Warship Museums

On June 4th, 1944 the U-Boat U-505 was captured by the U.S. Navy. After her capture the U.S. Navy interred the crew as prisoners of war and secretly towed the craft to Bermuda. U-505 is one of 6 U-boats captured by allied forces, of these ships only 4 survive as museums. In 1954 U-505 was donated to the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry where she has resided since. The boat stands as a war memorial to the sailors who lost their lives in the Battle of the Atlantic.

PT658 was originally scheduled to serve in Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 45, assigned to the Pacific theater. However the squadron was never commissioned and just prior to war’s end PT658 along with eleven sister boats, PT649 through 660, were rescheduled for Lend-lease to the Russia. Fortunately for today’s PT boat fans and enthusiasts, the war’s end cancelled the Lend-lease’s transfer of the final four boats to Russia, with PT658 being one of the four....PT658 was used by the Navy until 1958 for missile test range picket duty, engineering development of radars for air launched missiles, and to resupply a USAF radar station on Santa Rosa Island. In the Santa Rosa role PT658 would run approximately 150 hours per month on 3 weekly round trips transporting supplies and personnel.Upon release from Naval service in 1958, PT658 was purchased by an individual in the Oakland, Ca. area who converted it into a pleasure boat and installed diesel engines. PT658 was renamed as the "Dolphin" and eventually fell into disrepair until it was donated to the Portland PT veterans by the family who owned it.... The goal of Save the PT Boat Inc. is to restore the PT658 back to her "as-built" condition which can then be used as a living history display.This is an excerpt from the organizations website. You can follow the links below to contact them and organize tours and rides!

Bought by organization that wants to turn her into a training ship.

The SS American Victory ship is a victory ship that saw service in World War 2. Launched right at the end of the war in June of 1945, the SS American Victory saw only brief service in the Pacific Theater. American Victory ferried cargo to the Southeast Asian theater before the war came to a close. She would go on to serve in the Korean War, World War 2, and the Vietnam War before being placed in reserve. 

The American Victory Ship & Museum in Tampa Florida has been taking care of her since 1999. As one of only 3 surviving Victory Ships, the SS American Victory is an amazing sight to see. According to the museum’s website visitors “experience an unforgettable voyage of discovery and relive history by visiting cavernous three level cargo holds, radio and gyro rooms, hospital, galley, weaponry, steering stations, flying bridge, signaling equipment, wheelhouse, mess halls, engine room, crew cabins, lifeboats and cargo equipment, then gaze upon photographs, uniforms, medals, documents and naval equipment.”

Aboard ship visitors will see original equipment such as her 3 in bow mounted deck gun, 5 inch stern gun and another 3 inch gun. The most amazing thing about this ship is her operational status. The SS American Victory has been a fully operational ship since 2003. Typically, the museum will go on two “Relive History Cruises” a year. There are only a few operating World War 2 ships in the world that visitors can actually ride on. If traveling from afar it is definitely worth scheduling your visit to make one of these rides. The museum keeps a very active social media following and definitely makes for a good follow. As usual, before traveling long distances we recommend checking the museums website for up to date hours. 

The USS Albacore (AGSS-569) was launched in August of 1953 and served with the U.S. Navy until December of 1972. During its tenure with the Navy, the Albacore served as a research submarine with a state of art teardrop hull design. With submarine warfare reaching its peak during World War 2, and clearly being very effective, the United States was on an endeavor to upgrade their aging submarine fleet. The Albacore helped the Navy with such tests as streamlining control surfaces, a new hull shape, engine improvements, sonar systems, and sound dampening among many others. 

After the Albacore served her country, she was turned into a museum ship where visitors can tour her daily. Visitors can take a self guided tour of the Albacore which starts at the visitor center which also has a very nice gift shop. The tour takes visitors through the 205 foot long hull where they can see how sailors cruised beneath the seas. The control room, engineering spaces, and bunk rooms are all available for exploration. 

The USS Albacore is a seasonal museum and open on the weekends only. Be sure to check out their website before for any updates and follow them on social media!

*Image Citation - Dmoore5556, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

The USS Batfish rests at the Muskogee War Memorial Park in Muskogee Oklahoma. The Batfish is Oklahoma’s only submarine! Visitors coming to see the USS Batfish will quickly learn there is much more to this park than just the submarine. Visitors are treated to over 8 acres of land dedicated to military history. Aside from just a great day learning about the USS Batfish, visitors also have the opportunity to take part in overnight experiences or even host events on location. Be sure to check out the Muskogee War Memorial Park website and Facebook for more information. As usual, we recommend calling locations in advance if traveling from afar. 
 
