uss blueback submarine tour

USS Blueback

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Review Highlights

“ Visited here on a Sunday afternoon in Aug 2022 as part of OMSI and bought tickets for the sub tour. ” in 7 reviews

“ The submarine is in great shape (not a given at other museums featuring navy vessels) and the guided tour was excellent. ” in 3 reviews

“ I'm a veteran and that's where my interest was as I was in another branch and don't know much about ships or subs. ” in 4 reviews

Location & Hours

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581 Eastbank Esplanade

Portland, OR 97202

Hosford-Abernethy

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As an ex-navy submariner, old museum boats naturally draw my interest. During my latest trip over the hill to Portland, on top of my to-do list was visiting the USS Blueback. I was not disappointed. The submarine is in great shape (not a given at other museums featuring navy vessels) and the guided tour was excellent. Mind you, I didn't need a guided tour and was a bit apprehensive when our guide turned out to be a young woman who was clearly not a navy vet. Here again, I was not disappointed. Although she had no personal experience on submarines, she had just as clearly been trained well on the history, workings and life on the Blueback. Her mentors were the volunteer navy sub vets who help maintain the boat and who are to be commended for what they do, both in keeping the Blueback in fine condition and ensuring the tour guides know their stuff. Highly recommended.

See all photos from Robin S. for USS Blueback

A lot cooler than I was expecting. We came to fill some time between the Japanese Gardens and the south tram to the hospital for sightseeing. This was the only exhibit at OMSI we went to. I'm a veteran and that's where my interest was as I was in another branch and don't know much about ships or subs. Ample parking around the building. OMSI has a lot of options for other things to do, especially ally if you've got kids. The tour was supposed to be about "25-30 minutes" but our group had questions - which was totally fine and impressed the tour guide and led to a more knowledgeable experience for everyone in the group - so bring your questions. Our tour took just under 45 minutes. They also offer a technical tour in which they go through "every area on board and they get you into all the compartments" so that would have been better - you'll have to look those dates and times up. I was impressed with the tour and knowledge and everywhere we got to go. MUCH more interesting than any tour of battleship or aircraft carrier I've been on! Perhaps because this is a specialized ship that's different than most on how it operates. I'm tall at 6' 8" and couldn't stand up straight for portions of the tour but was surprised at all the places I could stand up straight. It wasn't difficult for me to slouch for the portions I had to, and I'm 40 years old to give reference. There was the slight inclination of claustrophobia but it really wasn't that bad. Anxiety is a mental game, so take some slow deep breaths and remind yourself you're simply floating on the river, tethered to the pier - but if you want to exit, it's only a flight up the stairs and you're out. Some stairs are steep and doorways are short so you will need to crouch and stoop. I'd go back if we didn't live 3 states away.

superb sub tour. great docents. very knowledgeable & informative. must see when in Portland.

We didn't have time for all of OMSI but my youngest really wanted to go on a submarine so I booked a tour and it was a lot of fun! The guides were engaging, telling interesting age appropriate stories and sharing fun facts and allowing the kids to touch and participate when possible. I generally just "put up with" these tours because my family enjoys them but I genuinely enjoyed it and found it really interesting.

Passing the beautiful U.S. Submarine Memorial everyday on my walk, it dawned on me that I've never written a review of this special place of honor and respect. Located on the Eastbank Esplanade in front of OMSI and overlooking the Williamette River where the USS Blueback Submarine is permanently docked, the U.S. Submarine Memorial is dedicated to submarine veterans who are now on "Eternal Patrol." To prominently mark the spot, the propeller (screw) of the Blueback Submarine was removed and placed on the Eastbank Esplanade to permanently commemorate and honor those who gave their life in service. The Secretary of the Navy, John H. Dalton, gave a speech entitled STILL ON PATROL--BUT SILENT NO LONGER at the dedication ceremony of The Blueback Memorial on May 14th, 1994. The gorgeous bronze propeller is absolutely stunning with a gorgeous patina of various shades that changes hues as the light from the sun passes overhead. It is encircled by bricks engraved with names of some of these brave veterans. There is a plaque in front of the propeller that reads: Dedicated to the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives while serving their country in the U.S Submarine Force. These gallant men gave the supreme sacrifice to protect our freedom and the American way of life. Their legacy will continue to live on in future generations. At the entrance to the dock that leads down to the USS Blueback is another marker, a large stone engraved with words of remembrance. These words, cut in stone, are a tribute to all submariners who volunteered to serve their country in the submarine service of the United States of America. Never let it be said of any of us that we forgot our shipmates on eternal patrol. Dedicated by U.S. Submarine Veterans World War II Oregon Chapter May 14, 1994 So as you walk the Eastbank Esplanade, pause to check out this memorial and pay respect to those that served. You can take a tour of the actual submarine, the USS Blueback, for a fee, but the tours are temporarily closed due to Covid.

