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“Urban Leviathan”
Description:
The USS Blueback (SS-581), a Barbel-class diesel-electric submarine launched in 1959, now rests permanently at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry on the Willamette River. Retired from active duty in 1990, it was the last non-nuclear submarine added to the U.S. Navy fleet. Today it serves as a historic exhibit beside Portland’s downtown waterfront.
Story:
The USS Blueback rests alongside the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) pier on the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon.
A diesel-powered submarine — the last of its kind — the Blueback prowled the deep sea during the height of the Cold War, spying on the enemy and positioning herself to ambush if needed. In February 1994, she was towed to Portland and quickly became one of the area’s most popular exhibits. I remember touring the sub as a boy, fascinated by the equipment and narrow passageways. I even dreamed of spending the night onboard, though that never happened despite it being an option.
Instead, I returned decades later as a photographer to capture the awe I felt back then. This photograph was taken in February 2021 — twenty-seven years after I first stepped inside the Blueback shortly after she arrived in Portland. It was a big deal then! Though her days cruising the high seas are gone, the stealth and mystery remain.
To match that feeling of steel and silence, I chose the early morning transition from nautical to civil twilight under an overcast sky to give the scene a more mysterious mood. The wind was barely a whisper. The river was placid.
Bundled in layers, cold but determined, I took my time composing the shot. My camera and tripod sat low on the floating pier next to the submarine, helping the sub appear even larger. I made careful adjustments to align everything: the submarine’s fins rising above the skyline, the bridge columns standing straight and vertical.
Spending the night on the Blueback would have been unforgettable. But I think this photograph more than makes up for it.
-BAP
Location:
USS Blueback
OMSI
Portland, Oregon
45° 30' 27.1'' N, 122° 39' 59.8'' W
Google Map Link
Time: 06:45 PST (sunrise 07:20)
Date: February 10th, 2021
Camera & Settings:
Single shot
Nikon D800E, NIKKOR 24-70 mm f/2.8G, Tripod
ISO 100, 32 mm, f/14, 13.0 sec
📥 Download FREE desktop wallpaper
🖼️ View artwork details & shipping
📸 Request a free wall preview
“Urban Leviathan”
Description:
The USS Blueback (SS-581), a Barbel-class diesel-electric submarine launched in 1959, now rests permanently at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry on the Willamette River. Retired from active duty in 1990, it was the last non-nuclear submarine added to the U.S. Navy fleet. Today it serves as a historic exhibit beside Portland’s downtown waterfront.
Story:
The USS Blueback rests alongside the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) pier on the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon.
A diesel-powered submarine — the last of its kind — the Blueback prowled the deep sea during the height of the Cold War, spying on the enemy and positioning herself to ambush if needed. In February 1994, she was towed to Portland and quickly became one of the area’s most popular exhibits. I remember touring the sub as a boy, fascinated by the equipment and narrow passageways. I even dreamed of spending the night onboard, though that never happened despite it being an option.
Instead, I returned decades later as a photographer to capture the awe I felt back then. This photograph was taken in February 2021 — twenty-seven years after I first stepped inside the Blueback shortly after she arrived in Portland. It was a big deal then! Though her days cruising the high seas are gone, the stealth and mystery remain.
To match that feeling of steel and silence, I chose the early morning transition from nautical to civil twilight under an overcast sky to give the scene a more mysterious mood. The wind was barely a whisper. The river was placid.
Bundled in layers, cold but determined, I took my time composing the shot. My camera and tripod sat low on the floating pier next to the submarine, helping the sub appear even larger. I made careful adjustments to align everything: the submarine’s fins rising above the skyline, the bridge columns standing straight and vertical.
Spending the night on the Blueback would have been unforgettable. But I think this photograph more than makes up for it.
-BAP
Location:
USS Blueback
OMSI
Portland, Oregon
45° 30' 27.1'' N, 122° 39' 59.8'' W
Google Map Link
Time: 06:45 PST (sunrise 07:20)
Date: February 10th, 2021
Camera & Settings:
Single shot
Nikon D800E, NIKKOR 24-70 mm f/2.8G, Tripod
ISO 100, 32 mm, f/14, 13.0 sec
