USS Drum: America's Oldest Surviving WWII Submarine Continues to Echo History in Alabama

Mobile, Alabama – The USS Drum, a venerable Gato-class submarine commissioned in 1941, stands as a testament to the bravery and resilience of World War II servicemen. Now preserved as a museum in Mobile, Alabama, the submarine offers a tangible link to a pivotal era in naval history. During its active service, the USS Drum demonstrated remarkable effectiveness, successfully sinking over 80,000 tons of enemy shipping across 13 arduous wartime patrols in the Pacific. Its missions were conducted in stealth, striking without warning before vanishing back into the depths. The conditions aboard the USS Drum were notoriously challenging. Its 70-man crew lived in confined, dark spaces, with no room to stand upright and no margin for error. Their existence was a constant test of courage and resolve, sharing air, fear, and determination within the metallic confines of the submarine under immense pressure. Today, visitors to the USS Drum can walk through its narrow hatches, touch the periscope, and gain a profound understanding of the sacrifices made by its crew. The experience often evokes strong emotions, with some visitors reportedly moved to tears, while others instinctively duck in the cramped quarters, reflecting the intense reality of life aboard a wartime submarine. The USS Drum remains America's oldest surviving World War II submarine, a powerful reminder of its significant contributions to the Allied victory.