Step aboard one of the most intriguing and mysterious ships still afloat — the USS Salem in Quincy, Massachusetts. This Cold War-era heavy cruiser is more than just steel and rivets. It’s a floating time capsule of naval history and, if stories are to be believed, a hotbed of paranormal activity. From its battleship-gray corridors to the eerie calm below deck, the USS Salem is an irresistible destination for history buffs and ghost hunters alike. Whether you’re passionate about Cold War naval history or in search of things that go bump in the night, the USS Salem offers the perfect combination of chilling history and spooky intrigue.
The History
Built for Power: The Origins of the USS Salem
The USS Salem (CA-139) is one of three Des Moines-class heavy cruisers built for the United States Navy after World War II. Laid down in 1945 and commissioned in 1949, she represented a new era of naval engineering — larger, faster, and more heavily armed than her predecessors. With her impressive 8-inch automatic guns and advanced radar systems, the Salem was built to be a formidable instrument of deterrence in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Ironically, despite being one of the most heavily armed cruisers in the world at the time, the USS Salem never saw combat. Her role was more strategic, acting as a symbol of powers at sea during a time when World War II scars were still fresh and the Cold War was deepening. She served as the flagship for the United States Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean and participated in numerous NATO exercises and diplomatic missions.
Flagship of Peace and Power
During her time as flagship, the USS Salem hosted meetings with world leaders, conducted humanitarian efforts, and patrolled the uneasy waters of post-war Europe and the Middle East. Her presence was both a show of might and a message of peace. The ship also played a key support role in disaster relief, including the devastating Ionian earthquake in Greece in 1953, offering medical services and emergency supplies.
Despite her relatively peaceful career, life aboard the Salem was anything but mundane. Her 1,700-man crew experienced long months at sea, tight quarters, and constant vigilance. Even in peacetime, the Navy never slept — and neither did the ship’s schedule. Quarters were cramped, routines rigorous, and isolation from home a grind. Yet, those who served onboard carried with them a profound pride in ‘Big Sal,’ as she was affectionately known.
Decommissioning and a Second Life in Quincy
After less than a decade of active commission, the USS Salem was decommissioned in 1959 and placed into the Atlantic Reserve Fleet; a fitting but quiet end to a ship that had never fired a shot in anger. But her story was far from over. In 1994, she was towed back to her birthplace in Quincy, Massachusetts, where she became the centerpiece of the United States Naval Shipbuilding Museum. Lovingly preserved, ‘Big Sal’ once again took on a mission — this time as an educational platform and historical landmark.
Today, the USS Salem is docked at the old Fore River Shipyard, where she originally came to life. Visitors can walk the decks, explore the engine rooms, and even descend into the bowels of this Cold War relic. But be warned — you might not be alone down there.
The Haunt
If you’re looking for a haunted naval vessel with a serious reputation, the USS Salem is your ghost ship. Known not just for its grand history but also for its chilling hauntings, the vessel has earned a legendary status among paranormal investigators. Unlike ghost stories that exist only in rumor, the USS Salem has become a well-documented hotspot for unexplained phenomena.
Paranormal Reports from Crew and Visitors
Numerous volunteers, historians, and overnight guests have recounted strange occurrences that defy explanation. Cold spots in otherwise warm corridors, disembodied voices echoing through metal hallways, shadowy figures darting past hatchways — these are just a few of the eerie events reported by people exploring Big Sal’s depths. Some have claimed to hear moaning and footsteps in the sickbay — a location that’s taken on particular notoriety in paranormal circles.
There’s a rationale for the spiritual unrest, some say. Though the Salem never saw combat, she was, during the 1953 Greek earthquake relief efforts, converted into a makeshift hospital ship for victims of the disaster. Dozens — possibly hundreds — of people reportedly died in her infirmary. It’s this history that has galvanized beliefs that many spirits never left the ship.
Sickbay: A Paranormal Hotspot
Perhaps the most intensely haunted area onboard is the ship’s sickbay. Visitors frequently report feelings of nausea, dizziness, and deep sorrow upon entering the space. Paranormal investigators have captured electronic voice phenomena (EVPs), seen objects move on their own, and witnessed unexplained flickering lights. Some have even claimed to see full-body apparitions resembling former sailors or patients from the 1953 relief mission.
One volunteer recounted a chilling experience while locking up after an event — a cold hand grabbed his shoulder, only for him to spin around and find no one there. He now refuses to go near the sickbay alone.
USS Salem on TV: Ghost Hunters and More
The USS Salem’s haunted reputation eventually caught the attention of the paranormal TV world. The ship was famously featured on Ghost Hunters, where investigators caught unexplained voices, doors slamming without cause, and shadow figures moving in areas that were otherwise empty. The eerie atmosphere and abundance of paranormal activity solidified the ship’s place as one of the most haunted naval vessels in the United States.
Several other shows and independent paranormal groups also frequent the ship. Nighttime ghost hunts — open to the public — have become incredibly popular, attracting thrill-seekers from all over the country. Some come equipped with equipment; others bring nothing but courage. Few leave without their own eerie stories.
What Kind of Spirits Linger?
While no specific spirits have been officially documented, nearly every ghost hunt points to a few key archetypes: a spectral nurse, possibly from the ship’s days as a hospital vessel; a grizzled sailor patrolling the decks; and a shadowy figure frequently appearing near the officers’ quarters. These recurring figures add weight to the theory that the ship may indeed be home to intelligent hauntings — ghosts who are not merely memories but active presences roaming its decks.
Plan Your Visit — And Investigate If You Dare
The USS Salem is open for guided and self-guided tours, and special overnight investigations can be arranged through the museum. Paranormal groups are welcomed, and the staff are more than happy to share their own ghost stories. With spacious decks, narrow passageways, and eerie lighting, the atmosphere is perfect for an unforgettable ghost hunt.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning a paranormal visit:
- Location: United States Naval Shipbuilding Museum, 739 Washington Street, Quincy, MA.
- Public Tours: Offered seasonally with access to most of the ship including the bridge, mess hall, and officer’s quarters.
- Paranormal Investigations: Overnight ghost hunts and private investigations are available by reservation, often held with expert guides and investigators.
- What to Bring: EMF detectors, voice recorders, flashlights, and an open mind.
Whether you’re after historic insight or hair-raising encounters, the USS Salem delivers on both fronts.
Conclusion: Set Sail on a Paranormal Adventure
The USS Salem in Quincy, Massachusetts is so much more than an old warship. It’s a monument to peace, a cornerstone of naval innovation, and, according to many, a bona fide haunted attraction. From its Cold War history to its ghostly echoes in the night, Big Sal has stories to tell — and some of her storytellers may not be among the living.
If you’re a ghost hunter or paranormal enthusiast who craves exploration, history, and just the right amount of shivers down the spine, then mark the USS Salem on your map. Charge your cameras, gather your bravest crew, and prepare for a voyage into the supernatural. The spirits of Big Sal are waiting.