View This Email in Browser

The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum proudly marks its 45th anniversary this year, commemorating four and a half decades of honoring the history, service, and sacrifice of the United States Navy’s Submarine Force. This milestone anniversary launches a year-long celebration recognizing the public opening of USS Bowfin and the growth of the museum campus at Pearl Harbor.

Moored at Pearl Harbor, USS Bowfin—known as the “Pearl Harbor Avenger”—occupies a unique place in American naval history. She was christened on December 7, 1942, exactly one year after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and went on to complete nine successful combat patrols in the Pacific between 1943 and 1945, contributing significantly to Allied victory in World War II.

In 1979, USS Bowfin was donated to the Pacific Fleet Submarine Memorial Association.

The Pearl Harbor site that would become the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park was subsequently secured, and the submarine opened to the public in April 1981. What began as a simple mooring and an empty dirt lot gradually expanded to include outdoor exhibits, memorials, and interpretive displays—forming the foundation of today’s museum campus.

The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum (PFSM) will host a special Kama‘aina ticket promotion this Presidents’ Day weekend, welcoming local and military families to enjoy an affordable and memorable outing at our campus. And don't forget about Valentine's Day! Roses are red, violets are blue - nothing says romance like a submarine tour with you!

“Presidents’ Day is the first opportunity in the new year to take advantage of a holiday schedule and allows families and communities to come together, and the museum offers a unique setting where history, service, and discovery can be shared across generations,” said Andrew “Homer” Ring, Executive Director of the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum. “We’re excited to welcome families to explore our beautiful campus next to historic Pearl Harbor, walk through our beautifully preserved World War II submarine, learn together, and create lasting memories.”

Hawai‘i residents, active-duty service members, military dependents, and veterans are invited to receive special $5 admission during Presidents’ Day weekend, from Saturday, February 14, through Monday, February 16. Discounted tickets are valid during regular museum hours, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with pre-registration required.

A valid Hawai‘i state ID or military ID must be presented at entry for all adult ticket holders. Guests without valid identification will be charged regular admission rates. Ticket pre-registration will be available until 8 a.m. on the day of the visit.

Mahalo to Hawaii Parent Magazine for making the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum the cover story for its upcoming issue. Parents looking for meaningful family activities that are both educational and fun for kids of all ages can find both at our museum campus.

PFSM showcases engaging, age-appropriate STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) learning experiences. It’s also one of the few places in Hawaiʻi where children can step inside a fully-restored World War II-era submarine, engage with modern exhibits, and learn about an important chapter in U.S. history.

Housed on the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum campus, stepping into the conning tower of USS Parche (SS-384) offers a rare glimpse into one of the smallest—and most critical—spaces aboard a World War II–era submarine.