Albacore Park
Portsmouth, NH


Photo courtesy of Ralph Morang.

Once the fastest sub in the world, the USS Albacore is now a landed museum open for tours. Built at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard just across the Piscataqua River, Albacore is the forerunner of the teardrop design that became the standard for Navy subs. Carrying no weapons, this was a research vessel designed solely to conduct experiments from 1966 to 1971. Albacore set a world underwater speed record in 1966 and was almost scrapped, but for the efforts of local maritime history enthusiasts. On May 5, 1985 Albacore was moved from PNS and floated through the main road leading to Portsmouth in a dramatic haul out operation. After a few engineering snags, the 205-foot sub was winched to its current location. A visitor center includes a video in a special screening room, gift shop and exhibits. Tickets are available for a self guided tour of the submarine, an experience children will never forget. An illustrated book on the history of the Albacore by Robert Largee & Hames Mandelblatt was recently published by Peter E. Randall and is available online.

HOURS: After memorial Day open 7 days, 9:30 - 5pm (clised June 12 and 13), winter hours after Columbus Day
WEBSITE: http://www.ussalbacore.org/
ADMISSION: Adults $5, seniors $3.50, Children under $2
PHONE: (603) 436-3680
ADDRESS: 600 Market Street Portsmouth, NH 03802
DIRECTIONS: Get off 95 at Exit 7 and turn towards Portsmouth and the museum less than a mile ahead
LINKS: 1985 Haul-Out Photos,

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