Scorpion Submarine

Code Name: Scorpion

Enter the submarine formerly classified as the "terror of the deep" and explore all the once top secret places and marvel at the miles of wire, piping and complex array of valves that make up the veins and arteries of a combat submarine. See how life on board this “Podvodnaya Lodka”(Russian for Submarine) was lived as she "drilled holes in the ocean" performing her assigned duties and top secret missions.

It's time to get a look and feel for the "Cold War" from the other side!

Under the direction of technical advisor, Captain Third Rank Igor Kolosov Russian Navy (Ret.), the Scorpion Submarine is accurate in every detail as a true combat ready member of the Russian undersea fleet. Complete in every aspect, the Scorpion to this date is unchanged and is the same as it was when Russian sailors served on the Scorpion and performed their duties on a daily basis.

Captain Kolosov has spent his entire military career in the soviet and later the Russian Submarine Service and has taken great efforts to make your tour experience as close to actually being at sea on the Scorpion as possible. We have prevailed on the experience of many United States Submarine Service Veterans to act as "docents" on the Scorpion to better explain how life on a submarine actually was lived. Although these Veterans are not available at all times (weekends only), when on board they lend a personal note to submarine service that is as close to actually being on a combat cruise.

History of the Submarine

The Soviet designated "Project 641" Diesel Electric Attack Submarine, known to NATO as the Foxtrot Class, was one of the most successful class of submarine ever in service to the Soviet Navy. Seventy-nine Foxtrot's were constructed by the Soviet Union, the second largest class of submarines ever built by them, and the b-427, code named "Scorpion", was one of their best!
Built at the Sudomekh Shipyards just outside of Leningrad, now once more called St. Petersberg, the keel for Podvodnaya Lodka (submarine) b-427 was laid down in 1971. She was completed and commissioned into the Soviet Navy in 1972. At that time, "Scorpion" was fitted with all the latest developments in engines, sonar, radar and weaponry. She was indeed, "state of art" and truly the pride of the Soviet Navy's undersea fleet!

Assigned to the headquarters of the powerful Soviet Pacific Fleet based in Vladivostok and manned by a full compliment of 56 sailors, 10 midshipmen and 12 officers, "Scorpion" sailed out on its maiden voyage into the North Sea where she then turned south for her secret journey down the coast of Europe and Africa, rounding the Cape of Good Hope and then into the Indian Ocean. From there she sailed up the coast of Viet Nam, then patrolled by the US Navy, through the Sea of Japan and finally to her new home port, Vladivostok.

For the next 22 years, the missions undertaken by "Scorpion" are shrouded in secrecy and remain so to this day, still classified TOP SECRET by the new Navy of the Russian Federation. As one of the quietest submarines in the Soviet fleet, it is known that Foxtrot's were extensively used for surveillance of United States Navy Battle Groups as well as electronic surveillance of all types.

Although intrusions into North American territorial waters was officially forbidden, we do know that both sides in the Cold War considered submarines as the perfect espionage tool and rumors of such incursions persist to this very day.

We also know that the Vladivostok Submarine Squadron was regularly tasked with patrol of the Indian Ocean, the Arctic Ocean. the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean as far east as North American territorial waters. After the end of the conflict in Viet Nam, elements of the Soviet Pacific Submarine Fleet were also assigned to a new base in Viet Nam and it is likely that "Scorpion" spent some time on assignment there as well.

It is a real tribute to the submarine forces of both sides in the Cold War that dispite their dangerous proximity to each other for over 40 years, neither side actually fired a shot in anger. With the collapse of the Soviet Union, the ability and need for the Russian Federation to field the worlds largest fleet of submarines vanished. In 1994, "Scorpion" was decommissioned and ended her 22 year career as a Cold War Warrior, replaced by the next generation of Russian Diesel Attack Submarines, known by NATO as the Kilo Class.

In 1995, after negotiations, "Scorpion" was purchased by a group of private businessmen and with the help of the Russian Navy was transported to Sydney Australia for display at The National Maritime Museum and 3 years later to Long Beach California where she now proudly stands as a monument to all the brave submarine crews of all sides in the Cold War who went to sea in "Sharks of Steel" and served their countries with honor.

Facts about the Submarine...Did you know?

Filming & Special Events

Filming

The Russian Scorpion b-427 is a movie star in its own right having been featured in many films, TV shows, commercials and documentaries. The Russian Scorpion b-427 has appeared as a Russian, American, German and even a Japanese submarine. It represents a unique and user friendly filming venue not available in any other location. Easily accessible to all Studio and Production Facilities, the Russian Scorpion b-427 is truly a one of a kind filming location and available for single day, nighttime or multiple day shooting schedules.

Special Events

The Russian Scorpion b-427 is a one of a kind venue for special events such as parties, meetings, Military Re-Enlistment Ceremonies or any Naval related activity. Easily accessible from the entire Los Angeles/Orange County metropolitan area the Russian Scorpion b-427 makes a truly unique location to hold your special event. Available on an hourly, evening or daily rate.

To learn more about the Submarine and Queen Mary's unique filming opportunities contact:

Eleni Manukailea, Special Events Manager
Phone: (562) 499-1659
E-Mail: Eleni.Manukailea@queenmary.com

Visit Submarine related websites

First Class Passage Includes:

Admission to the Scorpion Submarine

Self-Guided Tour Aboard the Russian Submarine Scorpion
General Admission Ticket to Queen Mary, plus
Choice of Behind-the-Scenes or World War II Guided Tour
Ghosts & Legends Show
Self-Guided Shipwalk Tour

Adult: $32.95, Senior (55+) & Military: $28.95, Child (5-11): $19.95

A-La-Carte Scorpion Ticket:

Adult: $10.95, Senior (55+) & Military: $9.95, Child (5-11): $9.95

Scorpion Russian Submarine

Code Name: Scorpion

History of the Submarine

Facts about the Submarine...Did you know?

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