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One Tank Trips: The Submarine Nautilus In Groton, Conn.

GROTON, Conn. (CBSNewYork) - The U.S.S. Nautilus is one very special boat.

"This is the first nuclear-powered vessel of any kind - ship or under the water," Submarine Force Museum Curator Steven Finnegan told WCBS 880's Mike Xirinachs.

It was built in 1954 and is now open to public viewing as part of the museum in Groton.

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Finnegan beams with pride over her accomplishments.

One Tank Trips: The Submarine Nautilus In Groton, Conn.

"It was the first ship ever to transit under the ice to the North Pole and the only way they could have done that was with through nuclear propulsion and Nautilus did the job," he said.

She's a revolutionary submarine that's as unique today as they day she was built.

"Only four countries in the entire world, in addition to the United States, have managed to build a nuclear-powered submarine," said Lieutenant Commander Benjamin Amadur.

Everything there is to know about America's amazing submarine history is right off Exit 86 on I-95.

"If you have an interest in American history, it's all here," Amadur said.

Submarine Force Museum - Groton, Conn. (credit: Mike Xirinachs / WCBS 880)
Submarine Force Museum - Groton, Conn. (credit: Mike Xirinachs / WCBS 880)

Almost as amazing is the price of admission - FREE! Find more information at the museum's website.

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