Above: Kurt Hesch, Senior Vice President of Programs, watches as USS Nautilus departs the pier at the Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton, CT.
On Friday, Electric Boat officials joined representatives from the Navy, the state of Connecticut and other community leaders for a unique “float off.” For the first time in 20 years, the USS Nautilus moved from its location near the Submarine Force Library and Museum up the Thames River, where it will undergo maintenance.
In 1950, Electric Boat was approached by then-Captain Hyman Rickover, who asked if the company’s shipbuilders could build a hull for an atomic submarine. Just four years later, Nautilus was christened and on her way to the history books. After a long career of many missions, she was decommissioned in 1980 after a career spanning 25 years and over half a million miles steamed.
Nautilus was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1982 and her preservation is required under the National Historic Preservation Act. The overhaul of the Nautilus will ensure that she continues her current mission of education and inspiration for decades to come.
During the overhaul, the boat’s hull will be blasted and painted, new topside decks and planks will be installed, interior lighting will be replaced and forward and aft free-flood areas will be replaced. Electric Boat is the lead on this job and will manage the efforts of two contractors. Industrial Marine and Industrial Applicators will be responsible for the painting, while Mystic Seaport is responsible for the decking.
At the event, EB Senior Vice President Kurt Hesch said, “Our own tradespeople are very excited to work on Nautilus. It’s a once-in-a-career opportunity to be part of the team who will ensure the longevity of this historic ship. It connects our current-day shipbuilders with those of seventy years ago who chartered new territory.”
