The USS Pampanito made six patrols in the Pacific during World War II, during which she sank six Imperial Japanese ships and damaged four others. Operated by the Maritime Park Association, Pampanito hosts over 100,000 visitors a year and is one of the most popular historic vessels in the country. In addition to daytime visitors, over 1,500 kids a year participate in Pampanito‘s educational day and overnight programs. Pampanito is a National Historic Landmark.

The USS Pampanito is being restored to a specific point in time, late summer, 1945, to represent the height of WW II submarine development. The Maritime Park Association has scoured the country in search of missing equipment and spare parts. Almost all of the missing items have now been replaced, and much of the equipment on board has been restored to operation.

We owe it to future generations to preserve our history, this includes ongoing maintenance of Pampanito. Museum ships are the only museum artifacts that are regularly stored in a corrosive environment (salt water.) Every seven years Pampanito must be dry-docked in order to inspect, paint and complete vital repairs to her hull. We need your help, and are now seeking funding and preparing for her next preservation drydocking.