A fascinating build and diorama / Vignette of the Uss Baya  SS-318 Subic Bay, Phillipphines 1945 fantastic work from Davide Dedo Lazzarotto

A brief history

USS Baya (SS/AGSS-318), a Balao-class submarine, was a ship of the United States Navy named for the baya.  Baya was launched on 2 January 1944 by Electric Boat Co., Groton, Conn.; sponsored by Mrs. Charles C. Kirkpatrick, and commissioned on 20 May 1944, Commander A. H. Holtz in command.

Baya arrived at Pearl Harbor in August 1944. During 23 August 1944 – 25 July 1945 she completed five war patrols in the South China Sea, Gulf of Siam, Java Sea, and Philippine Sea. Baya sank four Japanese vessels totaling 8855 tons and an 8407-ton passenger-cargo ship in conjunction with Hawkbill (SS-366).

Baya departed Subic Bay, Philippine Islands, in September 1945 and arrived at San Francisco on 24 September. Shortly thereafter she began inactivation and on 14 May 1946 went out of commission in reserve at Mare Island Naval Shipyard.

Baya received four battle stars for her World War II service.

From my checks looking back to try to find when it was painted with its shark face all I can tell you it was some time late on in 1944