USS Torsk

Pier 3

Today’s Hours: 11:00AM–4:30PM

Commissioned for the United States Navy on December 16, 1944, the USS Torsk was the only submarine out of its Tench Class fleet of ten to see service during World War II. Over eighty sailors lived aboard Torsk at particular times. In these very crowded conditions, the only way to pass someone was to turn sideways. After numerous war patrols and duties as a training boat after the war, the Torsk arrived in Baltimore to serve as a museum and memorial in 1972. The U.S. Submarine Torsk is a highlight of the Historic Ships collection.

Video
Guided Tour USS Torsk

Read About:
Torsk History

The USS Torsk was built at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Kittery, Maine, at the end 1944 and was later deployed to the Pacific for patrol around the coast of Japan during World War II. On March 4, 1968, USS Torsk was decommissioned and later arrived to Baltimore's Inner Harbor to serve as a museum and memorial in 1972. Within her entire career, Torsk has completed over 10,600 career dives during times of peace and war.

1945: World War II

During World War II, Torsk made two war patrols off the coast of Japan in 1945. Throughout April 15 to June 16, 1945, Torsk carried out plane guard duties for American aircrafts engaged in bombing raids on Japan. While on her second patrol that lasted from July 17 to September 9, 1945, Torsk engaged in sinking three Japanese ships. In the afternoon of August 13, 1945, she torpedoed and sunk a small freighter ship as well as two Japanese coastal defense frigates the following day. Inevitably, the two coastal defense frigates were the last enemy warships torpedoed before peace was resolved.

1952-1960: Post World War II

After World War II, USS Torsk alternated between duties as a training boat at the Navy's Submarine School in New London, CT and active deployments in the Altantic and Mediterranean. In 1952, the boat underwent a fleet snorkel conversion and received equipment for use in testing and development of the Regulus missile in the mid-1950's. In the 1960, Torsk received a Presidential Unit Citation for her service during the Lebanon Crisis. Additionally, she earned the Navy Commendation Medal for participating in the Cuban Blockade.

Restoration

One of the most essential functions of Historic Ships in Baltimore is the ongoing maintenance and restoration work. The Museum’s dedicated Maintenance & Restoration staff and corp. of volunteers work to ensure that these national treasures survive for future generations.

Work continues on the Torsk deck repair project, focusing on the grinding and repainting paint of Torsk's port side.

Plan a Visit
Activities & Artifacts

The USS Torsk resides next to the LV116 Chesapeake and the National Aquarium at Pier 3 in the Inner Harbor. Additionally, the Torsk participates in educational and overnight programs for all ages.

Traversing the boat from stern to bow, visitors have the opportunity to view the torpedo rooms, the navigation station, the operation station, the engine room, the crews mess and crew berthing areas. If you arrive at the right time, you may have the chance to meet a former crew member.

Our artifact collections consist of approximately 50,000 objects, photographs and documents across all of our exhibits. These artifacts tell the stories not only of the ships and lighthouse, but of the thousands of brave sailor for whom these historic sites were a duty post, a home, and a way of life. New items, often donated by former crew members and their descendants, are rotated into exhibits so there are opportunities to see something new in future visits. If you are interested in donating an an object, photograph, or document related to one of the sites that the Historic Ships operates, we would love to hear from you.

Virtual Ship Tour USS Torsk