USS Batfish (SS/AGSS-310), is a Balao-class submarine, known primarily for the remarkable feat of sinking three Imperial Japanese Navy submarines in a 76-hour period, in February 1945. USS Batfish is the first vessel of the United States Navy to be named for the batfish, a fish found off the coast of Peru, at depths ranging from 3 to 76 metres.
Originally to be named Acoupa, hull SS-310 was renamed Batfish on 24 September 1942 prior to its keel laying on 27 December 1942. The Batfish was constructed at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Kittery, Maine and launched 5 May 1943 sponsored by Mrs. Nellie W. Fortier; and commissioned 21 August 1943, with Lieutenant Commander Wayne R. Merrill in command.
(Source: Wikipedia)

The ship was decommissioned in October 1990. It was opened to the public in May 1994 at OMSI, and is on permanent display at OMSI’s dock on the east side of the Willamette River. Visitors can climb aboard the sub and experience what life was like for the 85 men who lived and worked on the boat. 40-minute tours occur throughout the day, and include a behind-the-scenes look at how a submarine dives, produces its own electricity and fresh water, and stays submerged for months at a time. Highlights of the tour include a look at the engine room, the radio room, the control room and attack center, the crew quarters, and the escape and torpedo-loading trunk. A more technical tour of the sub takes place on the first Sunday of every month. The purpose of the two-hour “Guided Tech Tour,” guided by an ex-submariner, is to give visitors a comprehensive technical look into the workings of the submarine. Kids can also spend the night onboard the sub, as part of OMSI’s camp-in program. Students from elementary through middle school sleep in the crews’ bunks, after they explore the control room, peer through a periscope, check out the engine room and set a course to carry out a top-secret mission. The Blueback also features a volunteer HAM radio station (W7SUB) operated by retired Navy veterans. They communicate with other HAM radio operators throughout the world. OMSI hosts two memorials for submariners on eternal patrol. One is a permanent memorial plaque for submarine veterans of WWII and is located at the entrance to the ramp leading to the dock. The other is the propeller (screw) from the Blueback, surrounded by 67 bricks, each engraved with the name and date of a lost U.S. submarine. It is located on the river walkway in front of the museum. In 2014 OMSI’s sub volunteers were honored with an award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals (Oregon and SW Chapter) for their tireless dedication. (This description has been provided word for word courtesy of the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry)

Launched on the first anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Bowfin completed nine war patrols in two years of wartime duty. One of the top-scoring U.S. submarines of World War II, Bowfin is credited with sinking 16 Japanese vessels with a total tonnage of 67,882 tons. On a noteworthy patrol in November 1943, Bowfin sank 12 vessels, only five of which were officially credited to the boat. Rear Admiral Ralph W. Christie, Commander of the U.S. Submarine Force, Southwest Pacific, lauded Bowfin's crew's achievement. "They fought the war from the beginning to the end of the patrol." In further recognition, Bowfin was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for this patrol. Bowfin was the boat selected by Admiral Christie when he went on a war patrol, thus becoming the only U.S. Flag Officer to be aboard a submarine during combat. Bowfin was also awarded the Navy Unit Commendation and the Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation for her wartime service. This included sinking a record number of ships, laying mines, rescuing downed aviators, and supplying Philippine guerrilla troops. At the war's end, Bowfin left Pearl Harbor for active duty with the Atlantic Fleet. She later served as a reserve training boat in Seattle, Washington, until her decommissioning in 1971. Today, Bowfin is back at Pearl Harbor berthed at USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, fully restored in her World War II configuration. The park, located next to the USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center, incorporates the new Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum (opening early in 2021), outdoor exhibits, and a waterfront memorial to the 52 U.S. submarines lost during World War II. USS Bowfin is a National Historic Landmark. (Description has been provided courtesy of the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park)

The USS Cassin Young is a World War 2 battle cruiser turned warship museum. The USS Cassin battled through the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the Battle of Okinawa, and continued service through the Korean War on to 1960. Now sitting at the Boston Navy Yard, the USS Cassin is available for tours and individual exploration. Part of the USS Constitution Museum, the Cassin is just one of multiple ships available to visitors. While visiting feel free to browse other ships and museums available.

