USS Bowfin Dry Dock 2022

PSI was proud to be the selected shipyard to perform the scheduled dry dock maintenance for the 80-year-old World War II USS Bowfin submarine. PSI cleaned years of underwater growth, performed various internal and external steel repair, and gave her a completely new paint job. The critical work will extend her life as an exhibit at the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum. Built in 1942, one year after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the submarine gained the nickname the “Pearl Harbor Avenger.” Today, the submarine is one world’s best preserved Balao-class submarines and PSI is honored to help preserve this National Historic Landmark.

[@paulhunter1735]

I've heard people complain about the money that is spent preserving our historical ships and boats like the Bowfin, Texas and many others and it always makes me angry. These ships and boats are not just old machines. They are a part of our history. They like our veterans served their country and deserve respect and to be taken care of. They may just be machines to some, but to many they were home. They took them into harms way time after time. And time after time they brought their crews home safe and sound to their family. They also stand as memorials to many who served and never returned that are sill on patrol. Those who don't know what i mean by that should look it up, and maybe then you will understand why it's important that we keep these old vessels around for all to see and love.

[@taggartlawfirm]

“Not the youngest lady at the ball, but she’ll still turn a head or two.”

[@stifledvoice]

As a sufferer of extreme claustrophobia, I have nothing but respect for the twin dolphin sailors that manned those old boats of the silent service.

[@american_cosmic]

What a beautiful boat... y'all did a great job restoring it.

[@stulynn2005]

I think that class of boat was the most beautiful ever to this day

[@jordanenebrad5250]

As a kid at 14 years of age I got to explore this boat all by myself when it was docked at the Naval reserve station in Lake Union in Seattle! I don’t remember it being modified for civilian display at that time, but was still in an “in service” configuration.

[@Normandy1944]

The Bowfin is a beautiful example of love and detail to preserve one of America's iconic ships. PSI is justified to be proud of the work performed. I look forward to seeing her in the near future.

[@dannelson2171]

Enjoyed touring the Bowfin. Had a good laugh when the wife tried passing through the water tight door. Of course I got the picture.

[@TransistionalMemories100]

Good to know their taking good care of the Bowfin. Did a tour on her during my time in the Navy Pearl Harbor, what a treasure of history!

[@robertmccarthy1801]

I never knew that the Bowfin was saved. I have pictures of the crew and interiors.

[@alexcarter8807]

@@robertmccarthy1801 Yep she's been in display in Pearl Harbor since the early 80s.

[@markmclaughlin2690]

She looked great going in and even better going out. I followed the work that was done on USS Cod last year or so, she had car more that was needed. It’s good to see the Team at USS Bowfin keeping her in great shape. I live on the Mississippi Gulf Coast I would also like to give a shout out to the folks at BMP in Mobile for the care they take with everything at the park. Moving USS Drum to land was a great idea given the proclivity of hurricanes they have

[@Subpac_ww2]

We we at the Cod went 58 years between dry docking. Bowfin is far more financially stable due to much, much higher visitation and thus able to take her to drydock more often than we can take Cod. A busy year for Cod is probably an average month for Bowfin. Location location location. Also, there are advantages and disadvantages to being dru berthed. If you ask us being in water is better than not. Look at Batfish, you don't know your boat is full of holes until suddenly it is in water again. At the Cod we detect leaks very early and are able to take steps to correct them as needed. Rather than discovering all the leaks at once.

[@ub1953]

WW 2 subs are to be honored and preserved as any surviving WW 2 vet...

[@jg2072]

Incredible work! Thank you to the shipyard and to all the folks that funded the work.

[@horrgakx]

That photo right at the end is wonderful!

[@luvr381]

How amazing what our country can do when we pull together. Not days to be missed, but people to be honored.

[@railfan439]

Thanks to Pacific Shipyards International for keeping the old gal safe and floating. It is appreciated. Jon, Minesweeps.

[@gerardjohnson2106]

That is one beautiful example of maritime architecture. Good to see her being kept presentable.

[@torpedo8384]

She cleaned up nicely. Great job PSI. Mahalo.

