АҚШ Әскери-теңіз күштерінің "Барб" суасты қайығының қаһармандық ерліктері

US Navy Gato class submarine

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The last two war patrols conducted by Barb deserve mention. Under Commander Eugene B. Fluckey, her 11th patrol lasted from 19 December 1944 – 15 February 1945, in the Formosa Straits and East China Sea off the east coast of China, from Shanghai to Kam Kit. During this patrol, Barb sank four Japanese merchant ships and numerous enemy small craft. On 22–23 January Barb penetrated Namkwan Harbor now called Yanpu Wan (沿浦湾) on the China coast, opposite the Matsu Islands, and wrought havoc upon a convoy of some 30 enemy ships at anchor. Maneuvering in dangerously shallow waters, Barb launched her torpedoes into the enemy group and then retired at high speed on the surface in a full hour's run through uncharted, heavily mined, and rock obstructed waters. In recognition of this outstanding patrol, Commander Fluckey was awarded the Medal of Honor and Barb received the Presidential Unit Citation. Upon completion of her 11th patrol, Barb was sent to the U. S. for a yard overhaul and alterations, which included the installation of rocket launchers at the Captain's request. Returning to the Pacific, she commenced her 12th and final patrol on 8 June. This patrol was conducted along the coasts of the Sea of Okhotsk. For the first time in U. S. submarine warfare, Barb successfully employed rockets, against the towns of Shari, Hokkaido; Shikuka, Kashiho; and Shiritoru on Karafuto. On 2 July; she also bombarded the garrison on Tyuleny (Kaihyo) Island with her regular armament, destroying the constructions and causing the fire. She next landed a party of carefully selected crew members who blew up a railroad train. During the night of 22–23 July 1945 these men went ashore at Karafuto, Japan, and planted an explosive charge that subsequently wrecked a train. They were: Chief Gunners Mate Paul G. Saunders, USN; Electricians Mate 3rd Class Billy R. Hatfield, USNR; Signalman 2nd Class Francis Neal Sever, USNR; Ships Cook 1st Class Lawrence W. Newland, USN; Torpedomans Mate 3rd Class Edward W. Klingesmith, USNR; Motor Machinists Mate 2nd Class James E. Richard, USN; Motor Machinists Mate 1st Class John Markuson, USN; and Lieutenant William M. Walker, USNR. This raid is represented by the train symbol in the middle bottom of the battle flag.

Returning to the United States after the cessation of hostilities, Barb was placed in commissioned reserve on 9 March 1946 and decommissioned reserve on 12 February 1947 at New London, Connecticut. On 3 December 1951, she was recommissioned and assigned to the Atlantic Fleet, operating out of Key West, Florida. She was again decommissioned on 5 February 1954 and underwent the Greater Underwater Propulsion Power Program (GUPPY) conversion. Recommissioned on 3 August 1954, she served with the Atlantic Fleet until 13 December 1954, when she was decommissioned a final time and loaned to Italy under the Mutual Defense Assistance Program.

The submarine was renamed Enrico Tazzoli (S 511) by the Italian Navy, after Enrico Tazzoli, an Italian priest. The submarine was eventually sold for scrap in 1972 for approximately $100,000 (currently $). Admiral Fluckey noted that, had the crew known of this, they would have bought the sub and brought her back to the U. S. to serve as a museum ship.

Barbs battle flag is on display at the Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton, Connecticut. Another submarine was named for USS Barb and served in the U. S. Navy from 1963 to 1989. On 13 October 2020, Secretary of the Navy Kenneth Braithwaite announced that a future Virginia class submarine (SSN 804) will be named for USS Barb.