The first time, many years ago, that I toured the USS Bowfin, at the submarine memorial at Pearl Harbor, I finally grasped..albeit to some small extent, what life was like for submariners. What was most amazing for me was the galley..that 2-3 cooks could produce meals 24/7 for a crew of 70-80 for 8 weeks ( duration of the average war patrol) in a space that about the size of my closet. I'm a foodie, love to cook, and told my then-wife that never again would I complain about a lack of counter space in our kitchen.
And now picture Gordon Ramsey on a submarine... (Or better not)
If either of you get to Chicago, take a tour of the WW2 German type VII submarine U-505. it is well worth the visit
Plus there is a true Battle of Britain Spitfire and a German Stuka hanging from the ceiling in the main entry area.
I have been on the Bowfin,(24 hours) off the coast of Florida about 1965, left on a rubber raft for Army Intel training. Paddled ashore and watched the lights of south Fl going south, had to be rescued by the Coast Guard, big surprise to the coasties when they came upon us with lotsa machine guns and etc. The Chief in charge of the CG boat said “shut up” there is nothing there. Got to a pier and found out where the coasties hung out and bought lotsa drinks.