A group of Radford High School Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets visited Los Angeles-class submarine USS Cheyenne (SSN 773) to get a firsthand look at basic submarine operations, Oct. 26.
The cadets were on board Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to learn about the Submarine Force and to visit several historical sites.
“ I am excited that you chose my submarine for your visit and my Sailors will show you all the great things Cheyenne can do, ” said Cheyenne’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Gary Rogeness , who welcomed the cadets. “I encourage all of you to ask a lot of questions and most of all have fun and be safe.”
The visit included a tour of the submarine’s control and sonar spaces where the cadets got the opportunity to look through the periscope and sit in the main submarine control area or “driver seats.” Crew members of Cheyenne explained and demonstrated the daily functions and responsibilities of a submariner while underway throughout the tour.
“I think it is great that these cadets want to learn about submarines and Navy history, ” said Electronics Technician 2nd Class (SS) Matthew Aguilar . “I am glad that I can show them around the sub and demonstrate what we do to protect our country.”
For one of the cadets, freshman Morgan Hooter , this was his first time on a submarine.
“I never knew there was so much naval history associated with this submarine,” said Hooter. “I can’t wait to share this experience with my family and friends.”
Cadets also visited the dive tower, formally known as the escape training tank that was constructed in 1932 for the instruction of submarine escape techniques but now is used as a conference room. The final tour stop was the Clean Sweep submarine lounge, a former officers club at the historic Lockwood Hall. There the cadets learned about many famous submarine officers and the history of Lockwood Hall.
[mappress] Source: navy, October 28, 2011;