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800 feet below aboard the USS Houston
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Posted on Sep 29 2000
A group of 13 Saipan residents received a taste of life aboard a nuclear submarine this week as passengers aboard the USS Houston. The group was hosted by Commander Daniel P. Mack upon the ship’s departure Tuesday morning following a four-day port visit.
During an eight-hour voyage to Guam, the group received a full tour of the ship’s six departments: Navigation, Operations, Combat Systems, Engineering, Supply and Medical. The HOUSTON also performed several maneuvers underway, including the surface surge “emergency blow” that she is best known for performing in the smash hit “Hunt for Red October.”
“It was just the opportunity of a lifetime–very educational and exciting,” said Saipan Chamber of Commerce president Lynn Knight. “My favorite part was riding topside and seeing the beautiful view of Tinian and Guam.”
“You want to talk about a unique experience, it was today,” said Chamber member David Wiseman immediately following the trip. “My favorite part was riding up on the bridge coming into port and seeing the energy and magnificence of the wake and waves in front of the sub. It was fantastic!”
The Houston is the 132nd nuclear powered submarine to join the fleet. While aboard, the guest civilians were given the opportunity to view Saipan and Tinian through the periscope, drive the ship both on the surface and submerged, and shoot “water slugs” through torpedo tubes.
“The trip was terrific,” said Larry Knecht of MTC. “You couldn’t ask for a better day.” “It allows you to appreciate what these guys do for a living. It’s a tough job.”
Homeported in San Diego, the Houston is home to 15 officers and 120 men who often don’t see the sun for weeks or even months during missions.
Perhaps Saipan resident and retired submariner Cal Colavechio summed up the experience best after returning to 800 feet below the surface.
“From a retired major chief that served 30-some odd years in the Navy, 15 on submarines, Bravo Zulu!’
The Houston is the only second submarine to dock on Saipan since the US Navy began making the CNMI a port of call.
