Stan,

It was a different kind of life on a Boomer (SSBN). The speed indicator should have been covered as well as the depth gauge. I had my 20 in before being attached to a Boat but I had ridden a number of them as a missile launch observer from the USS Observation Island (EAG 154) and when I was on the Sub Tender Hunley (AS 31) (not the original H L Hunley). Living conditions were excellent on a Boat and it does not take long to get used to being underwater. I always would tell the crew that this was nothing but an underwater hotel. I missed being topside more than anything and I was busy as COB. Once I qualified Submarines and was appointed COB I was constantly busy. Of course, getting around the Boat was what my job was anyway and I never took myself off the watchbill as long as I was on the Tecumseh. The crew felt good about that and that made my job a bunch better. These Navymen that road these Boats (and are still riding them) are special Sailors and we only had 2 mast cases during the time that I was COB, I did have a few Sailors in my little note book which I took care of informally but never any serious consequences. It was a great and necessary experience and I am glad I was able to participate. We did help to win the Cold War!

It must have been right scary on the CSS Hunley. Three crews were lost on the Hunley two of these crews were lost during the research and development of the CSS Hunley and with the errors of the past corrected (The first crew was buried in 1963. Many years later the Citadel football stadium was constructed over their graves), all known Sailors of the CSS Hunley have been removed from those sites and have now been buried in Magnolia Cemetery, Charleston.

Very Respectfully,
Ed Hughes