Science center uses technology to tell submarine’s story
The inner workings of a submarine – down to the sounds of a torpedo being fired, a sonar ping and food cooking in the galley – are recreated in the USS Requin (SS-481) at the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh, thanks to new state-of-the-art interactive technology. “Attendance is up leaps and bounds since word got out,’ said Patty Rogers, curator of historic exhibits for the science center, who later noted, “We’re really proud of it. They’ve done a fantastic job to bring this sub to life. Almost anyone can find something – history, a Navy man who did this work, kids.’
The Requin (pronounced Ray-quinn) is now equipped with a multimedia, interactive living history program, installed this past May and designed in collaboration with graduate students from Carnegie Mellon University’s Entertainment Technology Center (ETC). This is believed to be the first historic submarine to use this technology, which includes a touch screen for six of the Requin’s compartments: the forward torpedo room, control room, mess deck, berthing compartment and two engine rooms.
Each station explains a principle of nautical science and then ties it into a real-life story about the ship. The stories incorporate audio and video recordings of Requin veterans who describe life aboard the submarine. Each kiosk gives visitors access to multiple levels of information, including how the sub works, history and a section for youths.
The stories themselves are priceless.
“There is heavy emphasis on the veterans’ stories,’ said Rogers. “They tell what it was like to eat and sleep on the submarine and the missions.’
Some of the material came from oral histories made at KQV radio during a 2004 convention of Requin veterans as well as writing by veterans such as Dex Armstrong.
Also astounding are the sound effects through surround-sound speakers that help one imagine ice scraping the hull during an Arctic exploration or eavesdropping as the crew chatters or officers give commands.
The submarine is set up to simulate life on board the Requin from 1945 to 1968 when it undertook defense and scientific assignments in the Pacific, Caribbean, Arctic and Mediterranean.
In addition to the new technology, the science center has installed signage for people who want to go through the submarine quickly and has loaded the vessel with artifacts. For example, visitors will find a cup of coffee and a plate with a sandwich, apple and cinnamon roll located next to a typewriter in the officer’s quarters. There are potato sacks in the showers because that’s where the crew kept some of their food when first setting out on a mission. Meanwhile, the stern room includes display cases with items used by the sailors, including a uniform, tube of toothpaste, scouring powder and a baseball mitt.
Sean Hannan, program presenter, stationed in the stern room, where four video screens play stories of submarine veterans – including Requin veterans, said of the technology, “It’s added a lot to the boat to make it more interactive and personal. We have a lot of compliments from people, saying they like what we’ve done here.’
He also said, “This year, I’ve noticed we’ve had a lot of veterans. One guy talked about his experiences – he lived in this compartment. I’ve learned a lot.’
The Requin was commissioned as a standard fleet submarine in April 1945 and headed to join the Pacific Fleet when World War II ended.
According to background supplied by the science center, Requin underwent three technology conversions during her 23 years of service.
In 1946, Requin became the world’s first radar picket submarine and was used to increase the radar detection range around a force to protect it from surprise attack. She participated in exercises in the Caribbean and Arctic Circle.
“The incredible amount of equipment required for a radar picket submarine, packed into every inch of available space aboard an already-ramped ship, led to a fair share of maintenance headaches, and the follow-up conversion for radar pickets was named project ‘Migraine’,’ the science center reported in a background report. “Some of the ship’s torpedo tubs were removed, allowing for more bunk space and storage. More importantly, this conversion raised the search antenna onto a mast.’
Deployed with the 6th Fleet, Requin was sent to the Mediterranean Sea four times over the next seven years.
She underwent her final conversion to a fleet snorkel board at the Charleston Naval Shipyard, reclassified to SS-481. Requin continued operations with the 6th Fleet until May 1964, when she resumed duties with the second fleet.
Her final deployment with the 6th Fleet took place in 1967, when she searched for a lost nuclear submarine. She was decommissioned in 1968, working as a Naval Reserve Trainer in St. Petersburg, Fla., until 1971, when she was stricken from the U.S. Navy list and became a tourist attraction in Tampa, Fla., the next year.
Requin came to Pittsburgh in September 1990 to be part of the soon-to-be opened Carnegie Science Center and officially opened on Oct. 20, 1990. More than 1.4 million visitors have toured the Requin since then.
The Carnegie Science Center is located at One Allegheny Avenue on Pittsburgh’s North Shore, next to Heinz Field. For more information, visit www.CarnegieScienceCenter.org or call 412-237-3400.