Mission Statement:
USS Bowfin Submarine
Museum & Park's mission is to restore and preserve the
WWII submarine USS Bowfin (SS-287). Bowfin Park's parent organization,
the Pacific Fleet Submarine Memorial Association (PFSMA),
is a non-profit group that receives no state or federal funding.
The museum includes an extensive look at the fascinating history
of submarines from the first daring attempt in 1776 to use
a submersible in warfare to the feats of today's nuclear submarines.
The submarine provides an opportunity for visitors to go below
deck aboard this National Historic Landmark, the Famous World
War II submarine, USS Bowfin (SS-287). Launched on December
7, 1942, she was nicknamed the Pearl Harbor Avenger and
sank 44 enemy ships during the course of her nine extraordinary
war patrols. The Waterfront Memorial stands in silent tribute
to the 52 American submarines and the more than 3,500 submariners
lost in World War II. The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park
is operated by the non-profit Pacific Fleet Submarine Memorial
Association. Proceeds from admissions and gift shop sales
are used to continue the preservation and restoration of the
USS Bowfin. Write USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park, 11 Arizona
Memorial Drive, Honolulu, Hawaii 96818, or call (808) 423-1341.
Submarine:
Visitors are given a walkman-style cassette player that
narrates their tour as they explore this historic WWII submarine
to imagine what life on board must have been like for her
80-man crew. USS Bowfin was launched on 7 December 1942 and
completed nine successful war patrols. For her wartime service
she also earned both the Presidential Unit Citation and the
Navy Unit Commendation. USS Bowfin was acquired from the U.S.
Navy in 1979 and opened to the public in 1981. In 1986 she
was designated a National Historic Landmark by the Department
of the Interior.
Museum: Explore
the intriguing world of submarines, both past and present.
The 10,000 square foot Museum exhibits an impressive collection
of submarine-related artifacts such as submarine weapon systems,
photographs, paintings, battleflags, original recruiting posters,
and detailed submarine models, all illustrating the history
of the U.S. Submarine Service. Exhibits include a Poseidon
C-3 missilethat allows visitors to examine its inner workings.
It is the only one of its kind to be on public display.
Waterfront
Memorial: Within Bowfin Park
stands a public memorial honoring the 52 American submarines
and the more than 3,500 submariners lost during WWII.
- Located adjacent to
the USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center at Pearl Harbor
- Open daily from 8
a.m. to 5 p.m., last tour of the submarine at 4:30
p.m.
- Closed only on Thanksgiving,
Christmas and New Year's Day
- Children under the
age of four are not permitted on the submarine for
safety reasons, however are allowed to tour the museum
and mini-theater at no charge.
- Submarine & Museum
Adult tour is $8; child rate (ages 4 to 12) is $3
- Special $6 rate is
available for military, senior citizens and Hawaii
residents (with proper identification)
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