USS PAMPANITO (submarine)
historic place
In San Francisco, at Pier 45 in Fisherman's Wharf, you'll find the USS Pampanito, a Balao-class submarine. This vessel was built in 1943 at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Maine. During World War II, from 1944 to 1945, the Pampanito completed six war patrols in the Pacific. It sank six enemy ships and damaged four others. A notable event was its rescue of 73 Allied prisoners of war. For its service, the submarine earned six battle stars. After being decommissioned in 1945, it later served as a Naval Reserve training ship. On November 21, 1975, the USS Pampanito became a memorial and museum in San Francisco, opening to the public in 1982. It is now operated by the San Francisco Maritime National Park Association. In 1986, the USS Pampanito was designated a National Historic Landmark. This designation is noted on its historical marker, stating it represents national significance in commemorating United States history. Restored to represent late summer 1945, this submarine provides a tangible link to the United States' significant submarine operations during World War II.