Located on Pelican Island just north of the main island, the Galveston Naval Museum houses the USS Cavalla, a decommissioned submarine, one of the most accomplished World War II vessels open to the public today, and the destroyer escort USS Stewart, once the presidential escort and the last of its class in the world. Both vessels are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Touring both the USS Cavalla and the USS Stewart, you'll learn what sailors and submariners ate, where they slept, and how they worked together as a fighting force on the Atlantic and under the Pacific. Visitors to the museum on Seawolf Park can round out a tour of the sub and the destroyer escort with fishing in the bay or playing in the park. Hours vary for different activities, so use the information below to plan your trip to this incomparable and fascinating exhibit of American nautical history. We are more than a WWII museum. We are an educational center and unique venue for sleepovers, private events and special occasions. Our Mission: To PRESERVE the historic integrity and authenticity of our ships. To REMEMBER and HONOR our Greatest Generation who sacrificed so much for our enduring freedom. To EDUCATE all generations about American history, U.S. Navy heritage and innovation, and the courage of our military heroes and their families. (Description has been provided courtesy of Galveston Naval Museum)

USS Clamagore (SS-343) is a Balao-class submarine, presently a museum ship at the Patriot's Point Naval & Maritime Museum outside Charleston, South Carolina. Built in 1945 for the United States Navy, she was still in training when World War II ended. She was named for the clamagore. A National Historic Landmark, she is the only known surviving example of a GUPPY type submarine. Clamagore was built by Electric Boat Co. in Groton, Connecticut near the end of World War II. She was launched on 25 February 1945 and sponsored by Miss Mary Jane Jacobs, daughter of Vice Admiral Randall Jacobs and commissioned on 28 June 1945, with Commander S.C. Loomis, Jr., taking command. Clamagore was decommissioned on 12 June 1975 and stricken on 27 June 1975 after having served in the Navy for thirty years. She was donated as a museum ship on 6 August 1979. Clamagore arrived at Patriot's Point Naval & Maritime Museum, Charleston, South Carolina in May 1981, where she was moored as a museum ship along with aircraft carrier Yorktown and destroyer Laffey. Clamagore was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a National Historic Landmark on 29 June 1989. According to the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, Clamagore "is now the only surviving GUPPY type III submarine in the United States. She represents the continued adaptation and use of war-built diesel submarines by the Navy for the first two decades after the war." The GUPPY conversion submarines constituted the bulk of the nation's submarine force through the mid-1960s. On January 10, 2017 the Palm Beach County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve funds for the vessel to be sunk as an artificial reef. On 16 April 2019 a group of retired submariners sued the State of South Carolina to save the Clamagore. In early 2020, the museum formed a plan to sink Clamagore at the Vermilion Reef site before the 2021 hurricane season. (Source: Wikipedia)

The USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum mission is to utilize USS Hornet and the collections, exhibitions, and educational programming to promote awareness and understanding of history, science, technology, and service. Take a step into history and explore what the USS Hornet Sea, Air and Space Museum has to offer. With docent led and self-exploring tour options there is something for the entire family to enjoy. We have the largest collection of Apollo artifacts on the West Coast as well as a robust collection of aircraft and helicopters from World War II to the Vietnam War. The USS Hornet was launched in 1943 and from 1944 onwards was involved in every major Aircraft Carrier action for the rest of the war in the Pacific. The USS Hornet shot down more enemy aircraft than any other Aircraft Carrier in the War. Just before the end of the war the USS Hornet was damaged by a typhoon and had to return to port for repairs. She did participate in Operation Magic Carpet Ride to help bring home thousands of servicemen from the Pacific after the war. During the Korean War the USS Hornet was undergoing a major refit so she did not participate in that conflict. During the Cold War and the Vietnam War the USS Hornet had been outfitted as an Anti-Submarine Carrier and served several tours in that capacity. Finally, the USS Hornet participated in the Apollo space program by recovering the capsules and astronauts from the Apollo 11 and 12 missions, the first and second missions that landed men on the moon. (Description has been provided courtesy of the USS Hornet Museum)

After launching in August of 1942, the USS Iowa got to work right away. One of the first tasks given to the USS Iowa was transporting Franklin D. Roosevelt across the Atlantic for an important meeting of Allied leaders in Tehran. She then proceeded to the Pacific theater where she would take part in the battles for Kwajalein, Eniwetok, and the Marshall Islands. She also served as a flagship in Tokyo Bay for the Japanese surrender. The USS Iowa finished the war and continued to also serve in Korea. After serving her country in World War 2, Korea, and throughout the Cold War; the USS Iowa now serves her community. The Iowa has been a museum ship in Los Angeles since ____. Since that time, the Iowa has served as one of the top destinations in the Los Angeles area. Visitors will find the museum is perfect for all ages with both guided and self-guided tours. The museum also offers various other services, be sure to check out their website to learn about hosting an event, field trips, and overnight camping programs.

