The USS Bowfin played a major part in World War II for the United States, sinking or damaging over 200,000 tons of enemy vessels over the course of the conflict. This legendary ship would eventually become a similarly essential part of the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, highlighting what it can mean for literal pieces of history to both celebrate and expand upon the legacy they represent to audiences in the present and future.
Experiencing the USS Bowfin
Commissioned shortly after the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, the USS Bowfin submarine went out on multiple patrols over the course of World War II, eventually ranking 17th in tonnage and 15th in the number of ships sunk among World War II submarines with sinking records. Decommissioned in 1947, the submarine was reactivated in 1951 to support efforts in the Korean War but was again inactivated in 1953. After serving as a training submarine for a few decades, the vessel was moved to Pearl Harbor in 1971 to serve as a memorial.
As an essential part of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, visitors can experience the USS Bowfin in an especially personal manner by touring the interior and top of the ship. Even more powerfully, the USS Bowfin would become an essential part of the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, where visitors can learn about the history of the U.S. Navy’s Submarine Force. The museum features a mix of traditional exhibits, multi-media, and interactive displays.
The USS Bowfin Gift Shop allows visitors to choose from a wide selection of nautical and naval souvenirs including T-shirts, hats, books and other pieces of Pearl Harbor merchandise. Several educational programs have been tailored to different groups who want to learn more. Private events can also be hosted at the site.
Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1986 and featured on countless maps and tours of Honolulu, more than 9 million visitors have come to experience the USS Bowfin, highlighting how literal pieces of history can cultivate direct interest while also enabling further engagement.
Connected to the Legacy of a Collective Monument
The multiple landmarks and memorials like the USS Bowfin have made the Pearl Harbor National Memorial one of the most incredible collective monuments in the world. Ships with a similar history were sold for scrap, highlighting how an effort to preserve such essential pieces of history can not only celebrate the legacy of an entire nation but also further cultivate and expand that legacy.
