USS BECUNA (SS-319)
Also known as: USS BECUNA,Penn's Landing
Why it's listed
Built by the Electric Boat Company of Groton, Connecticut, and commissioned in 1944, the USS Becuna is a World War II type fleet submarine measuring 309 feet long and 27 feet wide, displacing 1,526 tons. During the war it served as submarine flagship of the Pacific Fleet under General Douglas MacArthur and logged five war patrols, sinking thousands of tons of Japanese naval and merchant shipping. In 1951 it was converted to a Guppy 1A configuration, adding a German-type snorkel that allowed diesel operation underwater, a larger battery for longer endurance, and updated radar and fire control equipment. It served through the Korean and Vietnam Wars in the Atlantic and Mediterranean until 1969. Now berthed in Philadelphia, it is the last vessel of its type on public display, and is valued for its engineering and wartime record.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the submarine is significant for its World War II service, including five war patrols and a Presidential Citation, and for serving as submarine flagship of the Pacific Fleet under General Douglas MacArthur. Its 1951 conversion to a Guppy 1A configuration, with a snorkel air system and larger battery, is also cited, as is its continuous Navy service from 1944 to 1969. It is described as the last of its type exhibited.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 78002458, listed August 29, 1978. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-haiku-5-5, prompt v1.1-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | Penn's Landing, Delaware Ave. & Spruce St., Philadelphia |
|---|---|
| County | Philadelphia |
| Listed | August 29, 1978 |
| Reference number | 78002458 |
| Resource type | Structure |
| Period of significance | 1900- |
| Architect / builder | US Navy |
| Areas of significance | Military, Engineering |
| Level of significance | National |
| National Historic Landmark | Yes, designated January 14, 1986 |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | No longer sees active duty; berthed at Penn's Landing in Philadelphia and serves as an educational resource and tourist attraction. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 39.94357, -75.14119 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 78002458.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q1572469
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.