Legislation was signed on September 30, 2003 that authorized the Secretary of the Navy to transfer USS NARWHAL SSN-671 to the National Submarine Science Discovery Center.

There were two stipulations: (1) the nuclear reactor and propulsion equipment had to be removed (at the Navy's expense); (2) NSSDChad to submit an acceptable donation application.

Deactivated in January 1999, the NARWHAL remains in "excellent condition" which was confirmed during an inspection in September 2003.

Source: http://www.nssdc.us/background_oursub.htm (Frame link)

Text adapted from the website of
NSSDC (National Submarine Science Discovery Center)
http://www.nssdc.us/ (Frames and FLASH)

With a public opening planned for 2007, the 314 foot-long submarine NARWHAL will be mounted on a large display barge floating in Newport, Kentucky on the Ohio River.

The NARWHAL will be completely out of the water while on display and easy entry access will be provided via a ramp and double door opening into the sub's hull.

Legacy of the Narwhal

A testament to the marvels of science and technology, the first (second - see SUBNET link above) USS NARWHAL (SS-167) had a distinguished war record in World War II. Commissioned in 1930, the NARWHAL was present during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and was one of the few ships not only to survive the attack, but also to return fire. She subsequently completed 15 war patrols before she was decommissioned in 1945.

Commissioned in 1969, the second (third - see SUBNET link above) USS NARWHAL (SSN-671) served as a powerful symbol of U.S. defense during the Cold War with the Soviet Union. Although she fired no shots in anger, she was an active member of the historic, select championship team that won the Cold War. She was decommissioned in 1999, and was scheduled to be cut up and sold as scrap.

Fortunately, a different fate awaits the USS NARWHAL SSN 671, as she prepares for her final mission. A mission to instruct, teach and inspire America's next generation of leaders. Thanks to Senators Jim Bunning and Ted Stevens, legislation designating the USS NARWHAL for NSSDC was added to the 2004 Defense Appropriations bill, which Congress passed in September of 2003.

Source: http://www.nssdc.us/history_legacy.htm (Frame link)

More from USNA Alumni OnLIne pub
http://www.usna.com/news_pubs/publications/shipmate/2004/03/Sub.htm