Photos courtesy of USS Cod Memorial
USS Cod shines all year long thanks to Auxiliarist Mike Patena Story by Paul Farace , president , USS Cod Submarine Memorial
With the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the background , the USS Cod gleams like a beacon to visitors and residents of the North Coast .
USS Cod , the WW II submarine that has called Cleveland home for the last 59 years seems a bit out of place on Cleveland ’ s North Coast Harbor , so far from any Navy base . The 312-foot gray and black fleet submarine that once sent thousands of tons of Japanese ships to the briny deep today hosts tours by grade school children and fascinated baby boomers who discover the sub on their way to tour the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame , just up the street .
When in commission Cod could count on the financial support of the Pentagon and the efforts of Navy personnel and shipyard visits to keep her ahead of the rust battle . Today in civilian hands , the sub is entirely financed by the admission and donations of her visitors . But money alone doesn ’ t stop rust . It takes the combined efforts of her crew , composed of an amazing variety of Clevelanders , from housewives and college students to burly vets of all branches of the Armed Forces .
As director of the Cod project , I understand that recruiting and maintaining the enthusiasm of the volunteers is a major aspect of my job . Always on the lookout for new crew , I was blessed to cross paths a few years back with one especially dedicated volunteer , Mike Patena .
Mike is a member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and a retired employee of FirstEnergy , a major electrical utility . Mike joined the crew and immediately went to work helping with major and minor electrical issues aboard the sub . From arranging the donation of an expensive electric meter to providing the latest industry expertise on electrical safety matters , Mike became a highly valued member of the team . But unlike his 9-to-5-job , Mike ’ s efforts on behalf of the sub went far beyond the confines of his electrical training . Just like a small crew of a submarine , Mike has brought his skills and drive to bear on matters totally unrelated to voltages … such as signage to
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