USS Drum: A Submarine Legend

The USS Drum (SS-228) offers a compelling journey into naval history. As a Gato-class submarine, she holds the distinction of being the first of her class to enter combat in World War II and is the oldest surviving Gato-class submarine. Commissioned on November 1, 1941, the Drum completed 13 war patrols, earning 12 battle stars for her service. She is credited with sinking 15 ships, totaling 80,580 tons of enemy shipping, ranking her eighth among U.S. submarines for Japanese tonnage sunk.Visitors can explore the Drum's interior, gaining insight into the cramped living and working conditions of the 72-member crew. The self-guided tour allows you to discover the torpedo rooms, engine spaces, and control areas. Informational pamphlets are available for a small fee.Located at Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama, the USS Drum is preserved as a museum ship. After being moored in the water for many years, the Drum was moved onto land in 2001 for permanent display. This transition followed damage sustained from Hurricane Georges in 1998. The USS Drum is a tribute to the submariners who served during WWII.Fun Fact: The USS Drum's emblem of an octopus banging a drum was designed by Walt Disney Studios.