I know of that can make extended bottom searches like we are doing. Being here is a great experience. That being said, it is a very challenging environment. I think there are 13 people on board all in the space of a bus-except almost all of this bus, but the center aisle, is filled with equipment. When the three of us observers are up, it is gridlock.
Space is a precious commodity everywhere.
We'll be eating a lot of pop tarts and microwave meals. Sleeping accomodations are interesting. There is a bunk room, but it only has room for 6 if two men share a berth. The skipper sleeps on the deck behind the steering console and two or three submariners take turns sleeping on the floor of the passageway between the active area and the aft part of the ship where the head and the engine room are. Everyone has to carefully step over them en route.