More than once in our nation's history Americans have risen up to save a cherished patriot and now,
once more comes a call to arms to save another old friend. This friend is a submarine. To some she is more
than a friend, she is a sweetheart. To others she may be a mother figure. Whatever she may be, she now
lies moored to the dock in Baltimore, Maryland, no more than a museum for the school children of America.
And she is in critical condition. If she were human, she would be classified as being in a "vegetative state".

She was christened "Torsk" on September 6, 1944 and immediately went to war. She has the distinction of sinking the last enemy ship of World War II. After the surrender of Japan she served as a training ship, made several goodwill cruises around the world, participated in the blockade of Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and was also a part of a strong deterrent force during the Cold War. She was forced into retirement in 1971, just a few months past her 27th birthday.

Various segments of the population have undertaken the momentous task of reviving the grand old lady just as another generation did when Old Ironsides needed assistance. One group is busy trying to maintain her outward appearance in order to halt the ravages of rust and time. Another group is planning to revitalize her engines, those giant 10-cylinder Diesels that could generate 1,200 horsepower required to supply the electric power to her batteries and electric motors. There are four engines to rehabilitate but their goal is slightly more modest. Their primary target is one engine. After their primary goal is accomplished they plan to forge ahead with the remainder.

This group is made up of several retired submariners who have taken on the task of providing cardiac resuscitation on their beloved friend. They are undertaking the job for no compensation other than the sense of well-being and the desire to save an old friend who now lies in a coma in Baltimore. But they need your help. They need parts, materials, solvents, oils; they need expertise from those who are knowledgeable about Fairbanks-Morse 10-cylinder Diesel engines of 1944 vintage; they need people who are willing to donate money, time, effort, and various skills such as the ability to write letters to persons of influence, to Congressmen, to business men and women, to local officials, to historical organizations, etc.