[@deltatwoniner96]

I have pictures of me on that sub from the late 80s, when I was in the army. I remember alot of polished brass, the small bathroom/head, it was pretty cool. They had some type of self guided tour electric thing. Pearl harbor overall was cool, and sad at the same time.

[@alexcarter8807]

I last saw the Bowfin in 2003 and thank goodness there was a lot less polished brass. In the early-mid 80s I was one of the employees there and polished a lot of that brass and what a pain in the rear. It was not historically accurate.

[@1teamski]

Beautiful, absolutely beautiful.

[@suspiciousminds1750]

Beautiful, hardly any pitting.

[@stanstenson8168]

It's probably just me, but it is sad to see her without her props. 3:28. That's a beautiful shot. Edit. So is 3:50.

[@Dog.soldier1950]

She’s one of those that could go to sea for short periods if the right volunteers were available

[@stanstenson8168]

@@Dog.soldier1950 Having been on the boat, I agree. They have done a great job with her.

[@anthonylowder6687]

They need to completely restore her to a fighting warship as she was in WW2

[@mechanicman8687]

Been on her twice $$$ Would like to see the big diesels running some day. I’m sure she makes a lot of money for upkeep in Pearl Harbor

[@turkey0165]

I remember when this sub was for years at the naval reserve building south lake Washington! Always wanted to visit it never did!

[@petejones6030]

Great work, perfect job , deserved.

[@Hillhouse1956]

Great video, thank you

[@375GTB]

WELL DONE! J.C.

[@mchume65]

I knew a few shipmates that re-enlisted on it when I was stationed at NAS Barbers Point in the early 90's.

[@jasonbabila6006]

It was a sad moment when Barbers Point got decommissioned in the mid 90's, I had an uncle stationed there during the mid 70's until the early 80's and was living along FDR Ave between Kearsarge and Copahee.

[@mchume65]

@@jasonbabila6006 For me, it’s also sad that Moffett Field and NTC/RTC San Diego also got decommissioned.

[@sarcastor7441]

Was just on the Bowfin 2 weeks ago. Crazy

[@ScottDLR]

I've toured the Bowfin several times. It's great to see it getting some attention.

[@luciusvorenus9445]

Outstanding work by PSI crews ! BZ one and all!

[@southernrebel]

I would volunteer to serve on the USS Bowfin today. And I'm Air Force Vet!!!!!!!

[@375GTB]

FAIR WINDS & FOLLOWING SEAS!

[@bruceboatwright7488]

She's so graceful!

[@glennspace1091]

Loved the tour of the ship, that I took on my last visit to PH 🙂

[@dudeparistx]

amazing. i went on the bowfin in 2000. the people that served on her were just tougher, better people. great job.

[@davidbeem184]

I've been on that boat and is very well kept up. A great time spent there

[@joshuagaughan2567]

Great to see a ship of her age keeping in good condition. Wish the same could be done for the USS Ling, which is stranded in Hackensack NJ.

[@Subpac_ww2]

That's a good example when a sub turns into a sub vet clubhouse that turns away all new blood. Subs like Bowfin and Cod have come as far as they have due to new young crewmen joining. The old guys can't hang out forever... I beg of anyone and everyone whether you like historic ships or just old things in general. If you have a museum ship within driving distance reach out, see if you can offer any services from tours to restoration. All are important.

[@truthsayers8725]

@@Subpac_ww2 the USS Silversides in Muskegon Michigan is in really good shape too. they still run its engines (or they did) and at one time they took it out from the pier but i dont know if they do anymore

[@vanguard9067]

Good job guys! Thanks for your professionalism.

[@stevekeast2297]

I toured the Bowfin in 1982 I remember being impressed with the interior of this vessel so little room

[@airlanggabhumintaraamitaba8363]

80 years old and still works 👍🏻

[@ChillGamerLad]

went to hawaii in sept and the DAY we went to pearl bowfin was closed, glad to see some work being done though

[@williamwoolcock]

I gotta get out and see her all cleaned up. I've been there many times, great museum and sub. Diesels forever!

