Courtney Welcomes Historic Museum Exhibit Commemorating NR-1 Submarine

Press Release

Today, Congressman Joe Courtney attended the unveiling of the NR-1 at the Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton. The exhibit commemorates the deep submergence research vehicle NR-1, which was personally championed by Admiral Hyman Rickover, built by Electric Boat, entered service in 1969 and was stationed at Submarine Base New London. Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jonathan Greenert joined in the unveiling ceremony.

"NR-1 was a unique part of the history of our submarine force and our nation, and its display next to another submarine icon -- the USS Nautilus -- is a fitting tribute to the service and legacy of this vessel and all those who served on her. I am proud to have worked with an enthusiastic coalition of stakeholders in the Groton community and the museum to ensure that critical components of the NR-1 were able to be preserved for this one-of-a-kind display. This is a proud day for the Submarine Capitol of the World, and I congratulate all those who worked so hard to make it happen."

The vessel conducted military and research operations for nearly 40 years, and was decommissioned in 2008. In 2009, Courtney offered a Sense of Congress resolution expressing support for preserving NR-1 at the Submarine Force Library and Museum. The resolution was adopted as an amendment to the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act. In coordination with stakeholders in the area, Courtney also sent letters to Navy leadership requesting their assistance in providing significant artifacts and components of the submarine. Sections including the sail and rudder were delivered in 2009, and the museum association worked to raise private capital to fund the construction of the exhibit unveiled today.

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