The USS KIDD was named for Medal of Honor recipient Isaac C. Kidd Sr., who was killed aboard his flagship USS ARIZONA during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. She is one of only four Fletcher-class destroyers still preserved as museums and the only known destroyer preserved in her World War II configuration. USS KIDD is recognized as one of the most authentically restored vessels in the world by the Historic Naval Ships Association, an organization whose fleet spans several nations scattered across five continents. The shoreside Veterans Museum displays a variety of items that celebrate veteran and naval military history, with exhibits and interesting memorabilia for all generations. Located in the heart of scenic downtown Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USS KIDD is the centerpiece of a memorial which serves to honor the men and women of our American armed forces. Through our exhibits, take a step back in time and learn about their sacrifices for the freedoms we enjoy today. (Description has been provided courtesy of the USS Kidd Veterans Museum)

USS Laffey (DD-724) is an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, which was constructed during World War II, laid down and launched in 1943, and commissioned in February 1944. The ship earned the nickname "The Ship That Would Not Die" for her exploits during the D-Day invasion and the battle of Okinawa when she successfully withstood a determined assault by conventional bombers and the most unrelenting kamikaze air attacks in history. Today, Laffey is a U.S. National Historic Landmark and is preserved as a museum ship at Patriots Point, outside Charleston, South Carolina. Laffey was the second ship of the United States Navy to be named for Bartlett Laffey. Seaman Laffey was awarded the Medal of Honor for his stand against Confederate forces on 5 March 1864. Laffey is currently a museum ship at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, alongside two other US National Historic Landmarks: the aircraft carrier Yorktown and submarine Clamagore. In October 2008, it was discovered that over 100 leaks had sprung up in Laffey's hull, and officials at Patriots Point were afraid that the ship would sink at her mooring. An estimated $9 million was needed to tow the ship to dry dock for repairs, prompting Patriots Point officials to secure a $9.2 million loan from the state of South Carolina to cover the costs. On 19 August 2009, she was towed to Detyens Shipyards in North Charleston on the Cooper River for repair in drydock. The rust-eaten, corroded hull was repaired with thicker plating, miles of welding, and new paint. On 16 April 2010, the Board of Trustees of Clemson University reached a lease agreement for Patriots Point organization to moor Laffey adjacent to Clemson's property at the former Naval Base Charleston in North Charleston. Laffey was returned to Patriots Point on 25 January 2012 with more than a dozen former crew members among the crowd on hand to greet her. Said one veteran, "This means a lot of years of fighting to get her saved again. The Germans tried to sink her. The Japanese tried to sink her and then she tried to sink herself sitting here. She's whipped them all and she's back again."It cost $1.1 million to return the ship and to make repairs to accommodate her in a new berth at the front of the museum. (Source: Wikipedia)

The San Francisco area is no stranger to its warship museums and the USS LCS-102 is one of the top ones to see. The USS LCS(L)-102 is a landing craft support ship launched on February 3rd, 1945. This vessel was built for the United States Navy and saw service in the Battle of Okinawa. Landing craft support ships are specially designed vessels which could provide close support to landing craft and had more firepower than any other vessel per ton. The LCS(L)-102 is the only surviving vessel of her class. The LCS 102 is currently docked in Vallejo, California at the former Mare Island Naval Shipyard. Visitors can be treated to full tours of the ship and as the museum describes it themselves, “from the pilot house down to the engine room.” The museum has been dedicating itself since 2007 to restoring the vessel back to its world war 2 configuration. After years of serving in the U.S. Navy, Japanese navy, and Thai navy this is no small task. The crew works tirelessly to meticulously present this museum ship and visitors won’t be left disappointed. As usual, visitors to the vessel should check the museum website for operating hours prior to traveling long distances.

