A Journey Aboard the USS Cod
By Andrew Lindner, Intern, OhioTraveler.com
While visiting the U.S.S. Cod, not only was the historical prevalence important to me, but so was the effect the vessel had on my senses and the feelings that stemmed from those. Being docked in Cleveland, Ohio, this submarine offers visitors a unique opportunity to discover its history in an inviting way. Not only were the people working at the sub friendly and enthusiastic, but they were undoubtedly knowledgeable in the history of such a hidden Ohio gem.
When I first approached the Cod, I was overwhelmed by the mere size of the vessel and its impressive exterior structure. Being docked right in the waters of Lake Erie, I was immediately hit by the smell of the freshwater air. This aromatic smell, combined with the state of awe I was in, solidified a moment I will never forget. However, this wasn’t the only time the beauty of the sub took me back. Being the only World War II submarine left in its original condition without modern walkways, the Cod required me to climb aboard just as the original crew once did. This is when I smelled the metallic scent of the cool metal walls. Being completely inside the submarine, this particular smell wasn’t invasive or overwhelming, but more of a subtle scent of crisp seawater and steel. After a short time of adjusting to the smell, my next sense was triggered.
While exploring the front section of the Cod, I was pleasantly surprised to hear what I consider old-timey music playing throughout the room. This music made me feel as if I were a part of the crew working way back then. This wasn’t the only audio provided, though. Each section of the sub featured a compelling narration that explained the purpose of the room and its historical significance. This, along with the music, gave me a deeper insight into the sub and what it meant to work such a ship.
Because the submarine is kept unaltered, it doesn’t have any glass walls or fake walkways. This allowed me the chance to feel and discover every small bit of the Cod. When moving from room to room, I had to duck through narrow passageways, using only my hands for leverage. Although many people would overlook this aspect of touring the sub, I did not. Feeling the cool metal under my fingers as I hoisted myself through the opening made me feel like I was stepping into the daily life of a Cod crew member. I wasn’t only able to touch the walls, though, but also the furniture and any display pieces placed throughout the tour. Being able to sit in the kitchen dining booths, feel the beds they slept in, and even be right up close to the torpedo chambers elevated this tour above many others I have been on. The aspect of being able to feel the raw material of the sub is unlike any experience I’ve had, and I will never forget it.
The use of each of these senses contributed to how I viewed the U.S.S. Cod. While walking through the sub, I didn’t expect to see so many unique and diverse parts of the vessel. From rustic kitchens to dim, red-lit control rooms, no two parts were alike. This change in scenery aided in keeping my interest and showed what it was truly like to be aboard a World War II submarine. My eyes were drawn to every part of the craft. Reading every small vintage label, I never felt unsure of what each thing was. Being able to see everything up close made the historic legacy of the Cod a real and tangible experience.
For me, going on museum tours has always seemed uninteresting. Most of the time, I’m being shuttled from one room to the next with brief descriptions, all in an effort to move as many people in and out as possible. This, however, was not like the U.S.S. Cod. When touring it, I had free rein over which section of the Cod I wanted to visit and how long I wanted to explore each section. But this was all elevated when I walked off the Cod and was introduced to a cheerful worker who was beyond knowledgeable about the vessel.
Hearing and reading history are vastly different from living it, and when you have someone who has experienced it or something similar, the stories become all the more real. Listening to the worker describe and share moments from his past made me appreciate how my life compares to his. Not only did many men never return from underwater battles, but the living conditions and safety measures were far from what they are today. The U.S.S. Cod is credited with sinking more than a dozen enemy ships during its seven combat patrols in the Pacific, earning seven battle stars. When listening, I made a point to thank the worker for his contributions to this country and how his part made a big difference.
Touring the U.S.S. Cod Submarine was an experience that will never go unremembered. From its historical importance to its ability to spark my senses in unique ways, The Cod is unlike any museum I’ve visited. I highly recommend this experience to anyone seeking an immersive adventure and a memorable experience.
Here’s a video I narrated and produced of my tour of the Cod.
Plan your experience aboard the Cod.
By Andrew Lindner, OhioTraveler.com Intern, and Strategic Communications major at The Ohio State University.
