Naval vessels always have welcomed civilians on board

By Dick Adair
Advertiser editorial cartoonist

Inviting civilian guests aboard naval vessels is an old tradition. In my days as a seaman aboard an aircraft carrier, we often opened our hatches to groups of visitors who wanted to experience a bit of life at sea while we demonstrated our nautical skills.

In recent years I was twice invited as a civilian to return to sea to sketch life aboard a submarine. One was the huge Trident ballistic missile sub USS Alaska, the other the Los Angeles class USS Charlotte, similar to the USS Greeneville of recent news. On each occasion, I was part of a mixed group of business leaders, retired military and relatives of active naval personnel.

The day would begin with a briefing on the narrow deck of the sub, where we were divided into smaller groups of four or five, each with an escort to explain everything and answer questions. The escort usually carried a Polaroid camera to take pictures for us at angles that wouldn’t include classified instruments. I was somewhat offended that they didn't consider my sketches detailed enough to compromise security.

After we climbed down the hatch, the sub got under way. As soon as we were out of Pearl Harbor, it began diving maneuvers. The groups were rotated to different areas of the submarine: the torpedo room, the galley, sleeping areas, the sonar room and the control room.

The nuclear power plant was off-limits.

We were allowed to view the surface through various lenses of the periscope and, yes, some of us got to sit in the driver's seat and "steer" under the watchful eye of the helmsman. This was something like allowing my son to drive our family car from his car seat.

Every person who has had the privilege of sailing aboard a submarine begins the experience with the anxiety of being in the way. Despite the close quarters, our first impression was how well the personnel maneuver themselves in these spaces. That gave visitors the luxury of being somewhat clumsy in their fascination and curiosity.

Everyone aboard was aware of where they were and where we were at every moment. All movement was anticipated, which speaks well of the professionalism of the crew and the escorts. No one left feeling they'd missed something.

Our experience was unique to us but not to the Navy. It's tradition.

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