Our Texas Thanksgiving – Part 9 – The Naval Museum

Another great suggestion my cousin David told us about was to visit the Naval Museum. For anyone who appreciates the military, it is definitely a great place to go. It is still a work in progress, but they currently have an old WWII destroyer and a submarine that you can tour through, to see what life is really like on these vessels. They are NOT for anyone with claustrophobia, that’s for sure. I also got to see what my dad’s life was like on board all the ships he sailed.

Of course there were more pelicans too.

I’ve been to most of these places. Tokyo is the only place I haven’t been yet.

We toured through the submarine first. All I can say is WOW!!!!!

The men bunked everywhere, even right above the engines. Every inch was utilized to the max. There was NO room to spare for anything.

No matter where it is, no matter how big or small, I am right at home in ANY kitchen I find.

The dining quarters served many purposes too.

Even the Captain’s quarters are tiny and cramped.

While touring through the submarine, we met someone who actually worked on modern submarines and he explained a lot of things to us too. This sub held about 60 men. The modern subs, though bigger, hold about 130 men. Because of the tight quarters, women are almost always assigned to ships rather than subs. He made a comparison that summed things up pretty well. He said anyone today could work the subs and ships of yesteryear, but it would be like driving a Model T Ford to a modern car. They would be slow at first, but soon they would have no problems at all operating the old vessels.

After touring through the submarine, we went over to the ship. I could do life on a ship much easier so than I could on a sub. Quarters were still tight, but not nearly as tight as they were on the submarine.

Once again, I am making myself right at home in the kitchen.

Everyone was strongly encouraged to their part for the war effort.

Larry helped himself to the ice cream station before finding the bunks.

Can you imagine sleeping nose to nose with a torpedo????? That’s what the sailors did and still do. These are bunks right below the torpedo.

Learning the language of the seas

and proper naval ettiquette.

Because my dad was both military and civilian military his whole life, I have always had immense respect for all the military men and women. But after getting a better idea of what their life is really like when at sea, that respect has grown even stronger. Thank you to all the brave men and women who have served, sacrificed and continue to serve today.

After leaving Galveston, our next stop was David’s house in Sugarland. Becky, David’s wife, prepared a delicious spaghetti dinner for us, and we all visited ’til the wee hours of the morning.

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Author: ajeanneinthekitchen

I have worked in the restaurant and catering industry for over 35 years. I attended 2 culinary schools in Southern California, and have a degree in culinary arts from the Southern California School of Culinary Arts, as well as a few other degrees in other areas. I love to cook and I love to feed people.

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