See all photos from Kim G. for USS Blueback

Quick informative guided tour. I've been on several submarine tours and although this one can use some modern touches it was a quick crowded walk with history thrown in. If your claustrophobic this one you might want to skip it is a tight walkway and barely room for the group they take inside. Half of us had to listen from the stairs since there wasn't room for us all in the corridor, makes you appreciate the fact you never had to live on one. Worth the visit once wouldn't go again.

QUICKIE REVIEW Awesome piece of history right here. Great tour experience when available again. PARKING Yes. SERVICE Tour guide that I had was a submarine nerd, which was great. He knew what seemed to be everything and then some. You will be hard pressed doing the tour and not to learn something new. TIP/OTHER THOUGHTS The regular tour is about an hour long; however, they have tech tours that run much longer and in way more depth. The tour is given by a submarine veteran, cannot beat it.

I was in Portland for a short trip last week. I toured the USS Blueback on a fine day when I took MAX to the OMSI Museum. Our docent, Tony, was outstanding. He knows his stuff; informative, entertaining, as he led our group through this last diesel electric sub from the 1950s. He is a veteran of the sister ship of this sub. Tony was an electrician and served for several years in the '60s. In the OMSI museum, they have you climb through a replica of the sub hatchways. If you can't do this you won't get to see the sub. Makes perfect sense.

Visited here on a Sunday afternoon in Aug 2022 as part of OMSI and bought tickets for the sub tour. Absolutely worth the time and even more interesting if you have or had any interest in military things growing up (books, movies, etc.) They have a standard tour and apparently also periodically have a more in-depth technical tour a few times a month. The guides were extremely knowledgeable, entertaining, and great at answering questions. We could have probably stuck around for hours to listen to stories. It is a fairly tight space though, so be prepared for short, steep steps, going through small doorways with low clearance, etc. If claustrophobic, might be an issue although ventilation was fine. Would absolutely recommend this to kids and adults - I think there is something for everyone here.

Maybe I should write this review under OMSI, but the highlight of the museum was this tour, so that's why I'm giving it a spotlight. Our tour guide was Mike Stephens (could be wrong on 1st name?) and he was FANTASTIC. My mom just cannot stop saying how great the tour was! She actually asked me to write this review, and that's a first. I toured a sub in San Francisco, so I thought I would be doing a bit of a repeat of here, but Stephens has so much knowledge and interest - he proved me wrong! Obvious (??) addition: Don't go if you have claustrophobia or issues with mobility in small spaces.

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See What Life Was Like On The USS Blueback Submarine At Oregon Museum Of Science & Industry

Catherine Armstrong

Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.

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If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to live and work on a submarine, you’ll want to visit the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland. It’s home to the USS Blueback – a former Navy submarine that served from 1959 to 1990.

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Make sure to get your tour tickets online in advance. You can purchase them on the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry’s website . You’ll also want to give the museum’s Facebook page a follow so you can see all the latest news and exhibits.

Have you toured the USS Blueback? We’d love to read about your tour and see your photos in our Facebook comments!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Featured Addresses

USS Blueback Submarine

By: Author Noah Harris

Posted on August 20, 2023

Welcome aboard the USS Blueback Submarine, a colossal icon of maritime history nestled in the heart of Portland, Oregon.

