With over 4000 artefacts housed within the submarine and an informative museum and park located on shore, the USS Bowfin offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the sailors and officers who lived deep under the ocean, searching for the enemy. With its narrow corridors and tiny mess rooms, the USS Bowfin is the real deal.
The USS Bowfin was known as the “Pearl Harbour Avenger” and was launched on 7 December, 1942, exactly one year after the Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbour and the sinking of the USS Arizona. The historic USS Bowfin is one of only a handful of remaining US submarines from World War II and was responsible for sinking 44 enemy subs during its service.
Once on board the submarine, take the self-guided audio tour. Lasting about half an hour, the tour will walk you through the submarine, providing detailed information along the way. The various exhibits include everything from flags to weaponry and examples of recruitment posters. Don’t miss the Poseidon, a ballistic missile that has been cracked open to allow visitors to examine its complex electronic circuits.
When you’re ready to leave the submarine and head up for some fresh air, head to the park around the museum. The park is home to a number of further exhibits including examples of Japanese torpedoes and one of the first underwater missiles, called Regulus. There is also a memorial to the crews of the 52 submarines sunk during the war, along the waterfront.
Located in Pearl Harbour, the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park is open every day except major public holidays. The museum charges an admission fee and doesn’t allow visitors to carry bags on board – there are lockers available to store your belongings, at the entrance.
