USS Pampanito

The Balao-class vessel measures 311 feet in length with seven main compartments including torpedo rooms, crew quarters, and command center. Original equipment encompasses periscopes, navigation instruments, and radio systems from the war period. Visitors navigate through narrow passageways between compartments, experiencing the compact construction of a 1940s attack submarine with diesel engines and battery propulsion systems.

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard constructed the submarine in 1943 with commissioning in November that year. During Pacific operations, the crew sank six Japanese ships and rescued 73 Allied prisoners from a torpedoed British transport vessel. Following the war, the boat served in the reserve fleet until decommissioning in 1971. The vessel arrived at Fisherman's Wharf in 1982 for permanent display.

The vessel serves as an educational facility under the Maritime National Park Association, teaching visitors about daily life aboard wartime submarines. The preserved boat offers insights into submarine crews' experiences and the strategic role of undersea warfare in the Pacific theater. Educational programs focus on naval history and the technical challenges faced by submariners during combat operations.

The museum at Pier 45 operates daily from 10 AM to 6 PM with last admission 30 minutes before closing. Audio guides in multiple languages accompany visitors through all sections. Narrow passageways and steep ladders make access challenging for those with limited mobility. Parking is available near the pier with public transportation connections to the waterfront district.

The radio room received encrypted messages in 1945 about British prisoners aboard Japanese vessels, leading to the rescue mission. Original periscope lenses still show scratches from enemy depth charge attacks. The engine room contains two functional diesel motors producing 5,400 horsepower combined, which propelled the boat to 20 knots on the surface.

Location: San Francisco

Inception: March 15, 1982

Reference: SS-383

Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible

Fee: Yes

Operator: San Francisco Maritime National Park Association

Address: 45 Pier, San Francisco, CA 94133

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-18:00

Phone: +14157751943

Website: https://maritime.org/pamphome.htm

GPS coordinates: 37.81000,-122.41639

Latest update: November 28, 2025 10:34