Dive deep into an immersive experience that navigates the past, one that’s charged with intrigue and seasoned with heroics.

Traverse the depths of nautical life, all while stationed safely on land.

Opening hours:

• Tuesday to Sunday: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
• Closed on Mondays

Ticket price:

• Adult (14+): $18
• Senior (63+): $15
• Youth (3-13): $13
• Children 3 and Under: Free
• USS Blueback Submarine Tour: $8.50 per person
• Planetarium: $7.50 per person
• Special exhibits may require an extra charge

Launched in 1959, the USS Blueback Submarine marks the end of the diesel-electric submarine era.

It’s a poignant monument of the transition into nuclear-powered maritime history.

While her working days stretched across the cold war period, this gallant vessel today welcomes visitors to explore its intricate confines.

Every nook and cranny of the submarine boasts authentic fixtures, giving visitors an unfiltered peek into the robust and riveting life beneath the sea.

The submarine’s tour guides, each rich in nautical knowledge, offer anecdotes that pull back the curtain on life at sea, making the Blueback’s corridors echo with the stories they tell.

Expert Tips

• Mind your head and feet : The USS Blueback Submarine, like most submarines, has narrow passages, low ceilings, and steep staircases. Always watch your step and be aware of overhead obstacles to avoid bumps or trips while exploring the vessel.
• Review accessibility details : The submarine’s tight spaces may not be accessible to all visitors, including those with mobility issues or larger strollers. Before your visit, check the museum’s accessibility guidelines or contact them to ensure a smooth experience.

Contact Details

1945 SE Water Ave #300 Portland, OR 97214 503-797-4000 Visit Website Social Media

Experiences

Alternative Attractions Nearby: Punch Bowl Social Portland Lloyd Center Mall Keller Fountain Park

This Attraction Featured in: Fun Things to Do in Portland with Kids

• 42 people are interested

OMSI Volunteer Submarine Tour Guide Save to Favorites

Organization: oregon museum of science and industry (omsi).

Position Summary: Submarine Tour Guides provide tours of the USS Blueback, a diesel-electric submarine of the Barbel class, launched in 1959. It was one of the first subs to have a "teardrop-shaped" hull, and it was the last non-nuclear submarine in the U.S. Navy, decommissioned in 1990. It was brought to OMSI in 1994 and is open for organized tours during daylight hours when OMSI is open. Detailed training related to these tours and safety protocols will be provided to volunteers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead interpretive tours with guests on the USS Blueback submarine.
• Develop a complete and thorough understanding of the USS Blueback and its sub-systems.
• Perform maintenance and administrative tasks as needed.
• Provided quality customer service to visitors and perform crowd management duties, acting as a ticket-taker, as needed.
• Master all boat safety and emergency procedures.
• Utilize a 2-way radio to communicate with staff regarding the number of tour guests and arrival times.
• When necessary, encourage parties to adhere to OMSI’s safety protocols, including social distancing and wearing protective face coverings.

Qualifications:

• Interest in supporting the USS Blueback or submarine science education.
• Strong communication, public speaking and customer service skills.
• Comfortable speaking to 1-6 tour guests with the use of a microphone.
• Foreign language skills or naval background highly desirable.
• Able to listen to and communicate with people of diverse backgrounds, education levels, and ages.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Able to maintain a calm and cheerful demeanor in a variety of atmospheres.
• Dependable and punctual.
• Must present a professional appearance.
• Willing to follow OMSI rules and procedures, supporting OMSI’s commitment to safety and accessibility.
• Shift Times: 10:00 to 1:30 pm or 1:30 to 5:00 pm
• Shift Days: Tuesdays thru Sundays
• Minimum number of hours: 8 hours per month, 4 hours per shift
• Minimum age: 18 years
• Attend the following trainings or classes provided by OMSI: ○ Volunteer Orientation ○ Emergency Protocols
• ○ COVID-19 Safety training ○ Customer Service training ○ Role Specific training

Volunteer Benefits:

• Training and a lifelong learning experience.
• Admission for the volunteer to the museum, theater and planetarium shows, and submarine tours.
• An OMSI Family Membership upon completion of 50 hours of volunteer service.
• Discounts in the OMSI Science Store and on-site restaurants.
• The opportunity to meet many new people and learn more about OMSI.

