USS Becuna

The USS Becuna is a Balao-class submarine that stretches over 300 feet and contains several specialized compartments including the torpedo room, control center, and crew quarters. The tight arrangement of equipment and systems demonstrates how efficiently every inch of space was used.

The submarine was commissioned in 1944 and served in the Pacific during World War II, completing multiple combat patrols. In the 1950s it was modernized with advanced equipment before eventually being retired and preserved as a museum ship.

The vessel bears the name of a fallen submarine commander and serves today as a place where visitors can learn about undersea naval warfare firsthand. Walking through the narrow passages gives visitors a real sense of how cramped life aboard was.

The submarine is open daily and visitors can explore the narrow compartments and control center on their own or join guided tours. Wear comfortable shoes since climbing through hatches involves steep ladders and the interior spaces are very tight.

This submarine is the last of its kind with GUPPY-1A modifications from the 1950s, making it the only surviving example of this specific modernization version. These changes fundamentally altered how submarines operated during the Cold War era.

Location: Philadelphia

Inception: January 1, 1944

Reference: SS-319

Address: South Christopher Columbus Boulevard

Website: http://phillyseaport.org/becuna

GPS coordinates: 39.94360,-75.14120

Latest update: December 9, 2025 13:10