The USS Torsk is a historic submarine in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Tour the watercraft to see many fascinating areas, including the crew’s mess and the radio room. The submarine is a highlight of Historic Ships in Baltimore, one of the most significant collections of military maritime vessels in the world.
With more than 80 sailors living aboard the submarine during its active deployments, life on USS Torsk was a crowded experience. Stop at the crew’s mess to see where the sailors ate their meals. The crew’s berthing area contains many of the submarine’s bunks. Historic Ships in Baltimore also runs special overnight programs, when visitors can sleep inside USS Torsk for a truly unique experience.
The forward torpedo room is one of the most popular areas to visit. See six torpedo tubes, all 21 inches (53 centimeters) in diameter. This compact area also contains some of the 15 wartime bunks, tightly positioned between reload torpedoes. Other fascinating areas include the control room and the officers’ country, an area with small cabins used by the submarine’s officers and chiefs.
Before peace was achieved, USS Torsk sank two Japanese coastal defense frigates in its final World War II operations. Following the war, the submarine was deployed in the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas. It also alternated as a training boat at the Navy’s submarine school in New London, Connecticut. To learn more about USS Torsk, talk to former crewmembers, known to visit the site on special occasions.
Find the submarine moored at Pier 3 in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. USS Torsk is maintained by the Historic Ships in Baltimore collection of museum ships and memorials. For a small additional fee gain access to other ships in the collection, including the treasury-class cutter USCGC Taney and Lightship Chesapeake. The 19th-century Sloop-of-War US Constellation is one of the collection’s highlights. Purchase tickets from the Pier 1 ship’s store or Pier 3 ticket booth. The Historic Ships in Baltimore are open daily except select holidays. Check the website for details.
Spend an afternoon exploring USS Torsk to gain an insight into the lives of submarine officers and sailors.
