USS Drum SS-228 Submarine - Gato Class

USS Drum SS-228 Submarine – Gato Class

OK, so you expect submarines to be small.  This is way beyond that.  You really have to be a tiny person to serve aboard one of these subs.

The USS Drum SS 228 is the oldest United States Submarine left in the world.  It was commissioned November 1, 1941.  The sub is only 311 feet long.  She carried 7 officers and 65 enlisted men.  After being inside the sub and walking around, it’s really hard to imagine that many people inside at once.  There were some bot scouts touring it when we were there and it was tight then.  And that was only about 10 extra people inside.

A very interesting tour.  We got to see the torpedo bays, the command center and the engine room.  By the way, I would not want the job in the engine room.  There bunk was in the engine room!  I can only imagine how noisy it was when the engines were running.  Also the torpedo room.  They slept there too!  I guess when space is that limited, you had to make do.

A great tour we would definitely do again if in the area, and we had more time.  We only spent 3 hours here but we could have easily spent more.

Torpedo Bays Inside The USS Drum

Torpedo Bays Inside The USS Drum

David Going Through A Door. Watch Your Head And Knees!

David Going Through A Door. Watch Your Head And Knees!

Inside of USS Drum

Inside of USS Drum

David Walking Through USS Drum

David Walking Through USS Drum

Tight Squeeze. This Was Not Unusual.

Tight Squeeze. This Was Not Unusual.