The Yellow Submarine: Myth, Fact, and its Journey Through Pop Culture

The phrase 'what ever the heck is a yellow submarine' often brings to mind iconic representations of the 1960s psychedelic era. It is frequently associated with themes of peace and joy, and the imagery of the yellow submarine has been widely referenced in popular culture. This manifestation of creativity and freedom has become an integral part of The Beatles' legacy.

Historical Context and Mythology

The first mention of a yellow submarine in popular culture is traced back to the 1960s. However, it gained prominent status in 1968 when The Beatles released their animated film The Yellow Submarine and the soundtrack featuring the song of the same name. The film and the song together created an enduring cultural and musical touchstone, symbolizing a spirit of rebellion against the societal norms of the time.

The USS Baton Rouge and Submarine Traditions

During the early 1980s, while the USS Baton Rouge was in drydock at the Norfolk Shipyard in Virginia, a unique incident took place. The hull of the submarine was sandblasted and painted with zinc chromate primer, turning the ship pure yellow in the morning. Crew members took to singing the song from The Yellow Submarine in harmony as a lighthearted and memorable moment. This incident is a real-life example of how the song and lyrics became deeply ingrained in naval culture.

Real Submarines and the Yellow Hue

From a technical standpoint, submarines often have an undercoat of yellow anti-rust paint, followed by the black outer casing. While this might not be the primary color, it serves an important functional purpose, allowing the yellow to stand out in darker underwater conditions. This practical application aligns with the rationale behind the use of yellow paint on some research and tourist submarines. However, modern research submarines, including famous vessels like the Nautile and the Griffon, do retain their yellow color for the same reason.

Disney's Cultural Impact

The yellow submarines used by Disney at their theme parks have a unique history. Originally, these submarines were painted in grey and named after real American nuclear submarines. However, due to political correctness and a desire to align with the peace and joy associated with The Yellow Submarine, the park leadership decided to repaint them in pastel colors for a year before settling on yellow. The decision to paint them yellow further solidified the icon's place in popular culture.

A noteworthy episode occurred when the narrator, who served in the navy in the 1980s, joined the crew of the USS SEAWOLF at Disney. The real SEAWOLF saw this as an opportunity to let the narrator and his friend ride the submarine first, highlighting the positive legacy the yellow submarine has on fleet morale and public perception.

Conclusion and Future Prospects

Today, it is unclear whether new submarines being commissioned are painted yellow. However, 35 years ago, it is a known fact that this practice was in place at Submarine Base Bangor, where an ex-WWII submarine was remote-controlled for testing by the Naval Torpedo Station Keyport. Regardless of the future of the tradition, the yellow submarine will forever be associated with peace, creativity, and a time when the world was open to new ideas and adventures.

The yellow submarine has transcended its origins as a fictional vessel and has become a symbol for a generation. Its enduring presence in popular culture and naval traditions underscores its significance and nostalgic value. Whether painted yellow for practical reasons or as a tribute to a beloved song and film, the yellow submarine remains a cherished icon of the 1960s and beyond.