Temporary Exhibits

To complement our permanent exhibits, we offer temporary exhibits that focus on specialized subjects or examine stories and events in greater depth. Temporary exhibits change out regularly so don’t wait to see them!

Giving Voice logo blue with images of submariners

GIVING VOICE TO THE SILENT SERVICE

The submarine community shares a strong collective identity that is rooted in the Submarine Force’s unique history, culture, and traditions. Most submariners find the experience of submarining deeply transformative; for many, the identity of “submariner” lasts a lifetime. This exhibit explores how submarine service shapes those who serve, from qualifying and deployments through retirement and beyond. Enjoy an inside look at the “Silent Service,” including how the Submarine Force has changed over time and how service affects submarine families.

Giving Voice logo blue with images of submariners

Marine Mammals: The Navy’s Super Searchers

The Navy’s highly-trained dolphins and sea lions carry out missions all over the world. With their natural acoustic, sight, and diving abilities, marine mammals are exceptionally skilled at finding objects underwater. Navy animals detect mines and intruders in a fraction of the time it takes human divers and human-made technology. This exhibit explores the missions Navy dolphins and sea lions perform and the science behind their remarkable abilities.

Giving Voice logo blue with images of submariners

NEDU: Rising to the Challenge

The Navy Experimental Diving Unit (NEDU) has safeguarded Navy divers and expanded their diving capabilities since 1927. Its official mission is to research, develop, test, and evaluate diving equipment and procedures, but more simply, its job is problem-solving: NEDU personnel use their expertise and experience to find solutions for the many challenges of working underwater. Learn how NEDU’s many accomplishments have extended the depth, duration, and safety of Navy diving.

Giving Voice logo blue with images of submariners

U.S. Navy Military Divers

Navy divers possess exceptional diving expertise and abilities — excellence necessary to safely handle the dangerous, challenging nature of military diving. The Navy has relied on military divers since 1882, when the first Navy diving school was established. Today, despite the advent of unmanned technology like ROVs, the ingenuity of human divers remains essential to Navy operations. This exhibit showcases the skills and missions of Navy Divers, Explosive Ordnance Disposal divers, Navy SEALs, Seabee divers, and aviation rescue swimmers.