Muskogee War Memorial Park: Home of the USS Batfish

The Oklahoma War Memorial and Museum brings to life the incredible story of the USS Batfish (SS-310), a World War II submarine that made history by sinking three enemy subs in just 76 hours—an unmatched achievement in U.S. naval warfare. More than a tale of strategy and skill, the Batfish’s mission is a testament to the endurance, precision, and sacrifice of the submariners who served beneath the waves.

After seven war patrols in the Pacific, the Batfish was decommissioned and, in 1973, it found a new mission in Muskogee—to educate, inspire, and honor those who served. One of only 14 American WWII submarines on display in the U.S., the Batfish has long stood as a tribute to American valor.

The USS Batfish Submarine & Military Museum is one of Muskogee's most unique attractions. An actual World War II submarine. The Batfish and her crew were highly decorated with nine Battle Stars, one Navy Cross, four Silver Stars, and ten Bronze Stars.

Currently the memorial is being moved. I could only visit with the help of my drone. Much of the outside exhibits are already moved, but the submarine is still there.

Since July 2025, the museum has been temporarily relocated to the Robinson Gallery & Event Center at the Three Forks Marina in Fort Gibson.

How does a submarine arrive in Oklahoma? The USS Batfish submarine reached Muskogee, Oklahoma, in 1972 by traveling up the Mississippi and Arkansas rivers on barges and being dragged overland into a dry berth.

The sub was towed from New Orleans, Louisiana, via a flotilla of barges up the river system in early 1972. Near Little Rock, the submarine's superstructure was too tall to clear a bridge. So the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lowered the river level by three feet so the vessel could safely squeeze under. Tugs brought the submarine to the Port of Muskogee terminal on May 7, 1972. Because the river further upstream was too shallow to carry it toward Tulsa, planners stopped at Muskogee. Workers dug a special slip and used four bulldozers to drag the massive 1,400-ton submarine off the water and into its landlocked park display.