HONOLULU (HI Now) - This year marks the 45th anniversary of the public opening of the historic USS Bowfin submarine.
To celebrate this milestone, the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum is unveiling newly transformed galleries designed to bring the mysterious world of the Silent Service to life.
Executive Director Andrew Ring explains that the museum aims to keep history fresh and interactive, allowing visitors to connect with the deep legacy of submarine operations in a highly personal way.
The new exhibits offer visitors a chance to step directly into the boots of modern submariners. In the updated Arctic exhibit, a large interactive table allows guests to trace historical challenges beneath the ice, including the historic voyage of the USS Nautilus to the North Pole. Visitors can also test their teamwork in an enhanced control room inspired by modern submarines to see if they can earn their dolphins.
From operating a restored control panel to executing a simulated missile launch, these hands-on experiences showcase the precision and coordination required to live and work beneath the ocean surface.
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Supporting local students is another central pillar of the museum’s mission. Each year, the museum hosts more than six thousand students for free educational field trips focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
This commitment continues beyond the museum walls through the distribution of more than one hundred thousand dollars in college and trade school scholarships annually. By investing in the youth of Hawaii, the museum ensures that the values of leadership and service continue to inspire future generations.
The museum is located at Pearl Harbor right next to the USS Bowfin and is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more about these exciting new galleries or to plan your next visit, check out the website at www.Bowfin.org or follow @pacflt_sub_museum on Instagram.
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