Introduction
Among the silent warriors of the U.S. Navy’s submarine fleet in World War II, few vessels hold as proud and enduring a legacy as the USS Drum (SS-228). Commissioned in November 1941, just weeks before the attack on Pearl Harbor, Drum would go on to become one of the most successful American submarines of the war — a true symbol of bravery beneath the waves.
Construction and Commissioning
Built by the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine, the USS Drum was a Gato-class submarine, designed for long-range patrols across the vast Pacific Ocean. She was launched on May 12, 1941, and commissioned later that year under the command of Lieutenant Commander Robert H. Rice.
The submarine measured 311 feet in length, displaced over 2,400 tons submerged, and carried a crew of around 70 men. Equipped with ten torpedo tubes, she was built for stealth, endurance, and lethal precision.
Combat Record in World War II
The USS Drum began her first war patrol in April 1942, operating out of Pearl Harbor. Over the course of 13 war patrols between 1942 and 1945, Drum achieved a confirmed record of 15 enemy ships sunk, totaling approximately 80,580 tons — one of the highest tonnages credited to any U.S. submarine of the war.
Her victories included cargo ships, tankers, and troop transports vital to the Japanese war effort. Despite facing heavy depth charge counterattacks and mechanical challenges, Drum’s crew repeatedly brought their vessel — and each other — safely home.
The Dangers Beneath the Sea
Life aboard the USS Drum was grueling. Crews endured extreme heat, humidity, and constant tension, as Japanese destroyers hunted submarines relentlessly. On more than one occasion, Drum sustained damage from near-miss depth charges, yet her skilled crew managed to keep her afloat and operational — a testament to both training and courage.
Postwar Service and Preservation
After the war, Drum was decommissioned in 1946 but later reactivated as a training submarine before her final retirement in 1969. Instead of being scrapped, she was preserved — a rare honor among wartime submarines.
Today, the USS Drum (SS-228) is permanently on display at Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Alabama, alongside the battleship USS Alabama (BB-60). She remains the oldest American submarine on public display anywhere in the world.
Legacy of the “Drum”
The Drum’s legacy endures not only in her battle record but also in the memories of the men who served aboard her. For their courage and success, her crew received multiple Navy Unit Commendations, and the submarine herself earned 12 battle stars.
Visitors who step aboard her today can still feel the cramped quarters, smell the diesel oil, and imagine the silent tension of submarine warfare — a reminder of the invisible war fought beneath the waves.
Conclusion
The USS Drum (SS-228) stands as a lasting tribute to the bravery of the “Silent Service” — the U.S. Navy submariners who risked everything in the depths of the Pacific.
Her steel hull tells a story of resilience, sacrifice, and victory — a legacy that continues to inspire generations of sailors and historians alike.
Key Facts:
- Class: Gato-class submarine
- Commissioned: November 1, 1941
- Confirmed kills: 15 enemy ships (~80,580 tons)
- Battle Stars: 12
- Current Status: Museum ship, Mobile, Alabama