11 More opportunities with Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)

About oregon museum of science and industry (omsi).

1945 SE Water Avenue, Portland, OR 97214, US

Mission Statement

OMSI’s mission is to inspire curiosity through engaging science learning experiences, foster experimentation and the exchange of ideas, and stimulate informed action. Volunteers support the operation of five exhibit halls and eight science labs and hundreds of interactive exhibits and hands-on demonstrations.

Description

OMSI is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and relies on admissions, memberships, and donations to continue our educational mission, programs, and exhibits. All are welcome at OMSI.

OMSI is committed to recruiting, hiring, developing, and retaining individuals from a diverse candidate pool regardless of race, age, ethnicity, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, citizenship status, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other legally protected status.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion guide our process as we build a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills so that we can better reflect and serve our community. We strongly invite applications from candidates who share our commitment to diversity.

CAUSE AREAS

1945 SE Water Ave Portland, OR 97214

DATE POSTED

November 9, 2021

• People Skills
• Public Speaking
• General Education
• Adult Education

REQUIREMENTS

• Background Check
• Must be at least 18
• Orientation or Training
• 8 hours per month, minimum of 9 months

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US submarine pulls into Guantanamo Bay a day after Russian warships arrive in Cuba

A fleet of Russian warships reached Cuban waters on Wednesday ahead of planned military exercises in the Caribbean in what some see as a projection of strength as tensions grow over Western support for Ukraine. (AP Video shot by Ariel Fernández and Osvaldo Angulo)

Russia’s Kazan nuclear-powered submarine arrives at the port of Havana, Cuba, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. A fleet of Russian warships reached Cuban waters on Wednesday ahead of planned military exercises in the Caribbean. (AP Photo/Ariel Ley)

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People watch the Russian Navy Admiral Gorshkov frigate arrive at the port of Havana, Cuba, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. A fleet of Russian warships reached Cuban waters on Wednesday ahead of planned military exercises in the Caribbean. (AP Photo/Ariel Ley)

WASHINGTON (AP) — A U.S. Navy submarine has arrived in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in a show of force as a fleet of Russian warships gather for planned military exercises in the Caribbean.

U.S. Southern Command said the USS Helena, a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, pulled into the waters near the U.S. base in Cuba on Thursday, just a day after a Russian frigate, a nuclear-powered submarine, an oil tanker and a rescue tug crossed into Havana Bay after drills in the Atlantic Ocean.

The stop is part of a “routine port visit” as the submarine travels through Southern Command’s region, it said in a social media post.

Other U.S. ships also have been tracking and monitoring the Russian drills, which Pentagon officials say do not represent a threat to the United States.

“This is not a surprise. We’ve seen them do these type of port calls before,” Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said Wednesday when asked about the Russian drills. “We of course take it seriously, but these exercises don’t pose a threat to the United States.”

The exercises, however, come less than two weeks after President Joe Biden authorized Ukraine to use U.S.-provided weapons to strike inside Russia to protect Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city. Russian President Vladimir Putin then suggested his military could respond with “asymmetrical steps” elsewhere in the world.

Singh said it wouldn’t be a surprise to see more Russian activity around the United States in such global exercises. The drills are in international waters, and U.S. officials expect the Russian ships to remain in the region through the summer and possibly also stop in Venezuela.

Russia is a longtime ally of Venezuela and Cuba, and its warships and aircraft have periodically made forays into the Caribbean.

Russian ships have occasionally docked in Havana since 2008, when a group of Russian vessels entered Cuban waters in what state media described as the first such visit in almost two decades. In 2015, a reconnaissance and communications ship arrived unannounced in Havana a day before the start of discussions between U.S. and Cuban officials on the reopening of diplomatic relations.