USS Albacore

The third Navy vessel to bear the name, the Auxiliary General Submarine (AGSS) Albacore holds a place in history as the first Navy-designed vessel with a true underwater hull of cylindrical shape that has become the standard for today's submarines worldwide. With the motto "Praenuntius Futuri" (Forerunner of the Future), ALBACORE's mission was experimental: to be designed and redesigned, adapted and readapted, her structural modifications ultimately developing into a prototype submarine. ALBACORE's teardrop hull design was a triumph, making her the world's fastest submarine at that time. It became a model for contemporary submarines for many countries. Used for testing control systems, dive breaks, sonar systems, escape mechanisms and all manner of innovative theories, ALBACORE was truly a laboratory afloat. Today Albacore Park includes a Visitor's Center. Books and submarine gifts are sold at the Visitor's Center. Adjacent is the Memorial Garden, a tribute to all of the crews and officers who have been lost in the Submarine Service. Rest rooms and ample parking are provided. Albacore Park is conveniently located one-quarter mile from Exit 7 on I-95. Audio tour on board.