Ever been in a WWII submarine?

[JB White]

I haven't been to see the U-505 in over 40 years. The USS Silversides used to be docked in Chicago but at the time they were asking a rather high entry fee. I think they'd have made more donation monies if they had lowered the fee and asked for additional donations towards restoration after the tour.

IIRC..the USS Silversides eventually found a home in Muskeegon.

[Bill]

I went aboard the Pompanito in San Francisco, and was impressed by the tight quarters. I got claustrophobic inside the ship, even though it was a museum ship.

To actually sail on something like this would be beyond me.

[Peconga]

A few years ago I toured the USS Torsk in Baltimore Harbor (where I believe she is still). Torsk was launched in early 1945 and was finally decommissioned in 1972, which makes her one of the later WW2 subs. At 1570 tons she is very close in size to the Pompanito, and about 50% larger than the U-505. Nevertheless I was struck by how tight everything is on the interior, and especially by the amount of "stuff" (fittings, valves, pipes, hatches, equipment, etc.) protruding everywhere into the crew areas and passageways; Not exactly an OSHA compliant workplace. I am built like a former fullback (5'10" / 220lb) and a colleague with me on the tour was a former basketball star (6'5" / 195lb) so we must have looked ridiculous moving through the boat with him banging his head on everything and me getting wedged sideways at every bulkhead.

[Doug Douglass]

Great web site. I was aboard the Panpamito some years ago and was lucky enough to meet and listen to a Doesent who made the last two patrols as crew in the aft torpedo room, and he had pictures. l

[Sunray]

USS Croaker at the Buffalo Naval Park, Buffalo, NY. The USS The Sullivans is there too. "Tin Can" Fletcher Class destroyer. And USS Little Rock, Cleveland class cruiser converted to a guided missle cruiser. http://www.buffalonavalpark.org/index.html

[Nate]

Went aboard the Cod in Cleveland in 1976. At that time the crew had discovered that it was cheaper to generate power by running the engines rather than pay the utility company. There was a very active bunch supporting the boat and I hope all is well with those running it now.

[Rick the Librarian]

I had a chance to visit the Bowfin at Pearl Harbor about five years ago, but we only had time for the Arizona or the Bowfin before we had to catch a plane, so there really wasn't any choice. I got a few "outside" pictures of the sub and that was it.

I should add that my wonderful wife insisted we take the time and expense to go to Pearl Harbor, even though we were going to another island.

[Larry G.]

I remember the city closing down Lake Shore Drive to move the U505 across from Lake Michigan to the Museum of Science and Industry in the mid 50's. I toured it as a youngster and took my children through it as a parent. The museum had to move the sub to an indoor enclosure because the weather was taking a toll on it.

[John L. Lucci]

I've been aboard the USS Cavalla SS 244 In Galveston.

[Garden Valley]

The poor Cavalla sat in a state of severe deterioration for many years. I had heard that a group was being organized to restore it. Has any progress been made?