Every now and again a "once in a lifetime" opportunity comes along. For me it was the opportunity to board an active Los Angeles Class nuclear attack submarine. The USS Providence (named after this fine city) was in port in Groton, CT and through Rotary connections we were able to have a private tour of the boat by the skipper.

Being an active nuclear attack sub (think Hunt for Red October - the hunter was one of these) I figured taking a camera of any note would be frowned upon ( so I didn't take one). Little did I know that they really didn't care too much except for one of the command rooms (which we still got to see). From an artistic standpoint it wasn't the inside that was so cool. In fact it was the outside, docked next to another nuclear sub, both sitting low in the water. The boats looked so innocuous against the water and tree-lined surroundings, just dark black tubes floating on the water.

It was a great experience, especially for a history buff like myself.

Here is Capt. Holland, John McGinn (Rotary President), and representatives from the Naval Society. I may post one of the photos from the trip later showing the changing of command ceremony.