USS Balao (SS-285)

USS Balao (SS-285) was a Balao-class submarine that proved what aggressive, well-led boats could accomplish in the Pacific campaign. USS Balao was the lead ship of her class, an improved Gato-class design with a thicker pressure hull that allowed deeper diving depth. The Balao-class became the backbone of the Pacific submarine campaign in the second half of the war. We built the USS Balao collection for submariners and their families. Every piece reflects the operational excellence and crew dedication that defined this boat's service.