Local Planner: USS Pampanito
The submarine docked at Pier 45 in San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf may look unassuming. In reality, the Balao class fleet submarine made six patrols during World War II earning six battle stars before being decommissioned in 1945.
Built in 1943 at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, the Pampanito sank six Imperial Japanese ships and damaged four others before “retiring” to Mare Island. Learn more about the ship’s history and crew.
Since 1982, the USS Pampanito (SS-383) is again in service now as a national historic landmark. The floating museum is operated by the San Francisco Maritime National Park Association. The group undertook a monumental effort to replace missing equipment and parts removed from the sub during its time as part of the fleet stripping program. Today, nearly all missing items have been replaced and much of the equipment on board is once again operational.
While shipboard tours of the Pampanito are currently unavailable, you can get the latest information about access to other ships and areas of San Francisco Maritime National Park or take a virtual tour any time.
