The metal hatch seals with a resounding clank. The air, thick with the scent of diesel and machine oil, fills your lungs as you descend the narrow ladder. Around you, the gentle hum of engines and the occasional ping of sonar create a symphony of submarine life. In the control room, officers huddle over navigation charts while crew members monitor depth gauges and trim controls. You're 300 feet beneath the ocean's surface aboard the USS Growler, cruising silently through the darkness on a Cold War mission that could change the course of history.
While this scenario played out countless times during the Growler's active service, today's visitors can experience a taste of this underwater world without actually submerging. The USS Growler submarine at the Intrepid Museum offers a rare opportunity to step back in time and discover what life was like for the sailors who served aboard this remarkable vessel during one of history's most tense periods.
Discover the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum stands as one of New York's most fascinating attractions, offering visitors a chance to explore American military and maritime history up close. Housed within the iconic USS Intrepid aircraft carrier that served in World War II and the Vietnam War, this floating museum at Pier 86 has become a cornerstone of New York's cultural landscape since opening to the public in 1982.
The museum's impressive collection spans aircraft, spacecraft, and naval vessels that tell the story of American innovation and courage. While the aircraft carrier itself serves as the primary exhibit space, one of the museum's most compelling attractions sits alongside it in the Hudson River — the USS Growler submarine, a silent sentinel from the Cold War era that offers visitors a rare glimpse into underwater warfare and the lives of submariners.
Step Aboard the Legendary USS Growler
The USS Growler (SSG-577) holds a special place in naval history as the only American-guided missile submarine open to the public. Commissioned in 1958 during the height of Cold War tensions, this diesel-electric submarine served as part of America's strategic deterrent force until 1964. Unlike the nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines that would later dominate underwater warfare, the Growler was designed to approach enemy coastlines and launch Regulus I nuclear cruise missiles.
What makes the submarine at Intrepid Museum particularly significant is its status as the last surviving example of its class. When you step aboard, you're entering a perfectly preserved time capsule of Cold War naval technology. The Intrepid Museum submarine experience allows visitors to explore the vessel from bow to stern, offering a comprehensive look at how 95 men lived and worked in extremely close quarters for months at a time.
Inside the USS Growler submarine exhibit, you'll discover original equipment, including navigation instruments, communication devices, torpedo rooms, and remarkably compact living quarters. The missile hangar, where the Regulus missiles were stored, provides a sobering reminder of the submarine's original purpose during a tense period in American history.
Preparing for Your Submarine Visit
The self-guided tour takes 20-30 minutes and is included with Intrepid Museum admission through New York CityPASS® tickets. Note that the authentic submarine features tight quarters with narrow passageways and steep ladders, making it inaccessible for wheelchairs or those with mobility challenges. Families will find it kid-friendly — children typically love exploring the submarine's compact design and underwater world. For the best experience, arrive early when crowds are thinner, wear comfortable shoes, and leave bulky bags behind.
Explore Key Areas of the USS Growler
The bridge and navigation station represent the submarine's command center, where officers plotted courses and made tactical decisions. Here, you'll see the original periscopes (though they're no longer operational), sextants, and navigation charts that guided the Growler through international waters. The captain's tiny quarters located nearby highlight the premium placed on space — even the commanding officer had minimal private space.
The periscope and control instruments in the conning tower offer insight into how submariners observed the world above while remaining hidden beneath the waves. Visitors can stand at the actual controls where crew members once maintained depth, speed, and heading. The ballast control panels, trim manifolds, and diving plane controls showcase the complex engineering required to operate safely underwater.
In the radio communications room, you'll discover the technology that kept the Growler connected to naval command. Vintage radio equipment, encryption devices, and communication protocols demonstrate how submariners stayed in contact despite the challenges of underwater communication. This area also houses sonar equipment used to detect enemy vessels through sound waves in the water — a critical capability for a submarine designed to operate clandestinely.
Life Aboard the Submarine
Life aboard the USS Growler required exceptional adaptation to confined spaces. The crew's quarters feature triple-stacked bunks where sailors slept in shifts—a practice called "hot bunking" where three sailors would share two bunks, with one always on duty. The galley (kitchen) is remarkably compact, and yet it served three meals daily to nearly 100 men.
The mess area doubled as a social space, movie theater, and meeting room. Personal space was virtually nonexistent, with each sailor allotted approximately one cubic foot of storage for all personal belongings during deployments that could last 60 to 80 days.
The Growler's engine room showcases the massive diesel engines that powered the submarine on the surface, while batteries provided underwater propulsion. These technical areas offer a glimpse into the engineering challenges of submarine design and the specialized knowledge required of the crew members who operated this complex vessel.
Plan Your Visit With New York CityPASS® Tickets
Exploring the submarine at the Intrepid Museum offers a wonderful journey into naval history and Cold War strategy. To make the most of your New York visit, consider purchasing New York CityPASS® tickets, which include admission to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum and other top New York attractions at significant savings.
Your journey through the USS Growler provides just one highlight of the incredible Intrepid Museum experience. After exploring the submarine, you can discover aircraft spanning the history of aviation, visit the Space Shuttle Pavilion, and explore the massive aircraft carrier itself. With convenient access to these remarkable exhibits, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the technological innovation and human courage that shaped American military history.
New York City Lodging
To get the most out of your stay in New York City, we recommend finding lodging near New York City's top attractions. Use this map to find the right lodging for you:
Header Image Courtesy of Intrepid Museum