Welcome!
I've joined this community just a week before, and already found out, that it's a right place for those, who like submarines and everything about them.
So, you're just in the right place! Nice to meet you.
By the way, I love my Balao too, and I've already decided not to give her away for new Tench.
BTW, I've never been to the USA, but now I know, where to start from - New Orleans!
And I too suggest to install 1.5 update, and some mods like Trigger Maru Overhauled. The majority of people here use them.