MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A grand bash for a Lakeshore favorite is in the works.
The submarine U.S.S. Cobia turns 80 this year, and those at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum are getting ready to celebrate.
She sits in the shallow channel not far from the mouth of the Manitowoc River.
“Cobia was built in Groton, Connecticut. She’s 311 feet, nine inches long, and 28 feet wide,” said Karen Duvalle, Wisconsin Maritime Museum Submarine Curator.
Duvalle says the keel on The U.S.S. Cobia was laid on March 17, 1943.
“So, it’s a St. Patrick’s Day boat. We always kind of celebrate that together. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the keel-laying. So, we always have some fun with it — call it a birthday party. And we have cake and cupcakes for people that attend.”
Duvalle says Cobia has a rich naval history, dating back to World War II.
“The boat served six patrols in the Pacific, sinking 13 ships. And they also rescued seven downed airmen.”
Duvalle says about 80 crew members were on board.
“The captain was the old man. He was mid to early 30s. Most of the crew were 19 and 20 year olds.”
A look below deck seems to put life on a submarine in perspective.
“How small it is, how cramped the quarters, their tiny bunks that they had. They couldn’t bring a lot of stuff with them. Ninety-degree temperatures. No sunlight for two months,” said Duvalle.
Duvalle says the boat was brought to the Wisconsin Maritime Museum site in 1970 and has been a popular Manitowoc attraction ever since.
“Cobia is one of the best-preserved submarines or museum ships in the country. Very few modifications were done to the sub. So, it still has that World War II look. It’s always been in good hands here, which is why we want to continue that tradition and dry dock.”
Duvalle says the museum is raising about $1.5 million to temporarily move Cobia to the shipyard in Sturgeon Bay for some work.
“It’s been since ’96 that we pulled the boat out of the water, inspected it, cleaned, painted it. So, just general routine maintenance to be good stewards of the boat,” she said.
The U.S.S. Cobia Submarine birthday celebration is March 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $8.
Comments