USS Drum, Mobile Travel Guide

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Explore the USS Drum (SS-228) at Battleship Memorial Park: a WWII submarine and National Historic Landmark offering a glimpse into naval history.

Tour the USS Drum (SS-228), a Gato-class submarine and National Historic Landmark at Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama. Experience naval history firsthand as you explore this WWII vessel, the oldest American submarine on public display.

A brief summary to USS Drum

228 Battleship Pkwy, Spanish Fort, Riverfront Industrial Area, Alabama, 36527, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring USS Drum.

Wear comfortable shoes, as there are ladders and tight spaces to navigate within the submarine.
Allow at least an hour to fully explore the USS Drum, and consider additional time for the rest of Battleship Memorial Park.
Consider purchasing a tour guide pamphlet for a more in-depth understanding of the submarine's history and features.

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Explore USS Drum on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near USS Drum, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

Battleship Memorial Park is located at 2703 Battleship Pkwy, Spanish Fort, AL 36527. From I-10, take Exit 27. Follow the signs for the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. Parking is available on-site for $4 per vehicle.
Public Transport

While there is no direct public transportation to Battleship Memorial Park, you can take a Mobile Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) bus to a nearby location and then take a taxi or ride-sharing service to the park. Taxi/ride-share from downtown Mobile will cost approximately $20-$30.

Discover more about USS Drum

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.