Improvements at the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum 💪

Improvements at the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum

We closed the museum building on our campus for four weeks as part of long-term improvements planned for the museum and campus. The museum reopened to the public on February 12th.

“Any museum needs to periodically undergo renovations to keep things fresh,” said Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum executive director Chuck Merkel. “The museum is the educational bookend to the Bowfin submarine in helping tell the story of the brave members of the Silent Service.”

While other renovations are planned for later this year, the museum along with the USS Bowfin submarine, will remain open for visitors during the next phase of work.

“During future refresh periods we will close portions of the museum one gallery at a time, but the remainder of the campus and museum will remain open,” Merkel said.

The work was conducted in preparation to replace and update some of the historical galleries and displays. Museum officials have been working with the same design team that was involved in the campus renovation that was completed in 2021.

This refresh comes four years after $20 million in renovation work that was completed in February 2021. Overseeing a museum means always looking over things to tweak them and make them better, Merkel said.

“There have been new artifacts that we have acquired and items donated by veterans or their families that we’d like to share with the public,” he said. “We want the visitor experience to remain vibrant and memorable, regardless of whether you’re visiting the museum for the first time or coming back for a repeat visit.”

Honoring Black History Month

This February, in celebration of Black History Month, we proudly recognizes the invaluable contributions of African Americans to the submarine force. Throughout history, Black servicemen and women have played a pivotal role in shaping the history of submariners and advancing progress within the U.S. military.

During World War II, the Navy began taking significant steps to expand opportunities for Black sailors. In 1944, the Navy commissioned its first African American officers, known as the "Golden Thirteen," paving the way for greater inclusion in leadership roles. Among the many heroes were the Stewards, Steward's Mates, Cooks, and Mess Attendants, who served aboard the U.S.S. Bowfin (SS-287).

By honoring the past, we inspire future generations to serve, lead, and continue the legacy in the U.S. Navy.

Okinawan School Students Visit Our Museum

In what has become an annual tradition between PFSM and the Japanese island of Okinawa, high school students from Okinawa visited the submarine museum this month to learn more about a tragic event that took place during World War II.

In August 1944, USS Bowfin encountered and sank the cargo ship Tsushima Maru off the coast of Okinawa. The Bowfin's crew was not aware that the Japanese vessel was transporting hundreds of civilians and schoolchildren from Okinawa to mainland Japan. Sadly, 1,534 souls, including 780 innocent schoolchildren, perished in the devastating sinking.

The Imperial Japanese government kept the incident in secrecy to stave off potential protests, with the full details emerging only three decades later. It wasn't until the 60th anniversary of the tragedy that the Tsushima Maru Memorial Museum in Naha, Okinawa, was established to honor the victims’ memory of the victims and advocate for peace.

Since 2023, the museum has invited Okinawan high school students to discuss the incident, view the museum exhibits, and tour the USS Bowfin. With events to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II later this year, we remain committed to fostering peaceful relations between all nations.

Bring Your Family to the Bowfin

Looking for a unique and educational family outing? The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum offers an unforgettable experience aboard the historic USS Bowfin (SS-287). The USS Bowfin (SS-287) and museum are open daily, offering self-guided audio tours. Whether you're a history enthusiast or just looking for a weekend adventure, the Bowfin is a must-visit destination!

Plan Your Visit