SUBMARINES

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to take a tour of the USS Alexandria submarine.  It was available for tours at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, over their Homecoming Weekend.

I waited with about 100 people at the Academy dock.  I missed the first shuttle boat, but caught the second.  The shuttle took about a half-hour to reach the Alexandria.

A floating barge was attached to the sub.  We docked to the barge and were divided into groups of 5-7 people for the tours.  I was fortunate enough to be in a tour group led by our son-in-law, Jon Kerstetter.  [Jon is a Chief on the boat with responsibility for the mechanical aspects of the sub (espcially the diesel engine).]

We were led down the hatch and through the narrow halls of the sub.  We spent considerable time in the command center of the sub.  It's an amazingly cramped area where the periscopes are located and from where they drive the boat! 

Everywhere you look are dials, valves, pipes, and various gizmos.  It's an overwhelming experience and fosters tremendous respect for the young sailors who are living in these conditions - ready to defend our nation!

We saw "racks" directly underneath the torpedoes!  One wonders how anyone could sleep in such small places!  We observed the officer's and enlisted gallies.  We went up and down steep, narrow ladders to access the various levels. 

We learned of the fear of fire and the constant training for safety and readiness.  We learned how they break down H2O to get the oxygen they need to survive.  We saw the machines that scrub the air of carbon dioxide to maintain safe air quality! 

Everything was fascinating.  And did I mention how cramped it was? 

And every day, and every night (while we sleep) the silent service is guarding our borders and stands ready to respond to the attacks of our enemies!  These men (and soon to include women) live in these conditions for months at a time, separated from wives, children, and the pleasures that we enjoy. 

God bless our submarine forces!  God bless the men on the USS Alexandria!  Thanks for the tour!  Be safe!  And thank you for serving!