[@walterbright1396]

Glad to see it being well maintained. Me and my wife toured it in 2010. Took lots of pictures and had it all to ourselves. For 30 years have been passing the USS Ling SS297 here in NJ on my way to the George Washington Bridge. It’s stuck in the muck of the Hackensack River. It looks somewhat similar in construction but it’s a wreck compared to the Bowfin.

[@DataWaveTaGo]

Bowfin - Beautiful sight!

[@harrybarry2291]

All of our historical ships should recieve the same TLC.

[@anthonylowder6687]

They did a great job on her….it’s too bad they forgot to put her props back on. They really need to completely restore her to a fighting warship as she was during her WW2 days!!!

[@jamesbaldwin7676]

No U.S. Navy ship is ever restored or brought back to "fighting condition" unless it is still a manned and commissioned war ship (such as USS Constitution.) U.S.S Bowfin is no longer part of the U.S. Navy, but a museum-ship in private ownership. The Navy doesn't transfer ownership of any "fighting condition" warship, with it's screws still in place and still able to get under way, under it's own power. This is to prevent a "fighting" ship from ever falling into enemy hands. Even a WW2 era submarine, is still a viable and dangerous weapon. The ARA Santa Fe, (for example) and formerly USS Catfish SS-339) was last used by the Argentine navy in the Falkland Islands war (1982.)

[@jasonbabila6006]

Keeping the prop off is like being demilitarized just like what the Navy did to the USS Texas, both screws, shafts and struts removed.

[@josephbrands6303]

Good to see they are taking car of a national treasure like the Bowfin, unlike the USS Clamagore in Charleston which was sent to the scrapyard after being a museum ship since 1975.

[@johnbeauvais3159]

Did they actually scrap it? Last I heard it was stuck in the mud and nobody knew what to do with it.

[@josephbrands6303]

@@johnbeauvais3159 They cut off the superstructure in place, put pieces on the pier & towed it out last month to the recyclers.

[@miss-mischief]

Once the US Navy shut down the base in Charleston, the Patriots Point Museum has gone downhill. That was back in the early 90s. Sailors from the base would regularly have work details come over to the museum and do upkeep on the ships. It's a shame that those ships aren't kept in better shape. The USS Yorktown also rests on the Cooper River. The hull of the aircraft carrier is lodged in the mud and is slowly rusting out.

[@dustyvanbrocklin4731]

The Pearl Harbor Avenger. Just did a tour of her in April.

[@williamsparks1521]

I'd love to see this magnificent machine. Checkout the USS Cobia (Gato) in Manitowoc WI. It's a great museum ship as well.

[@timothywalker4563]

Nice job😊

[@shnobi24]

Imo, modern subs are sexy, this sub is elegant. The lines, tower just gorgeous.

[@thevikingwolfpack836]

Be awesome if they had it beside the BB Texas.

[@Scioneer]

She's guarding the Arizona along with the Missouri.

[@r47168411]

i dont want her anyplace else. They take the best care of museum ships in pearl. Other orgs just dont measure up.

[@steviekeith2060]

My dad was a cook on subs in I think the same class as that one

[@pauld6967]

Near the start of the video 01:36 her starboard shaft angled down but later all looks correct. Was that droop due to the pro shaft having partially slid out of the housing tube?

[@danodamano2581]

Always impressive to see shipyard maintenance. Bet it was expensive. Wonder if they contributed any in the cost

[@truthboomertruthbomber5125]

I toured the Bowfin in 94 and as I remember it there were large sections of the outer skin that were rusted away exposing the interior. Am I misremembering or when was she reskinned to allow her to float? She looks great now! Anyone interested in these boats should read Clay Blair’s tome on the sub war against Japan.

[@RaptorsBlood]

Wow I have been on her many times and never noticed her screws where missing

[@LoveandLightJason]

I have been on the bowfin several times. She’s a magnificent submarine. My question here though, when they drain the water why doesn’t she have props at the end of her shafts? I mean are they seriously afraid that someone’s gonna drive off in the submarine?

[@luciusvorenus9445]

It is a requirement by the US Navy to any Museum Ship Organization. All her sea chests inlets have been welded over, as well to make sure she can not function as a submarine again.

