Galveston Naval Museum in Galveston

Climb aboard the ships that did battle on the high seas during World War II. Experience what it felt like as a crew member aboard the USS Cavalla just before noon, June 19, 1944. After days of playing a lethal game of cat-and-mouse with enemy ships, this heroic Gato-class submarine unleashed its bow torpedoes on the Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft carrier Shokaku. The same Shokaku that launched aircraft to attack Pearl Harbor and helped destroy the USS Lexington at Coral Sea, the Royal Navy carrier HMS Hermes in the Indian Ocean, and the famed Doolittle carrier USS Hornet near the Solomon Islands.

Take hold of the same controls that the brave crewmen held during “Lucky Lady’s” maiden voyage, when the USS Cavalla stopped this scourge of the WWII seas from attacking Allied forces ever again, becoming the only U.S. submarine to avenge Pearl Harbor. A grateful Navy assigned Cavalla as an escort to the fleet entering Tokyo Bay for the war’s final surrender. After the war, Cavalla was selected for conversion to advanced technologies that led to today’s modern submarine forces.

Proudly berthed next to the stealthy Cavalla at the Galveston Naval Museum is the Edsall-class destroyer escort USS Stewart, DE-238. A true Texas native, the Stewart was born in the Houston shipyards and finished in Galveston before joining the fleet as a protector against enemy submarines. Initially serving as escort for President Roosevelt on his way to the crucial Tehran Conference, USS Stewart soon engaged in the valiant service as convoy sentinel, shepherding cargo and troop ships as the lifeline to our allies against fascism.

Brought together, predator and protector, as nowhere else, USS Cavalla and USS Stewart welcome all who seek to understand the drama of World War II’s deadly struggles to master the underwater domain of the unforgiving seas.

As you tour both ships, walk the weather-worn decks. Explore the brass-glistened torpedo rooms. Stand where crews launched depth charges and hedgehog mortars against an unseen foe below. Visit the command rooms where orders were given, engage in the chess match between sub and sub-killer. Spin the wagon-wheel-sized controls that once set the submarine’s depth, or answer “Full Speed Ahead” in the maneuvering room. Onboard ship sleepovers for groups are not only available, but may even arouse the legendary ghost whom some claim wakes the sailors for the morning watch!

The Galveston Naval Museum in Galveston, sponsored by the Cavalla Historical Foundation and Seawolf Park, offers self-guided tours and opportunities for special events. It’s also the perfect setting for gatherings, school or class trips, reunions, military ceremonies or weddings, corporate team building, or to pay personal homage to those family, friends, and comrades who once or now serve this nation’s nautical responsibilities. Additionally, you can explore the online gift shop to keep a piece of maritime history with you as a memorable keepsake.

Visit today and re-live the bravery of those who answered America’s call, serving proudly patrolling the seas in the very ships whose duty directed them into harm’s way.