Dive ! Dive !
The Manitowoc Maritime Museum features a restored WWII submarine that is open for tours.
The Aft Torpedo Tubes
The Forward Torpedo Tubes, with Torpedo Ready
Notice the railing above the torpedo, with what looks like a mattess. There’s a bunk above, a bunk underneath, another torpedo, and another bunk under that. Very tight sleeping quarters.
The Christmas Tree
Named for the red and green lights, the Christmas tree indicates the status of hatches. Red light means open, green light indicates closed. When the tree is solid green, the ship is ready to dive.
The Toilet
A complex series of levers and valves, and an eleven step process had to be employed to flush the toilet. If the process was not properly followed, the next user had a very unpleasant surprise.
The Radio Room
I must confess that my first thought of the radio room was the typewriter. I’m sure the radio operator typed all communications, which is why it is placed prominently and well lighted. However, remembering my long hours of boredom as a master control operator, I wondered if the guy who used to sit here was able to check his e-mail, browse eBay or reconcile his bank accounts.
The engine rooms and electrical control centers hold many fascinating devices. These meters look very similar to VU meters on a mixing console or good old-fashioned tape deck. They are actually indicators for hydrogen in the batteries.
There are endless control panels and indicators throughout the USS Cobia. Very cool, well crafted, and well preserved. If you find yourself in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, take the tour. It’s well worth your time.
The Aft Torpedo Tubes
The Forward Torpedo Tubes, with Torpedo Ready
Notice the railing above the torpedo, with what looks like a mattess. There’s a bunk above, a bunk underneath, another torpedo, and another bunk under that. Very tight sleeping quarters.
The Christmas Tree
Named for the red and green lights, the Christmas tree indicates the status of hatches. Red light means open, green light indicates closed. When the tree is solid green, the ship is ready to dive.
The Toilet
A complex series of levers and valves, and an eleven step process had to be employed to flush the toilet. If the process was not properly followed, the next user had a very unpleasant surprise.
The Radio Room
I must confess that my first thought of the radio room was the typewriter. I’m sure the radio operator typed all communications, which is why it is placed prominently and well lighted. However, remembering my long hours of boredom as a master control operator, I wondered if the guy who used to sit here was able to check his e-mail, browse eBay or reconcile his bank accounts.
The engine rooms and electrical control centers hold many fascinating devices. These meters look very similar to VU meters on a mixing console or good old-fashioned tape deck. They are actually indicators for hydrogen in the batteries.
There are endless control panels and indicators throughout the USS Cobia. Very cool, well crafted, and well preserved. If you find yourself in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, take the tour. It’s well worth your time.
