Monday, July 7, 2008

Explore the Cod

Can I just say one of the things I "heart" about our fair city is the never-ending opportunity for adventure and discovery? As many times as I have driven by and parked by the U.S.S. Cod, I had never even thought to go in...until our day on the RTA lead us down to the water. If you have never been, it's quite and awesome experience.

First off, pick a sunny, clear, not-too-hot afternoon and get ready to duck as you make your way down under the lake and into this historic submarine. As you crawl down the steep metal ladder (*note. next time do not wear a skirt) imagine, 90 men down below, in close quarters underwater for 75 days (more than TWO MONTHS) at a time....insane. The stale smell of metal and vintage "pleather" lurked the narrow halls of this massive sea vessel. The miniature living quarters (including an amazing array of dining rooms, kitchens, teeny bedrooms and offices) were nestled amongst torpedoes, large engines, navigational equipment and massive water purification systems.



The U.S.S. Cod was named after the world's most important food fish and is a World War II era fleet submarine. The 312-ft, 1,525-ton submarine began her life in 1942 when her keel was laid at the Electric Boat Co., in Connecticut. Cod was launched in 1943 and was placed in commission by James C. Dempsey, USN. Dempsey had already won fame by sinking the first Japanese destroyer lost in the war while in command of a tiny, World War I-era submarine.

Cleveland can claim partial credit as Cod's birthplace, since the submarine's five massive diesel engines were built by General Motors' Cleveland Diesel plant on Cleveland's west side. Cod is now docked in Lake Erie at Cleveland, Ohio and is maintained and operated as a memorial to the more than 3900 submariners who lost their lives during the 100 year history of the United States Navy Submarine Force.

Be warned, if you a claustrophobic this is NOT the adventure for you. Also, I would not recommend taking very small children on this sub as you literally have to crawl in and out the vessel...no escalators or stairs here, just ladders. The public is invited to visit the boat daily between May 1 and September 30 each year. For times and additional information visit www.usscod.org.

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