Juliett 484 News
A collection of news items and articles of interest can be found here [Select this link].
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2003
Contact: John Martin
(401) 521-3600
RUSSIAN SUB MUSEUM TURNS UP THE HEAT
Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Young Marines fire up new heating system
in warm-up ceremony for Juliett 484 Overnight Education Programs
PROVIDENCE, RI - Representatives of Rhode Island Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops and Young Marines today "flipped the switch" of a restored heating system aboard Juliett 484, the former Soviet cruise missile submarine at Providence's Russian Submarine Museum.
Installation of a state-of-the-art Weil-McLain cast iron boiler and extensive retrofitting of the sub's complex network of radiators enables the museum to move forward with its overnight camping and education programs. Subject to regulatory approval, overnight stays aboard the historic submarine could begin as early as this spring.
"The organizations we salute today are consistent with the grass roots supporter for our cause over the past five years," said Frank Lennon, Executive Director of the USS Saratoga Museum Foundation, which owns and operates the Russian Submarine Museum. "Many of these guys rolled up their sleeves and worked alongside our staff and volunteers in some of the coldest, darkest corners of the submarine - often well into the night. They did it because they believe in our project - both the Russian Submarine Museum, as well as our ongoing effort to open the supercarrier USS Saratoga as a similar museum.
"Restoring the heating system benefits our day-to-day visitors and makes it easier for us to remain open year round," Lennon added. "But especially, it paves the way for overnight camping programs that make us an even more attractive educational resource. From the moment we announced we had acquired the sub, we got calls from community leaders asking when we would be able to offer youth groups the opportunity to stay overnight aboard a submarine - especially a Russian sub. The help we received and celebrate today has accelerated our timetable substantially."
Groups interested in receiving more information or to hold a date for an overnight stay may call 401-521-3600 or email saratogamuseum@aol.com.
Lennon also thanked Hasbro, Inc., for its financial support of the USS Saratoga Museum Foundation's educational activities. "When it comes to kids and families," he said, "Hasbro continues to show Rhode Island it not only makes toys and games, it also makes an impact on our quality of life."
Today's ceremony aboard Juliett 484 honored three businesses - Weil-McLain, Taco, Inc., and RC Metalworks - along with the union that did the work, local 51 Plumbers, Pipefitters & Refrigeration. Together, they have donated thousands of dollars in equipment and hundreds of hours of expertise and hard work.
"We are excited to be a part of this project," said Weil-McLain New England Area Manager David Walsh. "When you come to Collier Point Park you can see why this fascinating warship attracts young people eager to learn more about submarines, Soviet naval culture and Cold War history. We will take great pride knowing that we helped create a safe and comfortable environment where kids can learn and have fun. Weil-McLain urges scouting programs, schools and youth groups to come aboard and discover what the Russian Submarine Museum has to offer."
"Our members were thrilled to work on restoring heat to Juliett 484," said Ken Aurecchia, Business Manager for Local 51 Plumbers, Pipefitters & Refrigeration. "We pulled together with our partners in this effort because the Russian Submarine Museum is such an exciting community asset. And our organization works hard to serve the community. As we found out in the course of this project, spending time aboard Juliett 484 provides a tremendous appreciation for men - both Russian and American - who have served aboard submarines. It is a remarkable piece of history that now will be enjoyed year-round."
"Taco jumped at the chance to be a part of the growing success of Juliett 484 and the Russian Submarine Museum," said Kyle Adamonis, Taco, Inc., Senior Vice-President of Human Resources. "By helping to restore the heating system, we know we are helping launch an exciting new phase of the sub's remarkable history. A former Soviet submarine serving as a floating classroom on the Providence waterfront? That's the kind of creative learning Taco is proud to support."
"It has been our pleasure to join the effort to bring the Juliet 484 heating system back to life," said Ronald Cronin, President of RC Metalworks. "When we saw the opportunity to lend our resources, we knew we would be helping thousands of young people who will benefit from overnight and educational programs aboard the submarine. We want that experience to be first class. RC Metalworks is proud to make this lasting investment in our community."
The USS Saratoga Museum Foundation acquired the submarine a year ago this month to support its ongoing effort to convert the supercarrier USS Saratoga into a floating museum, education center and family attraction on Narragansett Bay. The Saratoga is moored at the U.S. Navy facility in Middletown.
Rhode Island Governor Donald Carcieri has pledged his support for the Saratoga project as a part of the overall plan for development at Quonset Point, Rhode Island.
The submarine museum is located in beautiful Collier Point Park, an urban oasis near the center of downtown Providence. The park entrance is on Allens Avenue, immediately south of the city's electrical generating plant.
Web page creation and site maintenance by West Bay Web.
Last Updated:
2/28/03
 "Click here for larger image")
 "Click here for larger image")
"Our members were thrilled to work on restoring heat to Juliett 484," said Ken Aurecchia, Business Manager for Local 51 Plumbers, Pipefitters & Refrigeration. "We pulled together with our partners in this effort because the Russian Submarine Museum is such an exciting community asset. And our organization works hard to serve the community. As we found out in the course of this project, spending time aboard Juliett 484 provides a tremendous appreciation for men - both Russian and American - who have served aboard submarines. It is a remarkable piece of history that now will be enjoyed year-round."