The USS LST 325 is the last fully operational WWII Landing Ship, Tank in the United States. LSTs were the largest landing craft built during World War II; their design allowed them to deliver heavy vehicles and equipment directly onto a beach as part of an amphibious invasion. During World War II, the USS LST 325 took part in invasions of Sicily, Italy, and France, carrying more than 3,000 vehicles and 11,000 men into continental Europe. LSTs proved so useful that some WWII built ships continued to see use through the Korean and Vietnam Wars. LST-325 now serves as a museum and memorial dedicated to these unique ships, their brave crews, and the shipyards which built them. For roughly 11 months out of each year, the LST 325 can be visited and toured at her home port of Evansville, Indiana. Because LST 325 remains a fully operational ship, all tours are guided per Coast Guard regulation. Tours begin at the top of each hour and last approximately 45-60 minutes. Each year the ship cruises the inland rivers to visit other cities and communities. Please see the Memorial’s website for hours and call ahead in September and October to verify that ship is in Evansville. (Description provided courtesy of USS LST Memorial, Inc.)

The historic warship – a “landing ship tank” moored at the Mart Dock on the Muskegon waterfront – is now the USS LST 393 Veterans Museum, restored and operated by a group of dedicated volunteers. It offers tours to view renovated areas of the ship and museum exhibits; it also hosts a wide variety of events and memorials. The museum is open May to September. June kicks off with “D-Day Plus 73” community celebration. The event will be highlighted by dozens of World War II reenactors with authentic military garb and weaponry defending LST 393 in “Air Raid Muskegon” during a Warbird flyover. There will be a Friday night “USO dance,” many historic military vehicles, a National Guard encampment, classic cars, a motorcycle honor ride, food vendors, and a 1940s-era pinup contest (family friendly). There is no admission charge to the grounds or the museum, but donations are gladly accepted. Visitors will see many new exhibits and veteran tributes when the museum opens, including a newly donated collection of 150 helmets from armies around the world, a huge Army cargo truck of the type carried by LSTs and new additions to the “Muskegon Connection” display. Last year, more than 35,000 visitors toured the ship or attended the numerous ship events, making LST 393 one of the top attractions in Muskegon. The Movies on Deck series starts in June and shows classic films most Friday nights throughout the summer, although one of the June movies will be shown on a Saturday night. This year’s films include “Shrek,” “The Sting” and “Monuments Men.” The movies start after sunset on the ship’s top deck; there is no admission charge but donations are accepted. Upgraded displays inside the ship tell the stories of the soldiers, sailors, Marines and Coastguardsmen who served aboard LSTs; LST 393 is one of only two left in America out of 1,051 built. The ship’s bridge has been completely restored, as well as the galley, officers’ quarters, wardroom, sick bay and mess deck. A trip down to the engine room is a must for those who have an interest in awesome machinery. Among the exhibits is the “Hall of Uniforms.” Three compartments of the ship have been revamped for a display of authentic uniforms donated by Muskegon veterans. They represent all branches of the armed forces and have come from veterans of five wars and seven decades of service. Visitors can view the “Homefront Muskegon” display, honoring those who supported the troops at home. Also on display is a main battle tank engine on loan from L-3 Corporation of Muskegon. The Vietnam Memorial Wall honors those from West Michigan who gave their all for their country in Southeast Asia. The wall contains a unique collection of Vietnam Conflict memorabilia as well as the photos of the more than 50 Muskegon County service personnel who died. Also honored are servicemen who died in Iraq and Afghanistan. There is also a newly expanded section to commemorate those who served in Korea. Adults can take a self-guided tour of the ship for a $10 donation; students are $5. Volunteers are always on hand to answer questions about the ship and the museum displays. A large gift shop offers a variety of ship mementos. The museum membership program continues this year. Individual membership go for as little as $25 per year; families can sign up for $40. Members can tour as often as they like, get special gifts and also get free popcorn at Movies on Deck. LST 393 was built in 1942 to help America defeat the Axis powers in World War II. She was at the Sicily and Italy landings and made 30 round trips to Omaha Beach during the invasion of Normandy, delivering weapons of war. Sold as surplus in 1946 to Sand Products Inc., owners of West Michigan Dock and Market in Muskegon, she was converted to a cross-lake freighter called Highway 16 and was a fixture on Lake Michigan for three decades. She was retired from service in the 1970s. LST 393 is located at the Mart Dock adjacent to Heritage Landing county park on the downtown Muskegon waterfront. (Description provided courtesy of the USS LST-393 Preservation Association)

The USS Missouri is an Iowa class battleship launched in January of 1944. After serving through World War 2, the Korean War, and Persian Gulf, the Missouri was turned to a museum ship in 1999. The USS Missouri is one of the top destinations in Hawaii. Anchored right next to the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Missouri battleship tour is something visitors won’t forget. Visitors can spend a day viewing pieces of history linked to both the beginning and the end of World War 2. 

