The United States Navy is willing to give away the USS Dolphin (AGSS 555) for free to a good owner. The research submarine, commissioned in 1968 had been the oldest submarine in the fleet until it was recently retired. The only catch is that the new owner has to maintain the vessel in a condition that the Navy finds acceptable and to display it as a museum. So, no, you can't take it commerce raiding, sorry.
The Dolphin, a one-of-a-kind research vessel, was commissioned in 1968. In a notice published in this week's Federal Register, the Navy said it will accept offers from government agencies, nonprofit groups or other institutions willing to make the submarine into a museum.
The Navy hopes to keep the vessel in its home port of San Diego. Any new owner will also be required to keep the 165-foot sub in good condition.
"The donee will be required to maintain the vessel as a static display in a condition that is satisfactory to the Secretary of the Navy," the notice states.
Navy spokeswoman Pat Dolan said the Navy started its vessel donation program in 1945, when it gave the battleship Texas, a dreadnought that fought in both World Wars, to a state historic site near Houston. At least 47 other boats have been donated through the program, Dolan said.
Here's a page of photos of the Dolphin.
Note, the Dolphin being offered is the one in the background. The other one is not for sale.
I wish I could afford it.
I would not however museum-piece it.
That’s a perfectly lousy waste of such technology.