USS Tang, Museum submarine in Balçova, Turkey.
USS Tang is an American submarine displayed at the sea museum in Balçova, showing visitors what submarine engineering looked like from that era. The vessel stretches over 80 meters long and was equipped with eight torpedo tubes positioned along its hull.
The submarine entered service in 1951 with the United States Navy and served for several years before being transferred to Turkey. After decades of operation with the Turkish Navy, it was decommissioned and converted into a museum.
The submarine reveals how sailors lived in tight quarters, with bunks stacked in layers and small shared spaces throughout. Walking through, you notice how the crew adapted to the confined environment during long underwater patrols.
The museum opens several days a week for visitors and offers guided tours for groups. Plan time to explore the different decks and compartments, keeping in mind that spaces are tight and stairs are steep.
The vessel still holds original equipment from the 1950s, including periscopes and sonar systems that show how underwater operations actually worked. These devices offer a direct look at the technology of that era.
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