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History of Naval Submarine base Pearl Harbor

Naval Submarine Base Pearl Harbor was officially established in 1917 on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, to support the growing role of submarines in U.S. naval strategy. During World War II, the base became a vital hub for submarine operations in the Pacific, serving as a homeport, repair, and resupply center for submarines conducting patrols against Japanese shipping. Submarines operating from Pearl Harbor played a decisive role in cutting off enemy supply lines and gathering intelligence. Today, the base is part of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and continues to support the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet submarine force, maintaining its legacy as a cornerstone of undersea warfare.

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ABOUT Naval Submarine base Pearl Harbor

  • Early Establishment: Naval Submarine Base Pearl Harbor was officially established in 1917, making it one of the oldest submarine bases in the United States Navy.
  • Strategic Pacific Location: The base's position in the Hawaiian Islands provides the U.S. Navy with a vital strategic hub for submarine operations throughout the Pacific Ocean.
  • Pearl Harbor Attack: On December 7, 1941, the base and its submarines were present during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Submarines stationed there played a crucial role in the U.S. response to the attack.
  • USS Bowfin: The USS Bowfin (SS-287), now a museum ship at Pearl Harbor, completed nine successful war patrols from the base during World War II, earning the nickname "Pearl Harbor Avenger."
  • Rapid WWII Expansion: During World War II, the base expanded rapidly, supporting as many as 60 submarines and thousands of personnel, making it a major center for Pacific submarine operations.
  • Submarine Success: Submarines operating out of Pearl Harbor were responsible for sinking over half of all Japanese merchant ships destroyed during WWII.
  • Evolution to Nuclear Power: The base adapted in the 1950s and 1960s to support the new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, becoming a forward base for Cold War deterrence missions.
  • Submarine School Training: The base has hosted advanced training and simulators for submarine crews, including escape training in the Submarine Escape Training Tank (SETT).
  • Modern Role: Today, the base is home to Submarine Squadron One and Submarine Squadron Seven, supporting both Los Angeles-class and Virginia-class fast attack submarines.
  • Memorials and Museums: The base is adjacent to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, and the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park attracts thousands of visitors annually, honoring the legacy of submariners.

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