FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2004

Contact: Frank Lennon
      (401) 831-8696

Add now to that irony the imminent arrival of crewmembers of a US Navy nuclear sub to join in the effort to restore some of the systems of the former Soviet cruise missile sub.

Crew members of the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Providence (SSN719) have volunteered to assist Russian Sub Museum staff and volunteers in a series of winter restoration projects, including rehabilitation of elements of the Cold War sub's hydraulic system. These particular repairs are aimed at making the sub an even more exciting attraction and educational platform than she already is. High on the priority list is restoring the ability to raise and lower one of the sub's two sets of nuclear cruise-missile launching tubes. Not far behind is activating the hydraulics needed to raise and lower the three main radar masts.

Other potential projects include activation of the sub's fresh water supply system, repair of the sound-powered telephones to improve communication between compartments, and adding lights and sound to some of the sub's now-dormant electronic gear to enhance the visitor experience.

"Another of our frequently asked visitor questions is, 'Can you raise and lower the periscopes?'" said Bill Sheridan of the USS Saratoga Museum Foundation, which owns and operates the sub museum. "With the capable assistance of the US Navy, we think we'll soon be answering in the affirmative. We are delighted that these men, after serving in harm's way in the Iraq War, have donated some of their free time to help preserve Juliett 484 and enhance the museum experience."

To make best use of the limited time available from the USS Providence volunteers, the Russian Submarine Museum will be closed weekdays until May (except for pre-arranged groups of ten or more). The sub, which is fully heated, will remain open Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Groups may reserve at any time during daylight hours, seven days per week. Weekday birthday parties aboard the sub will continue, as will the highly-successful overnight camping program.

"In addition to working on the sub, Saratoga staff and volunteers also will use this winter down-time to expedite renovations of our new headquarters and museum store on Post Road in North Kingstown," Sheridan added. "We are anxious to consolidate our offices, museum store and storage space under one roof. Along with streamlining our operations, the move underlines our commitment to bringing the Saratoga to Quonset as a museum, education center and family attraction."

Effort by the Groton-based USS Providence crewmen is, in part, a way of saying "thank you" to the Russian Submarine Museum and the City of Providence. Last summer, the museum served as a setting for a daylong salute to the USS Providence - a welcome home from Iraq party for crewmembers and their families. The celebration, attended by Providence Mayor David Cicilline, was intended to strengthen the relationship between the city and its namesake submarine.

"We are proud to have been a catalyst in honoring the ship and its crew," Sheridan said. "And we are enormously appreciative of the time and effort that is coming back our way in return. With the help of these highly skilled technicians, we are confident we can accomplish a significant amount of work with a minimum of inconvenience to our visitors."

About the USS Saratoga Museum Foundation

USS Saratoga Museum Foundation, Inc. -- an all-volunteer group -- created a vision of a major non-profit museum/memorial, educational center and family attraction at Quonset Point, and has worked for five years to turn that vision into reality.

Labor unions, environmentalists, educators, businessmen, and veterans joined a bi-partisan, grass roots efforts to see this project through. In host community North Kingstown the Planning and Harbor Management Commissions, as well as the Town Council, strongly endorsed this vision. Fourteen other City/Town Councils from Smithfield to New Shoreham, from Providence to Coventry echoed these endorsements. So did the RI General Assembly and all state officers other than then-Governor Lincoln Almond, who wanted to build a container port at Quonset. The Providence Journal endorsed the project in its lead editorial on September 16, 1999 entitled, "Move Saratoga to Quonset."

The effort was slowed when Saratoga fell victim to former Governor Almond's container port project. In December 2001 Governor Almond and the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation board of directors slammed the door on Saratoga by failing to endorse an extension recommended by the Quonset board for the project's Carrier Pier access agreement.

As a result, the Foundation was forced to diversify in order to survive. Re-energized by the setback, and encouraged by then-candidate Don Carcieri and others, the Foundation was able to take delivery of a multi-million dollar asset: the Soviet cruise missile submarine Juliett 484, used in the making of the Harrison Ford movie "K-19: The Widowmaker."

The Russian sub's last mission was not without irony. Throughout 2002, Juliett 484 worked to help save the American supercarrier she once targeted, awaiting the arrival of a new administration that would understand the benefits the Saratoga vision offers to Rhode Island.

The sub is now open to the public at Collier Point Park in Providence, and is proving to be one of the East Coast's most popular new naval tourist attractions. Juliett 484 has already hosted more than 20,000 residents, visitors, veterans and school children from more than 35 states and a number of foreign countries. It has generated cash flow and very favorable media coverage while proving the ability of the Foundation to manage and run an historic naval vessel as a museum.

The recent decision to expand the operation in North Kingstown is the latest in a series of events that mark the Foundation's growing vitality.

Last summer, Governor Don Carcieri made good on a campaign promise and held a Saratoga fundraising event at his Saunderstown home. He has since directed his staff to coordinate the negotiations between the EDC and Saratoga leadership in an effort to develop a win/win situation for everyone at Quonset/Davisville.

"We have promised the Governor to update our studies and provide a new plan for the Davisville location by June 1," said Lennon. "Hopefully, that new information will provide him the ammunition he needs to move forward with the project."

Last Updated:
2/6/04