FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 7, 2002

Contact: Frank Lennon
      (401) 831-8696

      John Martin
      (401) 521-3600

Edward and Betty Smith of Riverside, RI, were Juliett's first paid visitors, stepping aboard shortly after the sub's hatches officially opened on Aug. 5. Aware of the submarine since its arrival, the Smiths said they jumped at the chance to pay an early visit.

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

"The atmosphere here is electric,'' said USS Saratoga Museum Foundation President Frank Lennon. "Our staff and volunteers, who worked so hard to make this possible, are thrilled by the initial visitor feedback. Youngsters are awed by the submarine's living quarters, its mind-blowing array of controls, gauges, and equipment, and the overwhelming sensory experience of being underwater, surrounded by thick steel and Russian technology, and working your way through what was once the Soviet Union's most sophisticated nuclear attack vessel. And, to tell you the truth, adults have the same reaction. By the looks on their faces, sometimes you can't tell the kids from the adults."

Visitors have repeatedly remarked that they were unprepared for Juliett's size and, in particular, that she appears battle ready. "It's just as if the way the crew left it,'' many say.

Among the most frequent comments and questions:

I can't believe men slept in these tiny bunks.
Can you imagine living here, underwater, for weeks at a time?
Being here is a lot different than what a submarine looks like in the movies.
Is there really only one bathroom for 78 crewmembers?
Talk about slaving over a hot stove! They cooked all the meals in that galley?
How could they possibly keep track of all these valves and switches?

Staff members and volunteers are onboard to answer these and other questions during the largely self-guided tour that begins by stepping aboard Juliett near the conning tower and walking along her deck toward a hatch leading to the forward torpedo room. From there, visitors dive into an experience unmatched by any naval-vessel museum in America.

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 is 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.

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:
8/7/02