended to champion mental health for young people and promote the Invictus Games, an international sporting event founded by Prince Harry back when he was still firmly within the royal fold.

Nigeria became the first African country to take part in the games last year, with General Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, the country's highest-ranking military official, extending an invitation to the prince this year to help raise its profile.

But it wasn't a royal tour, it couldn't be. Not after the duke and duchess' decision in 2020 to step back as senior working members of the royal family.

After failing to reach a compromise over a hybrid working model, the couple traded in their lofty titles for the chance to earn a private income, swapping the rigid spotlight of the United Kingdom for carefree California.

Four years later, the British high commissioner in Nigeria was at pains to stress this point, releasing a statement that the couple's visit was in a private capacity and "not an official one".

"They are not representing the work of His Majesty's government on this visit," Richard Montgomery told the News Agency of Nigeria .

It did not prevent the three-day spectacle from making the news locally and within the country Harry and Meghan once considered home.

Some of this attention could not be helped given the stark absences of other senior royals in the public eye in recent months due to illness.

The couple, whether they intended to or not, have demonstrated in their Nigeria stopover, the gap they could have filled had they stayed on as working royals.

And given how small that circle is at the moment, perhaps they have also showed how helpful that would have been.

According to author and former Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown, the visit has drawn recollections of the position the duke and duchess once occupied.

"After all the trashing of Harry ... actually when I saw him and Meghan in Nigeria, I had a nostalgia," she told the BBC.

"I felt this is what could have been, these two — who are enormously appealing to the public, and who are very good at it — were out there in Nigeria looking very attractive and being appealing people. And what a pity it is they've gone"

In her view, the couple's sleek visit was a reminder of the grim realities looming over the slimmed-down royal family and the "Harry-shaped hole in the monarchy".

The importance of a royal tour

Royal tours by their very nature are filled with pomp and ceremony and are considered to be an important part of making the public believe in the power of the monarch.

One of Queen Elizabeth II's favourite mantras was that royals "have to be seen to be believed".

Since medieval times, a monarch's highly orchestrated trips around the country or (in more recent times) the globe has provided their subjects with proof of life and reinforced the magic of the palace.

The late queen was a firm believer in the importance of these public voyages, embarking on dozens throughout her reign after first coming to the role of monarch while on a royal tour.

As the story goes, she was more than 7,000 kilometres from home on a five-month visit of Africa and Australia when she went up a tree a princess and came down a queen.

But in the 21st century, the pageantry of these events is offset by greater scrutiny from a wary public and a sceptical media throng.

Stephen Bates, the former royal affairs writer for the Guardian, writes that press teams that accompany royals on these visits do so now if three conditions are met.

"There may be some newsworthiness to them …; second, to view the royals at close range in a way that’s not normally possible — to see what they are like in person, maybe even speak to them; and third, to test the water for their popularity," he wrote for the Guardian.

Last year, King Charles reportedly began planning the largest-ever series of official tours across the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and other countries.

Those rumours were soon confirmed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in February, when he revealed discussions were underway for the king's visit Down Under .

There had been speculation his trip might fall alongside the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa in October.

However, the king's cancer diagnosis and treatment have thrown these plans into question.

Both King Charles III and Princess Catherine have limited their public engagements since announcing they would be recovering from procedures in January.

The king returned to in-person royal duties in late April , after more than seven weeks away from the spotlight, but his public appearances are still being worked out.

"The pacing of the king's program will be carefully calibrated as his recovery continues, in close consultation with his medical team," a Buckingham Palace statement released last month said.

The government has confirmed there are still plans underway for an Australian visit, though it is far from certain.

This is not surprising, given the publicity these tours can generate and the pressure they place on the people at the centre of them.

Careful and thoughtful preparations play a key part in the success of a tour.

But, as with all best-laid plans, sometimes they can go wrong.

The Caribbean tour that drew unwanted attention

Kate and William's tour across the Caribbean in 2022 was supposed to be one such highly-planned event.

It was hoped the young couple would win over a new generation of subjects growing increasingly dubious about their heads of state.

But reports at the time indicated the then duke and duchess of Cambridge's efforts backfired after a series of faux pas.

The couple's visit to Jamaica was overshadowed when reports emerged not long after their arrival that the country's government had begun the process of transitioning the nation to a republic.

Photographs of the couple standing in an open-top Land Rover and reaching out to grab the hands of children through a wire fence also gave rise to awkward recollections of the monarchy's colonial past.

Royal commentators described the messaging of that tour as "poor at best" and prompting an overhaul of the Prince and Princess of Wales' PR and communications team.

While Meghan and Harry's three-day Nigeria visit is by no means comparable to the spectacle of a royal tour, it has offered some lessons on the importance of leaning on a sophisticated PR machine.

The duchess  reportedly has one of the most powerful managers in Hollywood working for her after a reshuffle of her management team last year following the couple's high-profile exit from a Spotify deal.

But part of the success of the duke and duchess' Nigeria stopover was also in some of the more genuine moments on display for waiting cameras.

A day after landing, Meghan noted the contrast between her neutral wardrobe and those around her, making a swift decision to update her sartorial choices.

"It has been a whirlwind 24 hours since we arrived," Meghan reportedly told guests at an event.

"And I very quickly got the memo that I need to wear more colour so I can fit in with all of you in your incredible fashion!"

Her authentic connection with the country was also a running theme of the visit, with Meghan telling locals she had recently discovered her ancestry traced back to Nigeria.

While on stage at an event in the country's capital, Abuja, the Duchess of Sussex explained that her first reaction after finding out was to tell her mother.

"Being African American, part of it is really not knowing so much about your lineage and background … ," she said.

After the duchess's revelation, Mo Abudu, the anchor and chief executive of EbonyLife media group, asked the audience to suggest a Nigerian name for Meghan.

Someone shouted "Ifeoma", which means "a treasured thing", while another shouted "Omowale", which means "the child has come home".

Could Harry and Meghan return to royal life?

In the years since the couple left, questions have swirled around what may have happened if the dice of fate had landed a different way.

What if Harry and Meghan were still working royals alongside William and Kate?

What might have happened if the young couple were on hand to pitch in and step up their public presence when other royals were absent?

The questions have taken on more relevance after the King and Princess Catherine's dual cancer diagnoses and subsequent withdrawal from the spotlight.

A glimpse of what might have been played out over the weekend as Harry and Meghan underwent their own "private" tour of Nigeria.

While the photographs made those watching nostalgic, it's unlikely the visit will prompt a request to take on official duties back in London or heal the deep rift between the royal family and the young couple.

What it has done is further highlight the small group of working royals operating now, made smaller after the deaths of Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth, and following Prince Andrew's complete removal from royal life.

But if the king's decision not to see his son when he was in London last week — reportedly due to a full programme —  is anything to go by, any suggestions of a return to royal life are being firmly rebuffed.

Even with a smaller circle of people to rely on, it appears as if the royal family has chosen to keep Harry out in the cold.

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