by MaryAnne Block
Visitors to the one-day St. Cloud Antique Auto Club (Pantowners) car show and swap meet can enjoy a special attraction from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 18 at the Benton County Fairgrounds, 1410 Third Ave. S. in Sauk Rapids.
A 20-foot scale model replica of a Balao Class US-WWII diesel submarine will be on a 21-foot trailer. This model is named the U.S.S. Billfish, after the real U.S.S. Billfish which has been retired.
During World War II, submarines were diesel powered. Now, the U.S. submarines (known as “boats” to the Navy) are nuclear-powered. The diesel-powered boats held about 80 to 90 sailors, while the modern nuclear boats/subs have a crew of 165 to 170 sailors.
The Minneapolis/St. Paul Base of Submariners currently has more than 100 members who have earned the distinction of being “qualified” in submarines. To be “qualified,” an individual must successfully pass rigorous training and a thorough practical evaluation. The sailor must identify and demonstrate how to operate every valve, switch and system (whether air- or hydraulic- or electrically operated) on board the submarine they are serving. If there is an emergency or injury or illness, anyone in the crew is then able to fill in with the proper skills.
There will be several submariners on hand to answer questions the public may have. If a young person is interested in becoming a sailor or a submariner, they are welcome to talk with and learn from real submariners.
The website Pantowners.org provides more information on registration, admission, classes and more.
This is the model submarine that will be displayed at the car show Aug. 18 in Sauk Rapids.
