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USS Pampanito and its collection

USS Pampanito
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The USS Pampanito (SS-383) is a historic submarine that played a significant role in the Pacific War during World War II. It is now a museum ship located at Fisherman’s Wharf in the port of San Francisco. Visitors can explore this Balao class submarine and learn about its history and the role it played during the war.

Decommissioning and Transformation into a Museum Ship

The USS Pampanito was decommissioned on December 15, 1945, and then reactivated in 1962 to serve as a training ship for the United States Navy Reserve until December 20, 1971. It was finally decommissioned in 1971 and handed over to the National Maritime Museum Association in 1976. On March 15, 1982, it was opened to the public as a museum ship. This timeline of the submarine's service and transition to a museum ship is part of the historical narrative that visitors can explore.

Current Status and Film Appearance of USS Pampanito

The USS Pampanito is currently docked at Fisherman's Wharf in the port of San Francisco and is open for visitors. The submarine also had a role in the 1996 film 'Down Periscope', which is about a World War II submarine that is reactivated for a secret mission. This adds an interesting aspect to the submarine's history that visitors might find intriguing.

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DEUSS Pampanito (SS-383)
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Science & Technology Science & Technology History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Maritime War Film

#3 History & Anthropology in San Francisco #4 Science & Technology in San Francisco #2 Film museums in San Francisco #1 Maritime museums in San Francisco #2 War museums in San Francisco #11 History & Anthropology in California #10 Science & Technology in California #3 Film museums in California #4 Maritime museums in California #4 War museums in California #119 History & Anthropology in United States #41 Science & Technology in United States #10 Film museums in United States #18 Maritime museums in United States #27 War museums in United States

#3 History & Anthropology in San Francisco #4 Science & Technology in San Francisco #2 Film museums in San Francisco #1 Maritime museums in San Francisco #2 War museums in San Francisco #11 History & Anthropology in California #10 Science & Technology in California #3 Film museums in California #4 Maritime museums in California #4 War museums in California #119 History & Anthropology in United States #41 Science & Technology in United States #10 Film museums in United States #18 Maritime museums in United States #27 War museums in United States

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USS Pampanito
Pier 45
CA 94133 San Francisco
California

Images of USS Pampanito

Visitor information USS Pampanito

Opening hours

Monday
10:00 – 17:30
Tuesday
10:00 – 17:30
Wednesday
10:00 – 17:30
Thursday
10:00 – 17:30
Friday
10:00 – 19:30
Saturday
10:00 – 19:30
Sunday
10:00 – 19:30
More opening hours

Admission

0 – 4Free
5 – 13US$15.00
14 – 61US$25.00
62+US$20.00
Active Military with IDUS$10.00
Family (2 adults and 2 juniors)US$65.00
Students with IDUS$20.00
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Facilities

We don't have information about the facilities of USS Pampanito.

Location & Map

Pier 45, San Francisco

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Exhibitions

No exhibitions in USS Pampanito have been found.

USS Pampanito Reviews

USS Pampanito has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The USS Pampanito, a World War II submarine turned museum ship in San Francisco, offers visitors a glimpse into naval history. Located at Pier 45 in Fisherman's Wharf, this restored Balao-class submarine provides an authentic experience of life aboard a WWII-era vessel.

    Visitors appreciate the well-preserved condition of the submarine and the opportunity to explore its tight quarters, including the torpedo rooms, engine room, and living areas. The self-guided audio tour, included with admission, receives praise for its informative content, helping guests understand the submarine's history and the daily life of its crew.

    Many reviewers find the experience educational and engaging, particularly for those interested in military history or engineering. The hands-on nature of the tour, allowing visitors to touch equipment and peer through periscopes, is often highlighted as a positive aspect.

    However, some visitors note that the tight spaces and steep ladders can be challenging for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia. A few reviewers mention that the tour can feel rushed during busy periods, and some find the admission price a bit steep for the length of the visit.

    Overall, the USS Pampanito is generally well-regarded as an informative and immersive historical attraction, offering a unique perspective on naval warfare and submarine technology from the World War II era.

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  • Aggregated rating

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