The USS Missouri's most notorious claim to fame is its part in World War 2. Visitors can see the exact location where the formal surrender of Japanese forces took place, effectively ending the World War 2 conflict. Guests are encouraged to take a guided tour with a volunteer, tours last approximately 30 to 40 minutes and will pass right through the location of the surrender. If you can’t make it to the actual Missouri, we highly recommend checking out their virtual tour. The virtual tour gives a great idea of the massive size and complexity of this great and famous warship.

Image - Richard Brown, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

USS Razorback (SS-394), a Balao-class submarine, was the only ship of the United States Navy to be named after the razorback, a species of whale (Balaenoptera physalus) found in the far southern reaches of the Pacific Ocean. She is arguably the longest-serving combat front-line submarine still existing in the world, having been commissioned by two different countries for 56 years of active duty. In 2004, the state of Arkansas adopted the submarine (although she was not named after the University of Arkansas mascot) and is now a museum ship at the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum.

(Source: Wikipedia)

Image Citation: Cliff, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Commissioned on April 28, 1945, as a Standard Fleet Submarine, Requin made its first journey to Hawaii to join the Pacific Fleet at Balboa. Arriving at Pearl Harbor in early August of the same year, the submarine prepared for its first war patrol. In port at Pearl Harbor Naval Base when World War II ended, Requin departed and headed west for Guam. The submarine was recalled to Pearl Harbor on October 26, 1945, with ultimate orders to sail to Staten Island, NY. The USS Requin continued to serve all the way until it was struck from the naval registry in December of 1971. Today, Requin serves a very different purpose, educating hundreds of thousands of visitors about life and science aboard a submarine in the mid-20th Century. Preserved within her 312-foot-long hull is the technology of a bygone era; she is a far cry from the sleek nuclear-powered behemoths that now patrol our seas. (Description has been sourced with persmission from the Carnegie Science Center website)

The USS Silversides, a World War 2 Gato class submarine, was launched in August of 1941 and successfully completed 14 war patrols. Through the duration of the war, the Silversides would serve across the Pacific attacking Japanese shipping, saving downed airmen, laying minefields, and other supporting roles. Following the war, the Silversides would go on to become a Naval Reserve training ship in Chicago. In 1962, the Silversides was reclassified as an auxiliary submarine and eventually stricken from the U.S. Naval register in 1969. 

Since the Silversides became a museum, she has been lovingly care for by her volunteers. The ship is in immaculate condition. Amazingly, the museum is available 7 days a week 365 days a year. While visiting the museum, visitors should be sure to save some extra time to view the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter McLane The McLane has an amazing history with the Coast Guard which lasted through the Prohibition era. Dont miss out on touring this one. 

Image Citation - Joanna Poe from Munith, MI, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Located on Pelican Island just north of the main island, the Galveston Naval Museum houses the USS Cavalla, a decommissioned submarine, one of the most accomplished World War II vessels open to the public today, and the destroyer escort USS Stewart, once the presidential escort and the last of its class in the world. Both vessels are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Touring both the USS Cavalla and the USS Stewart, you'll learn what sailors and submariners ate, where they slept, and how they worked together as a fighting force on the Atlantic and under the Pacific. Visitors to the museum on Seawolf Park can round out a tour of the sub and the destroyer escort with fishing in the bay or playing in the park. Hours vary for different activities, so use the information below to plan your trip to this incomparable and fascinating exhibit of American nautical history. We are more than a WWII museum. We are an educational center and unique venue for sleepovers, private events and special occasions. Our Mission: To PRESERVE the historic integrity and authenticity of our ships. To REMEMBER and HONOR our Greatest Generation who sacrificed so much for our enduring freedom. To EDUCATE all generations about American history, U.S. Navy heritage and innovation, and the courage of our military heroes and their families. (Description has been provided courtesy of Galveston Naval Museum)

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