FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 2, 2002

Contact: Frank Lennon
      (401) 831-8696

      John Martin
      (401) 521-3600

The submarine is moored at Collier Point Park, Providence, where visitors will experience a unique look at Russian naval culture and technology aboard the 300-foot long, diesel-powered Cold War veteran.

"We are delighted to be able to open this incredible warship," said USS Saratoga Museum Foundation President Frank Lennon. "Our staff and volunteers have done a tremendous amount of work in a very short period of time to make sure Juliett 484 is ready to receive visitors. 'Sensory overload' is the phrase that comes to mind when we think of touring this sub. We can't wait for guests to share that experience."

The Saratoga Foundation acquired the submarine earlier this year to support its ongoing effort to convert the supercarrier USS Saratoga into a floating museum, education center and family attraction on Narragansett Bay. The Saratoga is moored at the U.S. Navy facility in Middletown. The Foundation's long-term vision is the display the two ships - Cold War adversaries that were both decommissioned in 1994 - side by side as a Cold War museum and monument to lasting peace between Russia and the United States.

The submarine will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. She also is available for special events and private parties. Ticket prices are $5 for children; $6 for uniformed military personnel and senior citizens; $8 for all other adults. Major credit cards are accepted; no reservations are required. For safety purposes, guests must wear appropriate footwear: high heels, flip-flops and open-toed shoes are not allowed. Visitors must demonstrate their ability to pass through a mock submarine hatch near the ticketing area. Infants and toddlers are not allowed to tour the submarine. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

"Those who have seen K-19: The Widowmaker are in for a special treat," Lennon said. "From compartment to compartment you will recognize parts of the submarine used in filming."

K-19: The Widowmaker is a Cold War submarine thriller inspired by real events. On its maiden voyage in the North Atlantic in 1961, the Soviet Navy's first nuclear ballistic missile submarine suffered a malfunction in its nuclear reactor. Ford plays K-19's commander, whose orders were to prepare K-19 for sea and take her out on patrol - no matter what the cost. As the reactor chamber's temperature soars, Ford's character races against time to prevent a Chernobyl-like nuclear meltdown.

The Saratoga Foundation, with partners Save the Bay and Heritage Harbor Museum, hosted the K-19 New England premiere on July 18. The sell-out event raised $40,000, a portion of which was used to fund restoration of the sub.

"We would be remiss if we made this announcement without again expressing our appreciation to Mayor Cianci for the decisive way in which he stepped up to help bring Juliett 484 to Providence. "We had an opportunity to acquire this submarine on very favorable terms, but there was a very short window of time in which to do so. Thanks to the Mayor and his staff--especially Deputy Policy Director Paul Campbell--we were able to make it happen."

The submarine museum is located in beautiful Collier Point Park, an urban oasis near the center of downtown Providence. The park entrance is on Allens Avenue, immediately south of the city's newest electrical generating plant.

DIRECTIONS:

From Providence City Hall:

Go south on Dorrance Street; stay straight to go onto Dyer Street; turn slight left onto Eddy ST. After .4 miles, bear left at fork onto Allens Avenue. After about .4 miles, the road divides around an island at a construction site. Make a U-turn at the traffic light at the end of the island to head north on Allens Avenue. The entrance to Collier Point Park will be on your right.

From Points North:

From I-95 South, take the Eddy St. exit - Exit 19 - towards Allens Avenue. Keep left at the fork in the ramp, passing under the overpass. Turn left at the light onto Allens Avenue; Collier Point Park is approximately 0.1 miles on the right hand side.

From Points South:

From I-95 North, take the Thurbers Avenue exit--Exit 18 - towards Allens Avenue. Keep right at the fork in the ramp, merging onto Thurbers Avenue. Turn left onto Allens Avenue. Collier Point Park is approximately 0.8 miles up on the right hand side.

From anywhere in the United States:

Enter an address to get driving directions to Collier Point Park:

From: - Street - City, State [or Zip]

To: Collier Point Park Adjacent to Manchester Street Generating Station 40 Point Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903

Parking

Limited parking is available. On weekends and holidays you may be directed to our overflow parking lot at Heritage Harbor Museum, about a third of a mile north of Collier Point Park. Shuttle service will be available.

Public Transportation

Public transportation is convenient. RIPTA's Route # 3 will stop at the Collier Point Park entrance during our regular hours. From the park gate, the sub ticket office is located just a short walk toward the waterfront.

• Select this link to learn more on Juliett 484

Last Updated:
8/3/02