Some of the most important military encounters of World War II happened under water.

Submarine warfare became a crucial part of military strategy in the world conflict, and 288 American submarines are believed to have sunk more than 5.5 million tons of enemy shipping in the course of the war. But submarine warfare comes at a cost: more than 3,600 officers and crew and 52 U.S. submarines were lost in the war.

The USS Bowfin was a submarine launched on December 7, 1942—one year to the day after the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor—and eventually completed nine successful war patrols during World War II. She was nicknamed the "Pearl Harbor Avenger," so it is fitting that she is permanently homeported at Pearl Harbor as a National Historic Landmark and Museum.

Visitors to the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, located on the grounds of the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument visitor center complex, can tour the submarine with the help of a digital audio player to help them imagine what life must have been like for the 80-man crew. Exhibits include submarine weapon systems, photographs, paintings, battle flags, original recruiting posters, and detailed submarine models, all illustrating the history of the U.S. Submarine Service.

The museum's theater seats approximately 40 visitors for submarine-related videos. And within the park stands a public memorial honoring the American men and submarines lost during World War II.

The museum is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last admission to the submarine at 4:30 p.m. The park closes at 5 p.m. Children under age 4 are not permitted on the submarine for safety reasons. They may visit the museum and theater at no charge.

More information is posted at <www.bowfin.org/>.