Commissioned in 1945, USS Requin was state-of-the-art and battle-ready, becoming the Navy’s first radar picket submarine. Recognized as the region’s most immersive historical science exhibit, USS Requin attracts nearly 175,000 annual visitors to explore the submarine and uncover the remarkable stories of the brave men who undertook daring defense and scientific missions — some of which remain classified to this day.
Docked outside Kamin Science Center since 1990, Requin now needs comprehensive repair and conservation to remain the centerpiece of the museum’s outdoor educational experience. Plans are underway to lift USS Requin from the Ohio River using advanced Strandjack technology, allowing most of the restoration work to be completed on-site. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to see this preservation effort in action. In the long term, the submarine may remain out of the water or return in a way that allows easier future maintenance.
Looking ahead, Requin will anchor an entirely reimagined riverfront. Plans include transforming it into a “Steel Beach” – a branded destination with mission-aligned activities and entertainment – serving as the first step in a redesigned North Shore riverfront centered on mobility, activation, illumination, and ecological sustainability.
