san diego

uss hampton

yesterday, january 15th, i was invited by the NAVY to embark on a submarine ride with other local bloggers (special thanks to my gal, @jbruin). a once in a lifetime opp, we boarded the USS HAMPTON (fast attack nuclear sub) just after 0:800 hours.

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once inside the THREE level submarine, the first half of the day was spent touring this beautiful piece of machinery (and technology). our first stop, the weapons room / demonstration which included loading (mock) warheads into torpedo tubes.

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fellow blogger / podcaster, @aaswartz, climbed into one of the tubes. it ruled.

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15 miles off the coast, the USS HAMPTON was ready to submerge. we entered the control room, complete with with sonar / navigation / periscope (exactly like the movies, without the “ping / ping / ping”.) descending to 650 feet, i sat to the side and watched the (elite crew) handle the ship with ease. it was awe-inspiring.

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once at our target depth, we ran through “angle and dangle” exercises (or, pitching the sub up / down / left / right at a 25 degree angle). here’s a video shot by @downtownrob:

following the exercises, we joined the ship’s commanding officer and squadron commodore (the boss) for lunch. i felt honored to be sharing conversation / beef stroganoff with such highly respected / decorated sailors. we discussed the navy, submarines, iphones, and technology (typical bloggers).

after lunch, the ship resurfaced and the group embarked on an epic mission: the bridge. harnessed, we climbed a slippery, 25 foot ladder (through a tube) to top of the submarine. incredibly pumped, i was also a tad nervous (sketched on heights).

watching the submarine cut through the thick ocean swell (with point loma perched in the distance), was truly the highlight of my day.

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we returned to the ship for the final stretch, and were given commemorative coins from the commanding officer and squadron commodore. stoked, i couldn’t wait to give them to my son, nico (who slept with them last night) .

we docked at 0:16:00 hours.

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when i reflect on our eight hour adventure aboard the USS HAMPTON, what resonates the most was the professionalism / commitment / intelligence / and brotherhood i witnessed (on the ship). a class act operation, with the deepest respect and kindest regards, thank you for what you ALL do.

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6 Comments

  • seanmonz

    1

    sounds like an awesome trip. what kind of beats are the sailors listening to? does the sub come standard with an ipod docking station?

  • David

    2

    I spent 4 years on the USS Bergall. The trust we had for each other was like nothing I have experienced before or since. The one thing I miss about the submarine is knowing that the guys you work with unwaveringly have your back.

  • sarah king

    3

    im jealous!!! my boyfriend was down there with you!! i miss him.

  • Ashley Gonzales

    4

    Awesome opportunity for you Chris!!!

  • Sara LaSala

    5

    My husband is a Chief on the Hampton and told me about taking you guys out.

  • Eric

    6

    I served aboard the Hampton early in her service life ('95-'97)... Miss the old girl. Glad you got to ride her.

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