What is The USS Bowfin?

The USS Bowfin (SS-287) is a Balao-class submarine from World War II, often called the “Pearl Harbor Avenger” due to its launch exactly one year after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

How big is the USS Bowfin?

• Length: 311 feet (95 meters)
• Beam (Width): 27 feet (8.3 meters)
• Draft: 15 feet (4.6 meters)
• Displacement: 1,526 tons (surfaced), 2,415 tons (submerged)

How old is the USS Bowfin?

The submarine was launched on December 7, 1942, making it over 80 years old as of 2024.

When was the USS Bowfin commissioned and decommissioned?

• Commissioned: May 1, 1943
• Decommissioned: February 12, 1947 (first time), and again on December 1, 1971, after serving in various capacities

How many war patrols did the USS Bowfin complete?

The Bowfin completed nine successful war patrols in the Pacific during World War II, sinking 44 enemy vessels totaling over 150,000 tons.

Where is the USS Bowfin now?

It is permanently docked at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Hawaii and serves as a museum ship operated by the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park.

What weapons did the USS Bowfin carry?

• Torpedoes: 24 Mark 14 torpedoes
• Deck Gun: 5-inch/25-caliber gun
• Anti-Aircraft Guns: 40mm and 20mm guns

How many crew members served aboard the USS Bowfin?

The submarine had a crew of about 80-85 officers and enlisted personnel.

USS Bowfin: “The Pearl Harbor Avenger”

Step aboard the USS Bowfin Submarine yourself by purchasing a ticket here.

What are some little-known facts about the USS Bowfin?

• The Bowfin had a lucky reputation—it never lost a single crew member during combat.
  It was one of the first submarines equipped with radar and sonar technology for enhanced enemy detection.
• During World War II, it rescued downed pilots and stranded sailors from enemy waters.
  It was used for training purposes during the Cold War before becoming a museum ship.
  The periscopes and torpedo rooms are still fully intact and open to visitors.

Can visitors purchase tickets to go inside the USS Bowfin?

Yes! The USS Bowfin is a fully accessible museum submarine where visitors can explore the control room, engine room, and crew quarters. To get full access to all of Pearl Harbor’s Historic Sites, consider purchasing the Passport to Pearl Harbor Ticket here.

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General Admission Tickets (prices as of January 2025)

• Adults: $25.99
• Children (ages 4-12): $14.99

Military and Local Resident Tickets with valid ID (prices as of January 2025)

• Adults: $18.99
• Children (ages 4-12): $9.99

The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park Hours

The USS Bowfin is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. You’ll find the museum next to the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center. (*Special Note: Museum Building Closed for Upgrades 1/13/25 – 2/14/25. USS Bowfin Submarine and Campus Remain Open.)

Visiting Tips

• Age Restrictions: Children under 4 are not permitted on the submarine.
• Clothing and Footwear: Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes.
• Accessibility: The submarine’s interior is tight and not wheelchair-accessible.
• Bag Policy: Bags are not allowed on the submarine.
• Time Needed: Pland to spend at least 90 minutes for exploring

Directions to the USS Bowfin Submarine & Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum

They are located just a short walk from the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Be sure to explore the many free exhibits on the grounds along the way. One that is extremely eye-opening is the exhibit of the Japanese manned torpedo which is located near the USS Bowfin.

The History of the USS Bowfin Submarine

The USS Bowfin, a Balao-class submarine, is a celebrated piece of naval history docked at the Pearl Harbor Memorial in Honolulu, Hawaii. Nicknamed the “Pearl Harbor Avenger,” the Bowfin was launched exactly one year after the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1942. This timing underscored its mission to retaliate against the forces responsible for the devastation that drew the United States into World War II. Over the course of its service, the Bowfin played a crucial role in the Pacific Theater, completing nine war patrols and contributing significantly to the Allied war effort.

During its wartime career, the USS Bowfin was credited with sinking 44 enemy vessels, totaling over 160,000 tons. This made it one of the most successful submarines of World War II. The Bowfin’s crew demonstrated exceptional skill and bravery, often operating in hostile waters where the risk of enemy counterattacks was high. Its success in disrupting Japanese shipping lines directly impacted the enemy’s ability to resupply and reinforced the strategic importance of submarine warfare during the conflict. The Bowfin’s achievements earned it a Presidential Unit Citation and numerous battle stars.

After World War II, the Bowfin remained in service but saw its role evolve with the changing nature of naval warfare. It underwent modernization during the early Cold War to enhance its capabilities, although it was ultimately overshadowed by more advanced nuclear-powered submarines. The Bowfin was officially decommissioned from active service in 1971, marking the end of an illustrious operational career. Despite its retirement, the submarine’s legacy continued to resonate as a symbol of American resilience and ingenuity.

In 1979, the USS Bowfin found a permanent home at Pearl Harbor, where it was transformed into a museum and memorial. The decision to preserve the Bowfin was part of a broader effort to honor the submariners who served and sacrificed during World War II. Its location at the Pearl Harbor Memorial, near the USS Arizona and USS Missouri, creates a powerful connection to pivotal moments in American history. Visitors can explore the submarine’s interior and learn about the daily lives of its crew, gaining a deeper appreciation for the challenges and triumphs of wartime submarine service.

The USS Bowfin Museum and Park also serves as an educational hub, highlighting the critical role submarines played in securing victory in the Pacific. Interactive exhibits and artifacts provide insight into the technology, tactics, and human stories that defined the Bowfin’s missions. The museum’s efforts to preserve and share this history ensure that future generations understand the sacrifices made during World War II and the importance of maintaining peace through preparedness.

Today, the USS Bowfin stands as a testament to the courage and determination of the men who served aboard submarines during one of the most challenging periods in modern history. Its presence at Pearl Harbor serves as both a reminder of the past and an inspiration for the future. By visiting the Bowfin, individuals not only pay tribute to those who served but also deepen their understanding of the submarine’s pivotal role in shaping the outcome of World War II.

The Passport to Pearl Harbor

To see all the of the Pearl Harbor Memorial, consider purchasing the Passport to Pearl Harbor for $99.99 (prices as of January 2025). This pass will provide you admission to the USS Missouri, USS Bowfin Submarine, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. This also includes an audio tour of the visitor center and a virtual reality experience.

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