Submarine Becuna — Attraction in Philadelphia

Unlike the neighbouring USS Olympia, the submarine USS Becuna is only available as a guided tour, included in the package, due to the confined nature of a lot of the exhibit. It is well worth the effort. Our guide really knew their stuff and as I was part of a small group, we were able to see parts of the ship not always available. Being guided around a vessle like this, gives you some understanding of what submariners went through. Having been on a number of subs fro m around the world, it's always interesting to see and hear about the similarites within the community of the crew, the games the played and the interactions they had, whilst understanding the differences in the boats. USS Becuna has been very well preseved, most of the equipment is still in situ, USS Becuna is cramped, even for a visit, you can understand why the crews had to...

An interesting, hour-long journey into life in a submarine. (Our guide spoke rather fast as she had to cram in lots of info.) 🚩Beware, visitors with leg problems may have difficulties manuvering the two sets of steep and narrow steps as well as several foot-high, oval-shaped chamber doors they have to climb thru. 🚩FYI: Service animals, we've found out the hard way with our daughter's guide dog, won't be able to access the submarine becoz of these steep steps. Attempting it can prove dangerous for them. We feel this fact should be made clear in websites/google map, and to everyone inquiring about the tour. PS: My husband ended up skipping the tour to care for her guide dog. (We were told we could file for his $12 refund, but we didn't have...

The Submarine Becuna is a remarkable vessel with a storied past, now serving as a museum ship at Philadelphia’s Independence Seaport Museum. Launched in 1944, the Becuna is a Balao-class submarine that played a significant role during World War II, conducting five war patrols in the Pacific and earning four battle stars for her service. After the war, she underwent a GUPPY 1A modification, enhancing her capabilities with a streamlined hull and improved propulsion systems. Decommissioned in 1969, the Becuna now invites visitors at Penn’s Landing to step back in time and explore the life of submariners during a pivotal era of...