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                                                   The Cobia

        Back in WWII, the United States submarine force made up about three percent of our naval forces, and yet was responsible for over half of the enemy shipping sunk. This did not come without a cost though. Casualty rates in the submarine service were up around 21%. Russian Roulette, with one chance in six of getting killed, gives you better odds than those enjoyed by a WWII submariner. In addition, submarines were cramped, hot humid, bad smelling, noisy, uncomfortable, and just plain unpleasant. Submarine patrols lasted an average of 10 weeks, with no mail or other communications. Except for certain of the officers, and those on lookout, crew members might spend the entire patrol below decks, in what was essentially a twelve foot wide metal tube.
        To somewhat make up for this, hazardous duty pay was given, as well as the best food in the service, and quick promotion. A submariner might find himself in command of his own ship, in his early thirties, or even his twenties. In addition, this was an entirely volunteer service. You were not assigned to submarine service, it was something you had to request. I have read numerous accounts of the submarine service, and have a number of books written by former officers and enlisted crew, who had served on subs in WWII. If you are interested in such things, two of the better accoutns are Wake Of The Wahoo, By Forest Sterling, and War Fish, by George Grider. There are no doubt others which are as good or better; but these are two that I have read and enjoyed myself. To a certain extent, these accounts can convey some of the tension, and tedium of service on these boats; but until you actually tour one, you can have no idea the discomfort and oppressive closeness of these boats.
        In most situations, the submarine was at a great disadvantage in combat. These boats were slow, with underwater speeds of 2 - 8 knots (with the 8 knot speed reducing endurance to just a couple of hours). They had a mere 24 torpedoes, which were slow to aim, slow to hit their targets, often undependable, and painfully slow to reload. Other weapons were a three inch gun (some had a 5 inch gun), 2omm AA gun, and various 50 and 30 caliber machine guns. Even on the surface, a submarine was very slow, compared to any other warship, having a top speed of perhaps 20 knots, but cruising at around 10. In addition to all of this, these were exceptionally thin skinned boats, and were easily damaged. These boats were also hated and hunted. Where a cruiser, or other surface ship might have defensive duties, protecting convoys or land installation, a submarine was a purely offensive boat, with no pretense of being anything else.

One of the ships AA machine guns, mounted towards the front of the conning tower.
A look at the ship's bell, as well as the conning tower, and aft facing AA gun. The bell was generally only put in place when the sub was at base, and was stowed during patrol. It would not do to have the bell ringing underwater, while the sub was attempting to evade destroyers.
  Left and Above:

The three inch deck gun. This was used for finishing off damaged ships or for destroying lighter, or more poorly armed ships. This was a standard three inch gun, which was exposed to the elements, and to being submerged in salt water. Its only protection was a very heavy layer of grease.
  This is the hydrophone, a very sensitive listening device, which was quite directional, and could be rotated to get a fix on a sound.
  The business end of the three inch gun. On guns of this type, one man adjusted traverse, another elevation, and a third loaded the shells. There were also several men who hefted shells, from a loading hatch, to the loader. 
  A look at the front of the conning tower, from the approximate position of the deck gun. The two circular hatches near the deck are for passing up shells for the gun.
  Another look at the conning tower, and down the side of the boat, showing where visitors come on deck.
  We descend a staircase, which was cut into the hull. There is one at either end of the ship. Otherwise, the only way to enter would be through the ladders and narrow hatches of the conning tower, or perhaps one of the torpedo rooms.
  A look forward at the sharp end of the ship. This is the forward torpedo room. Above the tubes can be seen the countless wheels for controlling the valves which determine the flow of the water and compressed air by which the tubes are controlled. Between the tubes is the station where gyros are set, and torpedoes are aimed.

A close up of a pair of tubes. The forward torpedo room of a Gato class boat will generally have six tubes. 24 torpedoes are carried all together, each with 750 pounds of TNT. They are powered by engines which used grain alcohol as fuel. Mixed with soda, juice, or whatever happened to be around, the resulting Torpedo juice was potent.
  A look aft, from the front of the forward torpedo room. Note the close quarters, and the bunks lining the walls.
  Torpdoemen slept with their torpedoes. The lower bunks actually did slide out, making the room even more cramped. Note the big black torpedo strapped down between two rows of bunks.


A view forward, from the back of the forward torpedo room.
  Note the raised sink to the right of the photo. This is the officer's head, and all of the valves and controls in the center of the photo were used for flushing the head. Just kidding - the valves were for the ventilation and buoyancy systems and were located throughout the boat. These tended to give the inside of the boat the look of a plumber's version of hell.  Actually, this is the radio shack. The head is across the very narrow passage, making it essentially the same room. 
Another shot of the radio room. Subs were generally under radio silence, while on patrol or in enemy waters; but could listen for coded orders.
Well, not so bad as the photo above; but I still count five controls here. The proportion of heads to men was something like ten to one. Between this, and the restricted showering, due to the water rationing, you got to know your fellow crew members better than you liked,.
  One of the galley areas, which I believe served the wardroom, and held the ship's silver.
  Officers quarters - only four men to a room. This is tiny and cramped, but is the lap of luxury, compared to the way the enlisted men slept.
  The other end of the officers bunk room, showing the desk and the safe.
  This is the wardroom, where the officers ate. Though they ate the same food, they did not eat with the enlisted men.
  The captain's cabin. This was the only private space in the ship. I have closets in my house that are larger than this (and probably more comfortable), but on a sub, this is an extravagant and palatial place to sleep.
  The petty officer's sleeping accommodations.
  This is the tiny office in which the yeoman did all of the ships clerical work. All records, pay matters, personal files, and official paperwork were handled here. A good yeoman, like a good cook, was a treasure that could help smooth the operation of the ship, and make it merely unbearable, instead of impossible.
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