[@LoveandLightJason]

@@luciusvorenus9445 I did not know that! Thank you for the information!!

[@VindicatorFSX]

I have no idea, but I’m guessing they were removed when she was decommissioned so the navy could use them as spares or just use the brass.

[@luciusvorenus9445]

@@VindicatorFSX Anything that is removed, but not for use in active duty vessels is usually sent to the Curator's of US NAVY History office. It can be sent by that office to museums or for displays in Naval Commands. If the ship that had it's equipment stripped is recommissioned, the Curator will return the equipment it has to that ship.

[@alexandersinclair9006]

The shafts will start to bend over time with the props just hanging on them and yes to many people would take an old ship out for a run without any knowledge of how to safely operate it. Just look at all the warbird crashes. Inexperienced people flying them with no real experience with them.

[@TiborOriVonsmall]

Always wondering , when I see ships in dry dock maintenance , how they do the hull areas where the boat sits on the blocks ?

[@pacificshipyardsinternational]

Oftentimes they wait until the next dry dock event and utilize a different block arrangement. Otherwise you can move the blocks one at a time while in dock.

[@MililaniJag]

A Hydrofoil vessel lower right @0:44 ? Looks like it has a T-shape Bow Foil. Cheers!

[@johnjensen2217]

At 0:40 in the lower left hand corner there appears to be a hydrofoil wing. Are they working on one of the retired Pegasus class hydrofoils?

[@scowell]

Most submarines have bow-planes. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diving_plane

[@pacificshipyardsinternational]

That is a hydrofoil once used on an Office of Naval Research test craft, not a Pegasus hydrofoil.

[@eligebrown8998]

After 80 years and a good cleaning, she still looks buitifull. Can the Bowfin run under its own power?

[@goobfilmcast4239]

no screws

[@scottdoubleyou563]

@@goobfilmcast4239 Yeah. What you said. However, I wonder just how much effort, and of course $$$, it would take to refit her?

[@alexandersinclair9006]

@@scottdoubleyou563 more than anyone will waste on it. Plus things are done to make sure the vessel can not be used.

[@scottdoubleyou563]

@@alexandersinclair9006 Yeah, but it's kinda neat to think about. It would be really cool to see her moving under her own power.

[@Subpac_ww2]

No screws. No batteries. And a bunch of equipment that hasn't rotated in a very long time. Can't even put an accurate cost estimation on what that would take because most of the items you would need to repair or replace is no longer available. Anywhere. So restoration to that level is not only pointless but impossible.

[@MidnightVisions]

didn't antifoul under the blocks?

[@Ibuki01]

Towed out of Pearl and over to Honolulu?

[@carbidegrd1]

just east of the city.

[@kristoffermangila]

How long did this job took?

[@pacificshipyardsinternational]

She was in dock around 30 days. It was fast!

[@koizumiizumi5426]

these old war vessels had both style and function, and todays are all about Functional form over how they look, which isnt a bad thing for military vessels, but its just lacking compared tho these orevious things

[@nightrun17vr23]

She needs her screws !!!!! 😢 what happened to them

[@alexandersinclair9006]

They are removed to take the strain off the shafts. Over time with that weight just hanging there the shaft seals will start to leak.

[@airplanes42]

What are the 2 parallel lines at 2:14 on the hull exterior?

[@scowell]

Probably cooling for the diesels.

[@klipsfilmsmelbourne]

Hawaiian version of down periscope

[@rosillerantonio6732]

Welcome America Allies to the country of the Philippines, America Allies, help the country of the Philippines, to have a new, ( USS Sea-Wolf Class Submarines ) it needs to be new, fast, durable, fully equipped fully advanced high-technology, the country of the Philippines needs it, for more security, and for more defense, of the country Philippines.

[@allannorman2359]

Why no propellers..

[@kristianbooth1127]

Why?

[@1957kwick]

Why wouldn’t they repaint the whole entire outside.🤔

[@RBOJCK]

PUT THE PROPS BACK ON HER AND GET HER RUNNING. I DONT CARE WHAT THE GOVT SAYS. WTF