USS Blueback Submarine
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USS Blueback Submarine at OMSI
USS Blueback Submarine at OMSI

OMSI is the home of the U.S. Navy's last non-nuclear, fast attack submarine, the U.S.S. Blueback (SS 581). After 31 years of service in the U.S. Navy throughout the Pacific Ocean, and appearing in the movie The Hunt for Red October, the Blueback is now on permanent display at OMSI. The Blueback is a Barbel class submarine, the first battle-ready class of subs to use the tear drop hull design.


DIVE DEEPER!

Take a virtual tour of the Blueback, learn about its history and technical specs, or find out how submarines dive. You can also purchase cool Blueback souvenirs through OMSI's Online Science Store, and find out how you can help the Blueback by becoming an OMSI Volunteer!

USS Blueback Hotline: 503.797.4624
TOURING THE BLUEBACK

During a guided tour through the Blueback, you will get a chance to experience how a submarine works and how a crew of 85 can live and work within the Blueback's hull for months at a time.

Tickets for the submarine tour are available online or at the OMSI ticket desk.

Tours are for ages 3 and above.

Today's Tour Schedule: Regular tours embark throughout the day from 9:50am - 5:30pm. (Tour duration - approximately 45 minutes.)

TECH TOURS

Get a comprehensive technical look into the workings of the submarine on a special in-depth tour guided by an actual submarine veteran!

Tech Tours last 2 hours and are offered on the first Sunday of each month starting at 10:00am. Tickets cost $15.00 per person, and may be purchased at the front desk. The maximum tour size is 6 people. Tech Tours are for ages 12 and up. (We recommended that a regular tour be taken prior to a Tech Tour.)

Submarine camp-ins
Submarine camp-ins
Submarine Sleepovers

Discover what daily life was like aboard the US Navy's last fast-attack submarine as you explore the control room, peer through a periscope, and check out the engine room of the USS Blueback. Solve a Top Secret Mission aboard the Blueback (for grades 3-6), or get an in-depth look at sub operations with our Technical Tour Camp-in (for grades 6 - high school). After your mission, enjoy a late snack before hitting the rack in the crew's quarters.

For more information, and to register online, please see our Submarine Camp-Ins webpage.