CINCINNATI — During the Cold War, Cincinnati’s name was also part of a critical underwater mission in the world’s oceans to maintain peace and be ready to respond within a moment’s notice.
The USS Cincinnati (SSN-683) was a Los Angeles-class nuclear powered submarine. Launched the 19th of February 1977 to much fanfare and the focus of WCPO 9 cameras and legendary anchor Al Schottelkotte.
The launch, as he reported, “thrilled everyone who watched.”
Schottelkotte would do much more than report on the christening and launch of the USS Cincinnati. He would also embark on a journey to Andros Island in the Bahamas to share with viewers the new submarine and its crew as the first journalist to ever go aboard.
The United States Navy’s base on Andros Island still operates today. The Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC) performs undersea simulated warfare to sharpen the skills of submariners.
Through his reporting Schottelkotte was able to give Cincinnati area …