underwent overhaul and battery renewal. She returned to Key West and resumed services in training. In April 1962, Balao deployed to the Mediterranean Sea where she joined the 6th Fleet for four months of exercises with other NATO navies. Balao also deployed to the western Atlantic during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October–November, but returned to routine training duty when the trouble died down. Decommissioning In 1963, the Board of Inspection and Survey determined Balao to be unfit for further service. The submarine was decommissioned on 1 August 1963, and her name was struck from the Naval Vessel Register that same day. Her hulk was sunk off the coast of northern Florida on 6 September as a target. Before this occurred, her conning tower and periscope shears were removed, and are on display on the waterfront at the National Museum of the United States Navy of the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C. Awards Balao received nine battle stars for her World War II service. References External links Kill record: USS Balao Balao-class submarines World War II submarines of the United States Cold War submarines of the United States Ships sunk as targets Maritime incidents in 1963 Shipwrecks of the Florida coast Ships built in Kittery, Maine 1942 ships