Mine were the USS Cobia (SS-245) and USS Picuda (SS-382). When the Cobia was decommissioned, went to Portsmouth, NH for converting the 382 boat to a Guppy and went aboard the U-505 just a few berths away. Our boats were like Cadillacs compared to theirs - grudging respect for the Krauts going to war in them.
Hit Cuba in the pre-Castro days, Passed by Santiago Bay and saw a couple of beached hulks from the Spanish-American War - nothing but shells remained. Neat bit of history.
Didn’t really feel old until I saw the Cobia was a floating museum up in Wisconsin (!!) Went aboard her in 2003 and the smells were still there - memories came flooding back. The guide let me sound the diving alarm and I confess I felt a thrill ripple through me.
When I signed up, I was staying in for 30 - everything was an adventure at age 17. The last duty station in Key West turned chicken-shit, so I bailed after 3 years, 8 months and 24 days. Got out early as Eisenhower said that anyone who enlisted in ‘51 could get out if under 21.
Was at sea when I heard that and was all hyped up. Then the French lost at Dien Bien Phu and all enlistments were extended. Was in a purple snit until I found out it was scuttlebutt.
Shipmates are all gone now but still live in my memory.
Nice recounting. I’d like to get inside one before I go sometime.
Key West was still a pretty sleepy place when I was there in ‘72-’73. Hadn’t really been “discovered” yet.
It must have been quaint when you were there.
I recall Duval street and everyone going to the west side of the island to watch the sunset and then head to the bars for the night. Picturesque place to be at 17 and 18.