Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum opens transformed galleries at Pearl Harbor

The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum in Honolulu has unveiled newly transformed galleries and exhibits as part of its 45th anniversary. The update adds immersive, hands-on experiences designed to deepen public understanding of submarine history, technology and service.

Why it matters: - The museum’s overhaul adds new ways for visitors to experience the history of America’s Submarine Force. - The transformed galleries are designed to make submarine operations, teamwork and technology easier to understand for the public. - The update comes as the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum marks its 45th anniversary.

What happened: - The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum held a dedication ceremony in Honolulu to open its newly transformed galleries. - The museum completed a two-year transformation that introduced immersive exhibits, interactive displays and hands-on experiences. - Andrew “Homer” Ring, executive director of the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, said the redesign builds on the museum’s 45-year legacy and aims to create a more immersive experience.

The details: - A new Arctic exhibit features a large-format 8K table focused on submarine operations under Arctic ice. - The Arctic display includes USS Nautilus’ historic 1958 voyage to the North Pole. - The museum upgraded its control room experience with an interactive challenge inspired by today’s Virginia-class submarines. - New hands-on experiences include a missile launch control simulation. - A restored USS Augusta (SSN-710) control panel lets visitors maneuver a submarine through an underwater environment. - A new exhibit on the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard highlights the people, skills and technology needed to maintain and modernize the Pacific submarine force. - Additional displays and gallery enhancements are part of the broader transformation. - The museum says the new exhibits represent only a portion of the full gallery overhaul.

Between the lines: - The museum is leaning into participation rather than passive viewing. - The new exhibits connect Cold War history, modern submarine design and shipyard support into one visitor experience. - The focus on teamwork and technical skill reflects a broader effort to show submarines as systems of people, training and maintenance, not just vessels.

What's next: - The museum will continue operating the expanded campus as a public education site for submarine history and technology. - Visitors can see USS Bowfin, the World War II fleet submarine preserved at the museum, alongside the new galleries. - The museum remains open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. - General admission is $25.99 for adults and $14.99 for children ages 4-12. - Military, kama‘āina and school group pricing is available. - More information is available by calling (808) 423-1341 or visiting Bowfin.org.