USS Thresher (SSN-593) was one of the most advanced nuclear-powered attack submarines of her time and the lead boat of the Thresher/Permit class. Commissioned in 1961, she represented a major leap forward in submarine design, incorporating improved hull shaping, advanced sonar systems, quieter machinery, and greater diving depth compared to earlier U.S. submarines. Thresher embodied the Navy’s push for technological superiority beneath the seas during the height of the Cold War.
On 10 April 1963, USS Thresher was lost during deep-diving trials in the Atlantic Ocean. A catastrophic failure, believed to involve a piping joint rupture and subsequent loss of propulsion, caused the submarine to sink beyond crush depth. All 129 crew members and civilian personnel aboard were lost. The disaster marked the first loss of a nuclear submarine and remains one of the most significant tragedies in U.S. naval history.
The sinking of USS Thresher led directly to the creation of the SUBSAFE program, a comprehensive overhaul of submarine design, construction, maintenance, and quality assurance practices. This program fundamentally transformed submarine safety and has been credited with preventing similar losses in the decades since, making Thresher’s legacy one of lasting impact despite her short service life.
This 1/350 scale model depicts USS Thresher in her Cold War configuration and was finished using acrylic paints with restrained oil weathering to reflect her clean, operational appearance. The model is mounted on a hand-cut hardwood base consistent with the submarine series and includes the national flag of origin, a 1/350 scale human figure for size comparison, and a QR code linking to additional historical information. The presentation emphasizes both the sleek lines of this pioneering design and the profound legacy she left behind.
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