TopHatter

I get a little worried about our nation's submariners.

After complementing a USS San Juan engineroom type on his Fairbanks-Morse, he proceeded to blush and give it a big hug

He then delivered a scathing remark about the diesel generator manufacturer (Cat) used on the Virginia-class SSN's.

maximusslade

You sure he wasn't an A-ganger? Many that I know would sacrifice their firstborn to make sure that machine runs. It wouldnt suprise me that they would have not so nice things to say about the Cats... In an A-ganger's mind, no engine is as good as his.

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TopHatter

No idea, couldn't really tell you one way or the other.

What had happened was, I'd remarked to a friend that I was with, was that Fairbanks-Morse has a tradition of making fine, reliable diesels for US submarines that goes back as far as World War II.

That was when the sailor made the disparaging remark about the Navy deciding to go with Cat on the Virginias.

Guess he was irritated about messing with a good thing.

Alright, so who has the next question?

maximusslade

OK, here is an easy one. I am the only steam engine driven nuclear submarine with no reduction gear. Who am I and why do I have no reduction gear?

TopHatter

Aw crap...ummm...steam-driven, so that eliminates USS Tullibee and USS Glenard P. Lipscomb

Gotta be USS Narwhal and her fancy-schmancy propulsion set-up.

maximusslade

Yep, Tophat is correct. USS Narwal, instead of tradional steam driven main engines coupled to reduction gears, went with its engines coupled directly to the shaft. Instead of reduction gears to convert the high speed of the engines to the slower speed of the shaft you had an engine with many many more stages that slowed down the overall speed of the engine itself. My old Eng was on the Narwal. He stated to me that the boat was much quieter but its speed was significantly slower than that of other 637 boats.

TopHatter

Hmmm....OK, how about this one: Which 637 was caught in a trawler's net and nearly became fish-food?

maximusslade

USS William H. Bates and the Sturgeon herself were both caught in nets....

TopHatter

Didn't know about the Bates, interesting!

My best friend was an FT on the Sturgeon, said he woke up in his rack to the most gawdawful terrifying scraping noise next to him...the net being dragged across the hull.

His buddy, another FT (just retired) wore a little souvenir fishing net ankle bracelet for years afterwards...probably still does for that matter.

TopHatter

OK so who's got the next question!

maximusslade

I guess I do....

Here we go... This one may be a tough one....

What name was orignally slated for the submarine USS Connecticut, SSN 22?

maximusslade

Ok, after almost a week no one guessed. Answer is Baracuda.

Let's try something a little easier. Are there any surviving "41 for Freedom" boats? If so, where are they?

m1tch311

no there are non left.
(random guess)

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maximusslade

Incorrect. Some and/or parts of some still survive (and here is a hint, a couple of them still serve).

maximusslade

Does no one want to do the naval quiz anymore???