Cold War undercover: Inside the USS Growler Submarine

The USS Growler (SSG-577) is one of the only strategic missile submarines available for public viewing in the United States. Once part of the Navy's deterrence strategy during the Cold War, it’s now docked permanently at the Intrepid Museum.

• Official name: USS Growler (SSG-577)
• Built in: 3 September 1955
• Date of launch: 5 April 1958
• Location within the museum: Pier 86, docked alongside the Intrepid

The USS Growler was a Grayback-class submarine built for the US Navy’s strategic missile program during the height of the Cold War. Armed with Regulus I nuclear cruise missiles, Growler patrolled the Pacific Ocean as part of America's nuclear deterrent force. Between 1958 and 1964, the submarine completed nine deterrent patrols, remaining submerged for extended periods to stay undetected. 

Unlike later ballistic missile submarines, Growler was unique in launching cruise missiles from the surface, making its missions riskier. After the introduction of the Polaris missile system, which allowed for submerged launches, Growler and her sister subs were retired from active service. Following decommissioning in 1964, Growler avoided the scrapyard and was eventually preserved as a Cold War relic, giving the public a glimpse into the tense geopolitical climate of its operational years.

Today, Growler is docked right next to the Intrepid and is open for onboard tours. You can step inside to explore the crew’s living spaces, control rooms, and missile launch systems, offering an authentic Cold War-era naval experience.