Saving Growler

Saving Growler. . , Much like the aircraft carrier Intrepid, the submarine Growler was saved from the scrap yard by the dedication of a few very committed individuals., Richard P. Torykian, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps in Vietnam, led the effort to save Growler. In 1987, he was introduced to Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum founder Zachary Fisher. At Mr. Fisher's request, Mr. Torykian approached the Secretary of the Navy to request that Growler be transferred to the Intrepid Museum. At the time, Growler was on the Navy's "targets inventory," destined to be sunk. The Secretary of the Navy and the U.S. Congress authorized its transfer to the Museum. A substantial diplomatic effort was also required: the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks agreement between the United States and the Soviet Union required the dismantling of decommissioned nuclear missile submarines. Through special negotiation, Growler was exempted from this condition because of its public display would be a completely and permanently peaceful use of the vessel., At the time of the transfer, Growler was located at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Washington. In early 1989, Growler began its 6,000-mile journey, under tow, to the Museum. After transiting the Panama Canal, Growler stopped at the shipyard in Florida. Mr. Fisher's friend and New York Yankees owner (1973-2010) George Steinbrenner, also the owner of American Ship Building Co., provided substantial restoration work on the submarine. In May 1989, Growler opened to the the public at the Intrepid Museum.