FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 30, 2002

Contact: Frank Lennon
      (401) 831-8696

      John Martin
      (401) 521-3600

More than 400 guests visited the Russian Submarine Museum to board the former Soviet cruise missile submarine - the only sub in its class on display in the Western Hemisphere. A sellout crowd attended the 6 p.m. "Shore Party," which featured food and drinks provided by Tort's Sports Pub of Seekonk, Johnson & Wales University and Chai Guy Distributors. The celebration included live music and a VIP submarine tour that allowed access to parts of Juliett 484 not yet open to the public. In the late afternoon, the 3,000th paid visitor boarded the sub, which opened prior to the grand opening with a "soft" launch on August 5.

Providence Mayor Vincent A. Cianci, Jr., before cutting a Russian red ribbon on the Collier Point Park pier, congratulated the USS Saratoga Museum Foundation for the successful opening of what is not only another great Providence tourism attraction, but also an educational asset for the city and the state. He urged Saratoga members, volunteers and supporters to continue to press on toward their ultimate goal of opening the supercarrier USS Saratoga to the public.

The Oldies Station, B101-FM, the official grand opening sponsor, broadcast live from the museum from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Ultimate Party Rentals of Providence also was a major corporate sponsor. Barney's Bagels and Autocrat Coffee provided refreshments throughout the day.

"This is a rewarding day for everyone involved and we thank our guests for their support," said Saratoga Foundation president Frank Lennon. "As we have said many times, it is ironic that this former Soviet sub is leading the battle to save the USS Saratoga, a ship that for decades was an enemy Juliett 484 was sworn to destroy. The turnout today demonstrates our ability to run a first-class naval history museum. It is only a matter of time before we well all join together for a similar day of celebration marking the public opening of the Saratoga."

Lennon used the occasion to again thank Mayor Cianci for his personal involvement in bringing the Russian submarine to Providence. Lennon - who presented the mayor with a Russian naval officers hat six months ago when he announced the acquisition of Juliett 484 - gave the major a USS Saratoga cap prior to the ribbon cutting. The Saratoga cap, Lennon said, symbolizes the mayor's contribution to the Saratoga Foundation's efforts to secure and open the aircraft carrier.

"Visitors love this submarine," Lennon remarked. "We try to ask everyone leaving the sub to share their impressions, and we consistently get rave reviews. There's really nothing like it. We find that visitors who have boarded U.S. submarines are especially thrilled, saying they are fascinated by the contrasts of cultures. For anyone who has never been inside a submarine, it is a mind-blowing experience. For everyone, young and old, it is an amazing opportunity to dive into history."

The Saratoga is moored at Pier One in Coddington Cove, part of the Naval Station Newport complex. The long-term vision is to 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, and for our own protection, 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. This vessel is not suitable for infants and toddlers; children under 6 are not allowed and 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 0.4 miles, bear left at fork onto Allens Avenue. After about 0.4 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.

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Last Updated:
8/30/02