Submarine

OMSI is home to the U.S. Navy's last non-nuclear, fast-attack submarine, the USS Blueback (SS-581)! The Blueback was the first battle-ready class of submarines to use the teardrop hull. It was in official operation throughout the Pacific Ocean for 31 years. The USS Blueback served in the entertainment industry too! It appeared in the hit movie The Hunt for Red October and an episode of Hawaii Five-O and has been used as a location for a Discovery Channel documentary and various commercials.

Submarine Tours & Ticket Prices

General Guided Tour Daily from 9:50am (APPROX. 45 MIN.) $5.75

During this 45-minute long guided tour, you will get to peer through a periscope, touch a torpedo, climb in a bunk in the crew's quarters and much more. You will learn how a submarine works and get a glimpse into how a crew of 85 lived and worked within the Blueback's hull for months at a time. General Tours are for ages 3 and above.

Tech Guided Tour Every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the Month at 10am (APPROX. 2 HRS.) $15.00

We offer our 2-hour long Guided Tech Tour on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month. This special two-hour tour guided by an actual submarine veteran is for those that would like to learn more about the technical workings of the Blueback. The maximum tour size is 6 people, so plan ahead and reserve your spot. Tech Tours are for ages 12 and above. We also recommended that a regular tour be taken prior to a Tech Tour.

Questions?

We have a 24-hour submarine hotline available to answer your questions.

Call 503.797.4624
Submarine Camp-in Opportunities

The USS Blueback is available for sleepovers. Contact us for more information.

Call 503.797.4661

View Camp-Ins

The History of the USS Blueback


The USS Blueback (SS-581) was a Barbel-class submarine in the United States Navy. She was one of three in her class, the last diesel-electric propelled submarines built by the United States Navy. They incorporated numerous, radical engineering improvements over previous classes and were the first production warships built with the teardrop-shape hull and "attack center" within the hull rather than a conning tower in the sail.

Blueback is the common name for the Sockeye Salmon. When the Blueback was commissioned, submarines were named after fish. Since the 1970s, most U.S. Navy submarines have been named after cities or states.

The U.S.S. Blueback earned two battle stars for her Vietnam War service.

Field Trips

Maximize learning and fun! Choose from exhibits, reserved labs, OMNIMAX films, planetarium shows, stage programs and submarine tours. Group rates available on weekdays for groups of 12 or more, advance reservation required.
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Camp-Ins

Perfect for school, scouting, home school, youth, and church groups. Plan an OMSI Camp-In for team building, an end-of-the-year celebration, or just for fun!
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Membership

Membership covers general museum admission for the entire year. Planetarium, OMNIMAX®, submarine and featured exhibits and events are available for members to purchase at a discounted rate.