USS Torsk (SS-423)

The USS Torsk is a Tench Class submarine built launched in September of 1944. Despite being launched so late in World War 2, the Torsk was still able to have a formidable impact on the war. The Torsk would go on to serve throughout the Pacific, attacking Japanese shipping and aiding downed Allied aviators. It was during this time the Torsk was credited with scoring the last strike on an Japanese warship during World War 2. 

Following the war, the USS Torks would continue her service all along the American east coast. The USS Torsk would primarily serve as a training vessel during her time after the war and would end her service as a Navy Reserve training submarine. In 1971, the Torsk was stricken from the U.S. Naval register, in 1972 she was officially turned over to the State of Maryland to be converted to a museum ship. 

As a museum vessel at the Historic Ships in Baltimore museum, visitors can walk across her decks and view all of her spaces. According to the museum, "Traversing the boat from stern to bow, visitors have the opportunity to view the torpedo rooms, the navigation station, the operation station, the engine room, the crews mess and crew berthing areas. If you arrive at the right time, you may have the chance to meet a former crew member." Visitors to the museum will want to give themselves plenty of extra time to see other nearby exhibits such as the National Aquarium or USS Constellation. 

Image Citation - Davidwells75, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons