The USS Torsk, a World War II-era submarine now serving as a museum in Baltimore, recently saw an update to its storied legacy. Previously recognized as the last US Navy submarine to sink an enemy warship in combat—downing two Japanese frigates in 1945—the Torsk's claim was surpassed this March when a modern US submarine torpedoed an Iranian warship during Operation Epic Fury.
A Living Museum of Naval History
Commissioned in 1944, the Torsk played a pivotal role in WWII, firing the last torpedoes of the conflict. After the war, it underwent updates and continued service through the Cuban Missile Crisis and other Cold War operations before being decommissioned in 1968. Today, visitors can explore its torpedo rooms, control center, and crew quarters, gaining insight into both historic and modern submarine warfare.
"Now we say we sank the last two ships during World War II," said Brian Auer, operations director of Historic Ships in Baltimore, adapting the museum's narrative to include the March 4 engagement with Iran.
Modern Submarine Warfare
Though advancements in nuclear power and technology have revolutionized submarine capabilities, the USS Torsk's design remains a testament to the ingenuity of its era. Nearly 81 years after its WWII exploits, the US Navy showcased its modern prowess with a Mark 48 torpedo strike on an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean, a mission captured on video by the Department of Defense.
The USS Torsk, docked in Baltimore's Inner Harbor, offers Americans a rare opportunity to connect with naval history. General admission tickets provide access to the Torsk, USS Constellation, and US Coast Guard Cutter WHEC-37, all managed by Historic Ships in Baltimore.