# Step Back in Time: Exploring the Historic USS Cobia

For history enthusiasts and admirers of naval architecture, the USS *Cobia* offers a rare opportunity to walk through a living piece of history. Once a formidable predator prowling the Pacific during World War II, this storied submarine now rests as a National Historic Landmark at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. A visit to this remarkable vessel is more than a tour—it’s an immersion into the resilience, bravery, and ingenuity of the sailors who once called it home.

### A Vessel Steeped in History

Built in 1943, the USS *Cobia* earned a fierce reputation during its six war patrols. Known as both a “life-taker” and a “life-saver,” the submarine sank 13 enemy vessels—totaling over 16,835 tons—and rescued seven downed American pilots. Its most celebrated moment came during the Battle of Iwo Jima when it sank a Japanese transport ship carrying 28 tanks. These feats cemented the submarine’s legacy as a weapon of tactical brilliance and human courage.

Today, preserving the USS *Cobia* is no small feat. According to Kevin Cullen, Director of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, maintenance costs hover around $100,000 annually. This painstaking preservation ensures visitors experience a fully functional submarine, complete with two working diesel engines and the oldest operational radar system in the United States.

### A Guided Journey Through Time

Guided tours of the USS *Cobia* bring history to life in a uniquely personal way. Mark Becker, a U.S. Navy veteran and former Cold War-era submarine cook, adds authenticity to the experience. Drawing on his own service, Becker provides vivid details about life aboard a submarine, from “hot bunking” (where 72 sailors shared 36 bunks) to mastering the nine-step process required to flush the tricky submarine toilets.

Becker’s anecdotes, like baking chocolate-chip cookies to boost morale—an effort that once earned him a promotion aboard his own vessel—offer insight into the human side of submarine life. While exploring the cramped quarters and the mess hall where meals kept morale afloat, visitors gain an appreciation for both the advanced engineering and the camaraderie that defined the crew’s daily survival.

One highlight of the tour is the captain’s quarters. Dedicated to Captain Albert Becker (no relation to Mark), this space honors the memory of a leader whose strategic brilliance earned him both the Navy Cross and the Silver Star Medal. His contributions underscore the values of leadership and sacrifice that echo across the submarine’s storied history.

### Authenticity at Its Core

Stepping aboard the USS *Cobia* is like traveling back to 1944. Every corner of the submarine, from the torpedo rooms to the radio room housing the potent SJ-1 radar, radiates authenticity. Visitors can marvel at the ingenuity behind the systems that powered the vessel while appreciating the traditions of the crew. One particularly amusing symbol of naval pride is the upside-down broom mounted near the periscope—a hallmark of a “clean sweep,” signaling the successful sinking of an enemy ship without damage to their own vessel.

A battle flag adorned with a cobra fish, designed by Walt Disney Studios during the war, is another reminder of how creativity and morale intersected with warfare. These artifacts capture the distinct personality of the USS *Cobia* and the sailors who served aboard her.

### Remembering Personal Sacrifices

The submarine’s technical achievements are impressive, but its personal stories resonate most deeply. Among them is that of Ralph Clark Huston Jr., a 19-year-old crew member who was killed in action during a 1945 firefight. A plaque on the ship commemorates his ultimate sacrifice, ensuring that his story—and the stories of others like him—remain alive for future generations.

### Plan Your Visit

Visitors to the USS *Cobia* can choose a guided tour or even spend the night aboard through the museum’s unique “Sub Bnb” program. Tickets are affordable, with discounts for veterans and free admission for active-duty military.

From the teakwood deck to the meticulously preserved interior, every inch of the USS *Cobia* tells the story of human ingenuity and courage. As veteran guide Mark Becker aptly puts it, “It’s not just about the sub—it’s about the men who lived, worked, and sometimes died aboard her.”

Whether you’re a history aficionado or simply curious about life at sea, a visit to this legendary submarine promises an unforgettable journey. If ever you’re near Manitowoc, don’t miss this chance to honor the legacy of the USS *Cobia* and her heroic crew.

*Step aboard. The past is waiting.*