USS Drum, World War II submarine at Battleship Memorial Park, Mobile, US
The USS Drum is a Gato-class submarine stretching over 311 feet and equipped with four Fairbanks-Morse diesel engines used during World War II combat operations. The crew worked from the control room and accessed torpedo compartments, quarters, and engine spaces throughout the hull.
The submarine entered service in 1941 and saw combat operations against Japanese naval ships and transports in the Pacific Theater. Its service ended in 1945, after which it became a training vessel and later a museum ship on the coast.
The vessel displays a special insignia created by Walt Disney Studios, showing the drumfish found in North Atlantic waters. This design reflects the personal touch that many warships received during that era.
Visitors can explore several decks to view original equipment, crew quarters, and control stations through guided tours. It helps to wear comfortable shoes and expect tight spaces within the submarine's interior passages.
The submarine survived two major hurricanes—Georges in 1998 and Katrina in 2005—and was subsequently moved ashore for better protection. This resilience shows how tough these vessels were despite being built for entirely different conditions.
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