Naval Undersea Museum

Naval Undersea Museum

The Naval Undersea Museum at Keyport provides a fascinating look at the history of undersea nautical and military ventures.  It’s also FREE!  Just take the Bainbridge Island Ferry from Seattle's downtown, then drive another 20 minutes to Keyport

[1 Garnett Way, Keyport, WA 98345. Phone: 360 396 4148].

Things to see at the Naval Undersea Museum

1. WW2 Torpedoes:  A key highlight of the Naval Undersea Museum is the naval weapons exhibit, with a number of torpedos and missiles on display.  This exhibit traces the origins of the first self-propelled torpedo built in 1866 by Englishman Robert Whitehead, to the modern torpedoes of today. It’s an awesome experience standing at the head of a 20-foot Mk 18 torpedo built in 1942!
2. USS Greenling Submarine:  The submarine exhibits are equally impressive, providing a hands-on experience in the Control Room of a retired submarine; the USS Greenling. Submarines were of immense strategic importance during WWII for protecting shipping lanes, rescuing aviators, and launching offensive operations in the European and Pacific Theater.  A total of 52 out of 275 US submarines were lost during WWII, leading to 3,506 casualties. Today’s nuclear powered submarines are constantly on patrol, and are capable of staying underwater for months at a time.
3. Deep Submergence Vehicle from the movie "Hunt for Red October": Another interesting display at the Naval Undersea Museum is the model of a Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle, used in the Sean Connery and Alec Baldwin Film "The Hunt for Red October".  The primary purpose of this type of vehicle is to rescue crew members trapped in a damaged submarine. The Submarine Rescue Chamber is another example of a rescue vehicle, saving 33 crew-members on the USS Squalus in 1949 trapped at 240-feet.
4. Deepwater diving suits:  There’s some great information on the exploits of deepwater divers in the US Navy, including the first submersible suits used for diving.  The huge Jim Suit on display is almost robotic in appearance, clad in armor to protect from water pressure changes.

The Naval Undersea Museum is a superb museum, and one of Washington State’s hidden treasures.  After visiting this great Seattle attraction, stop for lunch or dinner at nearby Poulsbo.

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