In 1982, "Richard B. Russell" went through the Panama Canal and arrived at Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, California, for an extended . During her time at Mare Island, it was decided that she would become a special projects submarine. After a short period of post-overhaul testing and sea trials, she underwent extensive ocean engineering modifications prior to commencing operations as a unit of Submarine Development Group 1. As a member of Sub Dev Group 1, she spearheaded a testing program for submarine rescue technology.