Photo By Frank Kaminski | Employees of Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Keyport Hawthorne Detachment and...... read more read more
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In a move to save taxpayers money while providing the public a rare glimpse into submarine technology, a prototype mock torpedo launch tube—originally built for a proposed fast attack submarine upgrade—was recently donated to the Hawthorne Ordnance Museum in Nevada.
According to Tyler Viani, a branch head at Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Keyport Hawthorne Detachment whose team helped arrange the donation, it was the result of a partnership among NUWC Division, Keyport, the Hawthorne Army Depot, and the museum.
"Rather than going through the costly process of disassembling this asset, this forward-thinking team found a way to save money while giving the public an incredible look into the inner workings of how torpedoes are loaded and launched from submarines," said Viani.
Anh Le, an administrative and technical specialist at NUWC Division, Keyport, initiated the donation process and coordinated with the command’s legal and property management teams to facilitate the transfer to the museum. Because the museum is not a Department of Defense entity, the tube had to be donated through a long-term loan agreement.
“This is still DoD property,” said Le. “We’ve loaned it to the museum under a long‑term agreement that remains in effect for as long as the museum operates. If the museum closes, the piece will revert to government ownership.”
According to Viani, the transfer of the tube required planning and coordination among several organizations. Because of its size and weight—about 11 tons—the operating contractor at Hawthorne Army Depot provided rigging and transportation support. A team of riggers used a crane to lift the tube onto a tractor-trailer, which then hauled it to the museum, where it was prepared for public display.
Hawthorne Army Depot Commander’s Representative Courtney Isom praised Viani's contributions.
“Tyler Viani has exemplified exceptional partnership by strengthening the vital connection between Hawthorne Army Depot, NUWC Division, Keyport Hawthorne Detachment, and the Hawthorne Ordnance Museum,” said Isom “His dedication has fostered collaboration, preserved history, and advanced the shared mission of service and stewardship.”
Viani added that the project couldn’t have happened without the efforts of former Hawthorne Detachment Branch Head Jerry Williams, who initiated it, along with Hawthorne Ordnance Museum Curator Peter Papadakos, Hawthorne Army Depot Commander’s Representative Courtney Isom, the contractor team members, museum board member and volunteer Tony Hughes, and numerous other museum volunteers.
The tube is currently on display as an outdoor exhibit, and Hughes said the public response has been enthusiastic: “People get really excited seeing the new torpedo tube out there.”
Papadakos encourages people to visit the museum and explore its exhibits. “It’s important for people to see what their tax dollars are being spent on and to appreciate the science and technology that goes into working these weapons," he said.
The museum is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
| Date Taken: | 09.29.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.29.2025 13:01 |
| Story ID: | 549326 |
| Location: | KEYPORT, WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 146 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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