Improvements at the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum
We closed the museum building on our campus for four weeks as part of long-term improvements planned for the museum and campus. The museum reopened to the public on February 12th.
“Any museum needs to periodically undergo renovations to keep things fresh,” said Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum executive director Chuck Merkel. “The museum is the educational bookend to the Bowfin submarine in helping tell the story of the brave members of the Silent Service.”
What’s Inside
Honoring Black History Month
Okinawan School Students Visit Our Museum
Bring Your Family to the Bowfin
Looking for a unique and educational family outing? The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum offers an unforgettable experience aboard the historic USS Bowfin (SS-287). The USS Bowfin (SS-287) and museum are open daily, offering self-guided audio tours. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just looking for a weekend adventure, the Bowfin is a must-visit destination!
The Periscope is a monthly publication of the Los Angeles-Pasadena Base of USSVI.
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USS Minnesota (SSN-783) pulled into HMAS Stirling on Tuesday for training with Royal Australian Navy sailors, according to a news release from Naval Sea Systems Command’s AUKUS program office.
“This year, USS Minnesota (SSN 783) is conducting at-sea operations as part of the Submarine Command Course, a training program for naval officers preparing to take command of a submarine,” the release reads. “At HMAS Stirling, the U.S. Navy will have the opportunity to share and compare procedures, such as weapons handling, with their Australian counterparts.”
Under the AUKUS pact between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, the U.S. and U.K. plan to start basing nuclear-powered attack boats out of Perth in 2027.
Virginia-class submarines,“executable” surface ships and nuclear modernization are exempt from a budget shift.
The offsets, due on Feb. 24, are part of an overall Fiscal Year 2026 budget “relook” that will reshape the Pentagon’s spending priorities in line with guidance from the White House Office of Management and Budget and move through the office the deputy defense secretary and the office of the director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation.
To perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives while voluntarily serving in submarine warfare in the pursuit of their duties while serving their country. That their dedication, deeds and supreme sacrifice be a constant source of motivation toward greater accomplishments. To further promote and keep alive the spirit and unity that existed among submarine crewmen during World War II. To promote sociability general welfare and good fellowship among our members. To pledge loyalty and patriotism to the United States of America and it’s constitution.
1. Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base
Bowfin Meeting – We conducted our February meeting at Clean Sweep Bar, Lockwood Hall. The following members attended – Base Commander Paul Jurcsak, Vice Commander Tim Sparks, Secretary Brett Kulbis, Treasurer Carleton Tatro, COB Gary Johnson, and members David Bilek, Dan Del Monte, Karl Dye, Nelson Greer, Ben McGowan, Ace Parker, Crichton Roberts, Pat Suenaga, Wade Thode, and Joe Winzenried.
Welcomed Guests – Miya Bilek, Judy McGowan, Sandra Parker, Johanna Del Monte, Thomas Schmidt, Wesley and William Thode. We also welcomed new Associate Member Thomas Schmidt.
Binnacle List – Please keep all our members and their families in your good thoughts and prayers.
Hauʻoli Lā Hānau! Bowfin Birthdays for the month ofFebruary.
2011 – Established Stanley K. Nicholls Award – awarded to the Base Member who, by his personal individual efforts and participation during the preceding years contributed the most to the advancement and embodiment of the USSVI Creed and Agenda, and by his dedicated service and support to the Bowfin Base Pearl Harbor and his fellow Submarine Veterans exemplifies the meaning and spirit of the word, “Shipmate.” 2011 – Base begins efforts to produce a plaque for the USS Growler, the Hawaii State Boat, to place at the Arizona Memorial. 1986 – Members encouraged to write Congress in opposition to turning Fort DeRusy land over to the State of Hawaii.
The Navy and its nuclear submarine shipbuilders are closing in on a deal to put two long-awaited Virginia-class submarines under contract, company leaders said in earnings calls over the last week.
Supported by a $5.7 billion anomaly for submarine construction in the most recent continuing resolution to fund the federal government, the Navy, General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII’s Newport News are finalizing the detail design and construction contracts for the Block V Baltimore (SSN-812) and Atlanta (SSN-813) attack submarines following an injection of funds to make up for cost overruns.
CDR Gilmore was the first U.S. submariner to receive the Medal of Honor in World War II. He was awarded this medal for his actions while serving as Commanding Officer of USS Growler (SS 215).
CDR Gilmore was the first U.S. submariner to receive the Medal of Honor in World War II. He was awarded this medal for his actions while serving as Commanding Officer of USS Growler.
On February 7 Growler sighted a ship in the murky darkness. CDR Gilmore readied torpedoes and closed for an attack. At a range of approximately 2000 yards, the target, the 2,500 ton patrol boat Hayasaki, spotted Growler. The swift ship reversed course and charged the submarine. Gunfire and the groans of the twisted hulls roared in the night. CDR Gilmore, the last man on the bridge, shouted through the open conning tower hatch, “Take her down!” He had chosen to sacrifice himself rather than further jeopardize his boat.
CDR Howard W. Gilmore lost his life in a selfless act of heroism that has become one of the most inspiring legends of the Submarine Force.
“For conspicuous gallantry and valor above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of the USS GROWLER during her fourth war patrol in the southwest Pacific from 10 January to 7 February 1943. Boldly striking at the enemy in spite of continuous hostile air and anti-submarine patrols, CDR Gilmore sank one Japanese freighter and damaged another by torpedo fire, successfully evading severe depth charges following each attack. In the darkness of night on 7 February, an enemy gunboat closed range and prepared to ram the GROWLER.
CDR Gilmore daringly maneuvered to avoid the crash and rammed the attacker instead, ripping into her port side and bursting wide her plates. In the terrific fire of the sinking gunboat’s heavy machineguns, CDR Gilmore calmly gave the order to clear the bridge, and refusing safety for himself, remained on deck while his men preceded him below. Struck down by a fusillade of bullets and having done his utmost against the enemy, in his final living moments, CDR Gilmore gave his last order to the officer of the deck, “Take her down”. The GROWLER dove; seriously damaged but under control. She was brought safely to port by her well trained crew inspired by the courageous fighting spirit of their dead Captain.”
The Periscope is a monthly publication of the Los Angeles-Pasadena Base of USSVI.
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Leadership Transition as Charles Merkel Retires and Homer Ring Takes the Helm
Earlier this month, the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum (PFSM) announced that Executive Director Charles “Chuck” Merkel will retire on May 1 of this year, marking the end of a distinguished nine-year tenure defined by transformative leadership. The museum’s Board of Directors has named Andrew “Homer” Ring as Merkel’s successor.
Bowfin Pearl Harbor Base 