The sinking of an Iranian warship by a US Navy submarine this week has drawn comparisons to World War II naval combat, according to Brian Auer, operations manager at Historic Ships in Baltimore. The Department of Defense released video footage of the event.
Prior to this recent action in the Indian Ocean, the last confirmed instance of a US Navy submarine sinking an enemy ship in combat was the USS Torsk in 1945. This World War II submarine is now part of the museum Auer manages.
With large-scale battles between warships being infrequent since 1945, the reemergence of naval warfare in Operation Epic Fury against Iran has brought new relevance to World War II-era museum ships. These ships are now seen as relevant historical examples of naval combat.
Ryan Szimanski, curator at Battleship New Jersey, stated that while museum staff aim to educate on the impacts of wars, the recent naval action has made museum ships a more prominent part of public discussion.
Immersive Museum Ship Experiences
Approximately 75 World War II-era museum ships across the United States are open to the public. These decommissioned vessels, including battleships, submarines, destroyers, and aircraft carriers, offer visitors the opportunity to explore their interiors. Tours, often led by Navy veterans, guide visitors through combat areas such as torpedo rooms, gun turrets, and command centers.
Battleship New Jersey features Tomahawk cruise missiles, as it was the first surface warship to carry them in 1982. These long-range missiles have also been used in recent engagements to sink Iranian ships.
Szimanski noted that seeing contemporary systems like Tomahawk missiles in a museum is a rare experience.
Some museum ships also offer overnight stays, allowing guests to experience crew conditions.
Similarities to Modern Naval Vessels
While some technologies in World War II submarines are outdated, many operational aspects remain consistent.
Brian Auer noted that modern Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines share design and functional similarities with vessels like the USS Torsk, demonstrating the historical origins and continued relevance of certain naval practices.
Ryan Szimanski mentioned that the general layout of submarines has remained similar since World War II, retaining essential spaces for eating, sleeping, and torpedo operations. Auer frequently observes active-duty sailors on tours of the USS Torsk noting these continuities.
Enduring Technology and Evolving Capabilities
Hugh McKeever, education manager at the Independence Seaport Museum, highlighted ship capabilities as a primary difference. World War II diesel-powered submarines, such as the USS Becuna, had limited submerged time, typically around 12 hours of oxygen. In contrast, modern nuclear-powered submarines have an unlimited fuel supply and can remain submerged for up to six months, limited mainly by food provisions.
Auer pointed out that some World War II-era submarines are still operational globally. For example, the USS Torsk's sister ship, the USS Cutlass, commissioned in 1945, was sold to Taiwan in 1973 and remains part of the Republic of China Navy.
He emphasized that these older vessels are still capable of their original functions and could pose a threat if deployed by other nations.
Renewed Relevance for Floating Museums
Curators of ship museums anticipate increased public interest in naval history. McKeever expects more questions about torpedoes as the summer tourist season approaches. He connected the economic prosperity of the United States as a maritime power to the sea and the Navy, stating that museum vessels represent the constant need for adaptation and growth.
Szimanski emphasized that prior to recent events, only museum ships held records of naval battles, highlighting their continued educational value.