Imagine stepping into a world of silent service and untold bravery. Welcome to the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum in Honolulu. Here you stand before a testament to the courage of those who served in the United States Submarine Force. This museum is more than just a collection of artifacts. It’s a living memorial a portal to a time of intense conflict and incredible heroism.
The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum is nestled on 2.5 acres along the Pearl Harbor shoreline. It’s located adjacent to the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. The centerpiece is the USS Bowfin submarine. This Balao-class submarine served with distinction during World War II. She’s been a museum since 1979 and a National Historic Landmark since 1986. The Bowfin’s story is one of incredible service and sacrifice.
Did you know that during World War II submarines accounted for only two percent of the US fleet? Yet they destroyed thirty percent of the Japanese Navy. They sank nearly 1400 Japanese merchant ships. This amounts to 5.5 million tons sent to the ocean floor. Amazingly many of these achievements happened despite faulty torpedoes. The Mark 14 torpedo suffered from production problems and flawed design. These problems were not resolved until near the end of the war. The faulty gyros could cause the torpedoes to circle back. The faulty detonators often failed to explode on impact. Despite these massive flaws the submarine crews persevered. They dealt a crushing blow to the Japanese war effort.
The museum is more than just the Bowfin. Inside its 10000 square foot space you’ll explore the evolution of submarines. See artifacts dating back to the Civil War. Learn about the technological advancements in submarine design engineering and weaponry. You’ll see the faces and names of submariners. Some lost at sea others who lived to tell their tales. There are submarine battle flags. You will also see ship’s bells left behind by submarines on their final patrols.
One particularly poignant exhibit features photos of the crew of the USS Wahoo. This highly decorated submarine was lost with all hands in 1943. It was not until after the war that her final fate was discovered. Researchers located the wreck in 2006. A wreath was laid in a memorial ceremony. This museum keeps the memory of these brave men alive.
The museum also showcases modern submarine technology. Learn about the USS Scorpion and the USS Thresher two nuclear submarines lost at sea. See models of submarines named after Hawaii. The USS Kamehameha the USS Honolulu and the USS Hawaii. You’ll even find a cutaway display of a Poseidon C-3 ballistic missile. This 34-foot long projectile weighs 12000 pounds. It’s the only one of its kind on public display with all its parts intact.
Outside near the Bowfin is the Waterfront Submarine Memorial. Fifty-two markers honor the more than 3600 submariners who lost their lives during World War II. It’s a truly moving tribute to the ultimate sacrifice.
Explore the outdoor exhibits. See a Japanese Kaiten suicide torpedo a weapon of desperation. Examine replicas of various torpedoes and missiles. View the massive Poseidon and Polaris missiles. The Harpoon and Tomahawk missiles are also on display. Even peer through a working WWII submarine periscope. Experience Pearl Harbor from a submariners perspective.
The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum offers a journey through history. It’s a poignant experience. It reminds us of the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women of the silent service. Their actions helped secure victory in the Pacific. Their legacy lives on in this remarkable museum.