So say it with me "I'm an Engineer". You'll need that phrase later on. That made this a fascinating place to visit to me for one, but what is more amazing, is it gives you insight into the conditions that people in WWII fighting for our freedoms endured.
I can honestly say, I don't know those brave folks even did it. I tend to get claustrophobic sometimes, and have a hard time when I don't have an escape route. Believe me just going down into the USS Bowfin gave me a mini panic attack and it took me a couple of minutes to convince myself to say, come on, this is awesome, you can do it! And believe me I did and was glad of it. Imagine now, being at sea, under the ocean, in these cramped quarters for weeks or months on end. It blows my mind how anyone could deal with it. A huge thank you to all the men and women who risk your lives, and give up so many comforts doing so, for the protection of our great nation.
So now, say it again with me "I'm an Engineer". This place is just an awesome example of WWII technology, once I got past the initial shock of how cramped it was, I was just lapping it up. I have pictures of gauges, junction boxes, wiring cradles, every little facet of the diesel engines, aft and rear torpedo bays. You get the picture. I got lots!
So for me this experience was two fold, getting to see what the folks that sailed in this vessel coped with, and getting to see the technology that allowed them to do it. It doesn't get better than that. This place is a MUST see if you're visiting the Pearl Harbor Memorial.
Just one note, and this is probably because (say it again)....I prefer to go through places like this self guided. Audio tours drive me nuts, and in a place like this just bind up the flow of people going through. I also have the opposite issue that I'm always having to pause them because of all the picture taking and close examination of all the controls and systems, so really I was probably a worse nightmare for the ones doing the audio tour. I just have one of those, "oh now that's cool" mentalities and when it kicks in, I have to get to that exact gauge, switch, knob or light immediately. Drives my wife insane trust me! I have no doubt though, that the audio tour is super interesting and probably a more informational way of taking the tour for those folks that aren't engineers.
Regardless - just do it - whichever is your preferred way. It's hard not to be moved by this awesome, historical landmark and it's incredible value for money and an amazing experience. read more