Sat Oct 05 15:45:00 UTC 2024: ## Oklahoma’s Killer Sub Finds a Home: The Story of the USS Batfish Memorial
**Muskogee, OK** – The USS Batfish, a submarine with a storied history in World War II, has found a permanent home in Oklahoma, serving as a poignant memorial to the 52 submarines lost during the conflict. The journey to its final resting place, however, was anything but straightforward.
The idea for a submarine memorial in Oklahoma was first proposed in 1962, with the state aiming to honor the sacrifices made by its own submariners. The plan was to acquire a retired submarine from the Navy and display it in Tulsa. However, the initial choice, the USS Piranha, proved to be in poor condition.
Fortunately, the nearby USS Batfish, known as the “Killer Sub” for its impressive wartime record, was in better shape. The plan then shifted to acquiring and transporting the Batfish to Oklahoma, a feat that involved navigating the Mississippi and Arkansas rivers.
Complications arose when the sub reached Muskogee, as its size hindered its navigation through the Verdigris River. The Batfish was subsequently moored at the Port of Muskogee, prompting a change in the memorial’s location.
Concerns about the sub’s security in the river led to its relocation to a dedicated site, thanks to a generous donation from philanthropist John Kirkpatrick. The Batfish now rests on dry land, a permanent testament to the bravery and sacrifice of its crew and a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by all submariners during World War II.
The Batfish memorial opened to the public in July 1972, offering visitors a chance to experience a piece of history and reflect on the stories of courage and sacrifice etched into its hull.
First Piper 