Midshipmen from the Yard Patrol Squadron pose for a photo aboard YP 680. A team of 47 midshipmen traveled to Baltimore, Md., March 5 to help refurbish USS Torsk (SS 423), a World War II-era submarine, located at the Baltimore Maritime Museum. Photo courtesy of Midshipman 1st Class Matthew Bouwense.

Midshipman 1st Class Matthew Bouwense, with the help of Midshipman 2nd Class Nick Blevins, recently led a team of 47 midshipmen in helping to refurbish the submarine, now part of the Baltimore Maritime Museum in Baltimore, Md., and get it ready to open to the public.

They left the academy on a yard patrol craft March 5 to travel up the Chesapeake Bay to Baltimore’s Inner harbor. After seeing the city for the night, they were up early the following morning to meet the members of the volunteer association for USS Torsk.

The volunteer association is made up of retired Navy personnel, many who served on Torsk during World War II, and their families who donate time each week to the upkeep of the Torsk exhibit. Torsk, which lays claim to sinking the last Japanese ship of the war, was decomissioned in 1968. Four years later, it arrived in Baltimore and was turned over to the care of the volunteers.

‘‘As a volunteer aboard USS Torsk I've gained satisfaction, a feeling of doing a worthy task to preserve history and a feeling like I am an important part to keep alive the proud naval submarine legacy,” said Elizabeth Borisczek.

For the midshipmen, working with the association was a prime opportunity to learn about our naval heritage.

‘‘Being on the sub and talking with these retired men and women helped us understand where we come from,” said Bowense, of 22nd Company. ‘‘This is what the Navy represents and used to be.”

As they drained the stores of cleaning supplies, the sub started to shine again. One of the veteran volunteers said, ‘‘It’s been quite a while since the brightwork looked this good.”

The mids worked hard and enjoyed themselves. As they de-winterized the boat, they witnessed the care and compassion the volunteers put into their work. It gave them an appreciation for their military service, particularly for those who, like Bouwense, will serve on board submarines after commissioning.

As they waved farewell to their new friends on the Torsk, the YP Squadron headed back down the Chesapeake to the Yard. On the way they practiced various drills to perfect their seamanship skills.

While this is the first time the YP Squadron has participated in this kind of activity, it will not be the last. The midshipmen are already planning a trip to New Jersey where they will work on the decommissioned battleship USS New Jersey (BB 62), now a museum in Camden, New Jersey.