One of the most interesting submersibles ever to not take up a slot on the U.S. Navy List was Deep Submergence Vessel NR-1, a nuclear-powered testbed for Rickover built by Electric Boat in the 1960s.
Isn’t it cute?
The 400-ton 147-foot vessel, typically referred to as Nerwin during her uncommissioned existence was only retired in 2008 and may or may not have performed several classified Cold War-era missions.
Defueled and scrapped, some of her components were later put on display at the Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton and now the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum at Keyport has her salvaged control room.
As originally installed
Now landlocked
“It’s a proud moment for us to be able to present this to the museum,” PSNS Commanding Officer Capt. Howard Markle told the Kitsap Sun on the occasion of its transfer to the museum last week. “We’re grateful for their willingness to accept it for eventual display, and we’re especially thankful for their commitment to educating the community — and our Navy family — on the men and women, the vessels, the mission and the legacy of our Navy’s undersea warfighters.”