The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park is a tribute to the 52 American submarines and some 3,500 crew members that were lost during World War II. Its focal point is the USS Bowfin (SS-287), a fully functional submarine that was launched on December 7, 1942, the first anniversary of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor. The sub was appropriately nicknamed the "Pearl Harbor Avenger.''
During its commission, the Bowfin participated in nine wartime missions and sank 44 enemy vessels. A Presidential Unit Citation and a Navy Unit Commendation were awarded to the Bowfin following the war. Today, it is among just fifteen American submarines that survived from World War II and has not been turned into scrap metal or used for target practice.
On April 1, 1981, the Bowfin was officially opened to the public as a "museum ship.'' It is owned by the non-profit Pacific Fleet Submarine Memorial Association, chartered in 1978. In 1986, the U.S. Department of the Interior designated the Bowfin as a National Historic Landmark
To illustrate the history of U.S. submarine service, the facility's 10,000-square-foot museum features a large collection of submarine-related artifacts. These include weaponry systems, paintings, photographs, battle flags, vintage recruiting posters, and intricate submarine models.
One exhibit allows visitors to take a close look at the inner workings of a Poseidon C-3 missile; this is the only such missile of its kind allowed by the U.S. government for display in public. Another exhibit shows the Purple Heart medal awarded to the Bowfin's only casualty of war, crew member Reid Lee. He was wounded by shrapnel when the vessel engaged in a surface battle during its seventh patrol.
Adjacent to the exhibit is a mini-theater with a seating capacity for 40 guests. Among the submarine-related videos in the theater's collection are more than four dozen episodes of a 1960's television series called "The Silent Service.'' It was based upon stories of actual events occurring during World War II submarine patrols.
The primary highlight of a visit here, of course, is a tour of the USS Bowfin itself. Sleeping quarters, torpedo bays, the engine room, the control room, the ship's mess and the conning tower are all open to view. Crew rosters and engineering specifications are also on display. Visitors receive portable audio players that narrate what life was like for the 80 submariners who occupied the vessel during war time.
As part of a community outreach program, the museum staff also offers t bring presentations to elementary schools in Oahu free of charge. The purpose is to help 4th and 5th grade students become more familiar with the history and functioning of U.S. submarines, in conjunction with their history curriculum.
A public memorial on the waterfront near the Bowfin honors those submariners who served and died during World War II. In the gift shop adjacent to the museum, visitors may purchase nautical gifts, pictorial histories and Pearl Harbor souvenirs.
Open from 8am to 5pm, the last tour of the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park begins each day at 4:30 p.m. The museum is closed, however, on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
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