Pampanito

USS Pampanito (SS-383), a World War II Balao class fleet submarine, was launched on July 12, 1943, 120 days after her keeled was laid, at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as part of an expanded war time production effort. At the time of her launch the Pampanito represented the state of the art in U.S. submarine design and construction with a thicker pressure hull that increased the submarine’s reported diving depth to over 400 feet, 100 feet beyond that of the earlier Gato class boats. On board she carried new sophisticated electronic gear for detecting targets, a Torpedo Data Computer (TDC) for working out and setting torpedo firing angles, a Bathythermograph for detecting cold water layers (thermoclines) under which she could slip to deflect enemy sonar pings, and new Mark 18 electric torpedoes.

Between March 15, 1944 and Japan’s surrender on August 15, 1945, the Pampanito completed six war patrols in the Pacific Theater and recorded six enemy vessels sunk, four enemy vessels damaged, and 73 Allied POWs rescued.

Following the end of the war, the Pampanito was decommissioned and became part of the US Reserve Fleet anchored in Suisun Bay where she eventually began her second career as a U.S. Navy Reserve training submarine. In 1971 the Navy struck her from their records and, five years later, transferred her to the San Francisco Maritime National Park Association to be restored as a floating museum, memorial, and classroom. Her hatches were opened to the public on March 15, 1982, exactly 39 years after her keel was laid, and tourists and schools groups were welcomed aboard. Annually over 200,000 visitors pass through the USS Pampanito and more than 1,000 students participate in overnight history and science programs.

Her staff includes numerous submarine veterans, including some veterans of World War II, who volunteer as deckhands and docents to help preserve and interpret the boat. At regular intervals, the Pampanito welcomes home her World War II crew members, POWs, and their families for reunions.

Mission: Today the Pampanito operates as a museum dedicated to all members of the Silent Service and as a memorial to those who served in World War II. She also functions as an educational venue for students of all ages interested in learning the history of the World War II era and studying the scientific principles and technology inherent in submarines.

Commissioned: SS-383 on November 6, 1943
Decommissioned: December 15, 1945
Reclassified: AGSS-383 on December 1, 1971
Stricken from Navy Record: IXSS-383 on December 20, 1971
Transferred to SFMNPA: May 20, 1976
Opened as Museum: March 15, 1982

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