Normally The Garage is about everything automotive, but really it’s about the cool stuff we’d all like to see in our garage. What gearhead wouldn’t love to have a submarine, a destroyer and a cruiser at their disposal? Ok, so they wouldn’t exactly fit in most people’s garages, but these hardcore naval machines have to be the ultimate mechanical playground.

We’ve been going to Buffalo, New York for years for kid stuff, but we had no clue that the waterfront held such incredible displays. The Buffalo Naval Park is home to the USS Little Rock, the sole surviving Cleveland Class Cruiser, USS The Sullivans, a Fletcher Class Destroyer and the USS Croaker, a WWII Gato Class submarine. Best of all, visitors pretty much have the run of all 3 ships so you can take as much or as little time as you want to explore the awesomeness.

On the day we went, it was pouring rain and we were on a tight schedule. As a result, we only saw a quarter of the Little Rock at most, but it made the biggest impression of all 3 ships. Through the Sixties, the Little Rock was a guided missile cruiser and that provided the biggest surprise. Equipment from over 40 years ago looks thoroughly modern, proving that the military is always ahead of everyone else. Standing in the galleries where the missiles were assembled and delivered to the launch podium is truly awe inspiring.

On land, there are several aircraft and ground machines on display along with a PT boat that has definitely seen better days. The boys loved the little, single person recon tank. It might be a neat ride, but it doesn’t look like it offered much protection!

If you are in the Buffalo area, the Naval Park is absolutely worth a visit. During our visit to the home of the Buffalo chicken wing next spring, we’ll be planning a longer day to check out the rest of the Little Rock.

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.