I found my way to this website while researching some of my families military history. I do beleive my Uncle, Paul Garlak served on the drum during the Second World War. His Notice of Separation from US naval Sevice lists her in the "vessel and station" block of the form. Not sure which patrols he would have been a member on as the notice of separations does not list dates and years of service for the vessels and stations. I like the site and plan to visit next time I am in the Mobile area.

Job well done. I'm impressed.

After reading about the Drum, which my Dad served on during the war in the Pacific, I have learned so much about what a hardship he went through and how proud I am of him.

Please let me know of any further activities/developments regarding the Drum's history and info on the movie.

Thanks for sharing this touching and memorable information.

I brought my 8 year old grandson Logan to the park today for his first tour of the battleship and the Drum. We had a wonderful day exploring and absorbing the history. It was such a delight to watch him have his eyes opened in great wonderment to this portion of our history. We spent a lot of time on the Drum... Thanks Tom Bowser for taking time to show us about the sub and answer our questions! Wonderful day!

Tom,
Thank you so much for showing me and my girlfriend around the Drum, I was the guy that took several pictures of the Sub on Sunday 12/27/2009. You mentioned that you needed help and donations for repairs.
I was sadened to fond out that very few people are helping. I hope that my pictures will help get the word out that one of our Hero's is in need of help.

Thank you for everything you do in restoring the drum.

My dad, Robert G. Lindsay, Jr, served on the Drum as a radio man.
I was fortunate enough to tour her on the anniversary of his death.
The chief unlocked the radio room and let me spend some time there.

My dad shared many stories with me-- he was at Pearl Harbor during the attack, waiting to be assigned to a sub.

He served on a number of subs, but the Drum was always his favorite.

Thanks for all who care for her now!

Thanks for the great site.
I especially love reading the war patrols. Truth is always better than fiction.
Thanks to all who served on her.

Bob...

Hi, I'm Wills grandson and I Love the fact that you put up this website and are restoring the Drum, Keep up the good work!

Website looks great! You're doing a good work for the old Drum. My Granddad was a plankowner on Drum and made 7 war patrols. I too am a submariner, USS Spadefish SSN-668, an A-Ganger like Pops was. Looking forward to attending another reunion.

Looking great, Tom and Lesley! Can't wait to see her up close again next June! Keep up the great work!

Jerry Watson, Drum Crew dependent

I joined the Navy Reserve on the USS Drum in Nov 1958. Qualified in subs on the USS Redfin 272 and retired in 1980 as a Chief Engineman.

Drum was a great boat.

Chuck

My Uncle Tom is helping to fix up this National Treasure. It is wonderful to see all the hard work everyone is doing, even when we are all the way out here in California. Keep up the great work. You are doing everyone proud.

I served on the Drum and this is the greatest. I have enjoyed every bit of this website. Tom and Leslie are doing a fantastic job with the restoration. I served with the best men and they deserve to be recognized. Job well done.
Skinny ghinny See you in June

Just got back from our trip touring the Drum. We felt so honored with the unbelievable tour Tom and Leslie gave us. We learned so much about the boat that my Dad served on for 9 missions. To be able to see, touch and hear about the same instruments that my dad worked on meant so much to me. To see the care, time, dedication and love that goes into the restoration of the Drum is indescribable. Thanks for all you do Tom and Leslie! Looking forward to seeing the 'SeaViper' when it comes out.

Gail Mast, daughter of Gilbert 'Gil' Leach, Drum Crew Member

I didn't know the Drum had deteriorated so much over the years. But its good to know there are people willing to restore this old WW2 subs for future generations.

Best of luck!

Good to see she gets alot of good care,i used to visit this site alot about a year ago but lost track,to see her in her current state is fantastic!Maybe someday i will pay a visit,who knows.

Aboard USS Rock SSR274 (1957/1959
Great site you have.
You might want to check out e-bay, they list USS Drum Clock under WW2 Submarine Collectables

My Grandaddy, James W. Eubanks, was on the USS Drum for during WWII for patrols 4-13. I've been to see the Drum several times with him during the crew reunion's. He's not doing well now but he is still alive and once you get him talking, he will keep you spellbound with the stories from that time. You have a great site. Thank you.

Great site. Dad (CEM)was on the 1st patrol and was a plank owner. Had a great time seeing the Drum this year at the park.

My father served on the Drum during the war. He was TM2c and went on missions 5 thru 12. My brother and mother have been to the sub and were greatlt impressed with the work you all have done. My dad died in 1972 but was able to attend the dedication at the park. Thanks you for all your work.

Cool site! My dad says he saw the Uss Drum when she was in the water a long time ago in Mobile-he was younger then. Real good information here and my dad helps me to understand why America had to go to war.

Outstanding website! Congrats on it.
I visited the drum several years ago and had a super time going through her. While going through, several people were milling around and as I was explaining things to my son and his wife, the people sort of tagged along and listend and asked questions. That was realy fun!
Respectfully, George M. Arnold Sea Fox (SS402)(56-58)

I have visited the Drum several times and never tire of taking the tour. I am still amazed those guys could live and work in such cramped conditions. Our country is blessed to have men like them serve.

Great website that does the Drum so justice. You've done a great job with it. Tom has asked me to put a link to this site on our USSVI base page so others can see your work.

I thank you along with the efforts that Tom and Leslie have put in to show what a great boat the Drum is.

John Beatty

My Dad, Theodore E. Shackelford, known as "Shack" was Chief of the Drum during WWII on the last few patrols. His picture, sea bag and Chief's hat are all onboard the Drum.
How proud I am to walk the decks of the Drum where my Dad once walked.