USS Becuna

USS Becuna
Country	USA
Class and type	Balao-class diesel-electric submarine
Launched	30 January 1944
Out of service	7 November 1969

USS Becuna (SS/AGSS-319), a Balao-class submarine, is a former ship of the United States Navy named for the becuna, a pike-like fish of Europe. She was designated a National Historic Landmark for her service in World War II, for which she earned four battle stars. She presently serves as a museum ship at the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Source: USS Becuna on Wikipedia

USS Becuna SS-319 Walk Around
Photographer	Bill Maloney
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	164

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The Deep-Diving Fleet Submarine

The USS Becuna is a Balao-class submarine, the most successful class of American submarines in World War II. Launched in 1944, the Becuna was a “fleet submarine,” designed to travel with the main battle fleet across the vast Pacific. Unlike the earlier Gato-class, the Balao-class utilized high-tensile steel (HTS), allowing it to dive to depths of 400 feet (120m), significantly safer from Japanese depth charges.

Attribute	Technical Specification (WWII Configuration)
Class	Balao-class Diesel-Electric Submarine
Crew	10 Officers, 70-72 Enlisted
Main Armament	10 × 21-inch (533 mm) Torpedo Tubes (6 forward, 4 aft)
Deck Gun	1 × 5-inch / 25 caliber dual-purpose gun
Powerplant	4 × Fairbanks-Morse Diesel Engines; 4 × Elliott Electric Motors
Surface Speed	20.25 knots (37.5 km/h)
Submerged Speed	8.75 knots (16 km/h)
Test Depth	400 feet (122 m)

The GUPPY Modernization

Streamlining the Hull: In 1951, the Becuna underwent a GUPPY IA (Greater Underwater Propulsive Power) conversion. This removed the deck guns and replaced the bulky WWII bridge with a streamlined “sail” to reduce underwater drag.
Snorkel System: The conversion added a “snorkel” (inspired by German technology), which allowed the submarine to run its diesel engines and recharge batteries while submerged at periscope depth.
Battery Upgrades: The internal “Sargo” batteries were replaced with much larger, high-capacity battery banks, nearly doubling the boat’s submerged endurance and speed.
Sonar Evolution: Her radar and sonar systems were upgraded throughout the 1950s and 60s, transitioning her from a surface-running raider to a true underwater Cold War interceptor.

Service and Preservation

WWII Combat: During her five war patrols, the Becuna was credited with sinking several Japanese merchant ships and tankers, totaling thousands of tons, earning two battle stars.
Cold War Role: Post-GUPPY, she operated primarily in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, tracking Soviet naval movements and participating in NATO exercises until her decommissioning in 1969.
Museum Ship: Today, the Becuna is a National Historic Landmark. She is preserved at the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she is moored alongside the Spanish-American War cruiser USS Olympia.