As part of Navy Week this month in Hawaii (March 9-15), the Navy partnered with the local community to engage residents through a weeklong series of performances, educational events, and community service projects. The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum was honored in hosting Navy Week events that recognized the past and present service of the U.S. Navy while welcoming the next generation of sailors. | |
Despite challenging weather, a March 13 enlistment and proclamation ceremony moved forward on our museum campus, underscoring the resilience and commitment that define naval service.
During the ceremony, U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Ryan Mahelona, deputy commander of the Navy’s 10th fleet, administered the Oath of Enlistment to 11 new sailors. It marked the beginning of their service in the U.S. Navy, with two of the enlistees continuing their leadership path by attending officer training.
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The event also included the presentation of a state proclamation on behalf of Hawaiʻi Governor Josh Green by Brig. Gen. Phillip L. Mallory, Deputy Adjutant General of the Hawaii Department of Defense to Rear Admiral Mahelona, a Hawaii-born resident and only the third Native Hawaiian to attain the rank of admiral.
Mahalo to all who attended the event and a salute to our sailors who uphold the U.S. Navy standard of “Always ready, always answering the call.”
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As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we proudly recognize the women who have helped shape the legacy and strength of the United States Navy. From the first female enlistees to today’s top-ranking admirals, women have demonstrated resilience, leadership, and dedication to their country.
Women’s official role in the Navy began on May 13, 1908, with the establishment of the Navy Nurse Corps. These professionals provided essential medical care and opened doors for more opportunities. A few years later, during World War I, women took on important shore-based roles to fill personnel shortages, demonstrating their flexibility.
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Their contributions have only grown stronger over time. As of 2020, more than 69,000 women serve on active duty in the Navy, representing approximately 20 percent of the force, one of the highest proportions among all military branches.
Today, women continue to lead, innovate, and serve across all areas of naval operations. This month, we honor their achievements, celebrate their impact, and look forward to a future shaped by their continued leadership and service.
| | | | Meet Brooke, one of the recipients of the Bowfin Memorial Scholarship! A senior at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, she was recently accepted into the UH Hilo Nursing program for this Fall semester. Brooke is among many talented students who have been awarded scholarships sponsored by the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum. We are proud to invest in students like Brooke, whose dedication, curiosity, and leadership reflect the very mission of our museum. | | |
Behind the scenes in our collection is a wiring diagram from a Holland Type 7
submarine (ca. 1902–1908) – a glimpse into the earliest days of U.S. submarine engineering.
| Also pictured is this diagram, preserved by William E. Van Sickle, a machinist who served aboard some of the Navy’s first submarines, including USS Shark (SS-8) and USS Porpoise (SS-7). | Van Sickle later helped develop radio technology and, after retiring from the Navy, returned to manufacturing gun sights during World War II. His story reflects the innovation and dedication that shaped the submarine force from its very beginning. | | |
Mark your calendars! Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum is proud to host our annual Kama'aina Sunday event on April 12! Admission to Kama'aina Sunday, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., is FREE for Hawai'i residents and active-duty military with valid ID. Guests will have access to our award-winning museum and the historic submarine, USS Bowfin, moored at Pearl Harbor.
Space is limited for this popular event, so reserve your tickets today.
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