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Research

USS Bowfin Submarine Museum LibraryUSS Bowfin Submarine Museum maintains an extensive collection of submarine-related photographs, manuals, and monographs, covering topics such as World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, naval history, underwater archaeology, submarine design, and general submarine history.  We also have a nearly complete set of World War II submarine war patrol reports, both in the original hard copy and in digital format.  Each of the nearly 700 submarines commissioned by the U.S. Navy has a file in our archives.

Our non-lending library and archives are open by appointment to qualified researchers, submariners, and their families.  The library is open by  from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Call (808) 423-1341, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to schedule your research visit.

 

Secrets of the Sub

How Does A Sub Stay So Quiet

How do submarines stay so quiet?

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Submarines are the ultimate “stealth weapon. Remaining underwater to attack or use its sensors, quietness is critical. Through design, modern nuclear submarines have equipment mounted on special mounts to isolate the noise from the outside and reduce the noise signature of the sub in the ocean. Rotating equipment is checked from the design through operation so it is always quiet and it is immediately repaired if it is not operating quietly. The sub checks itself with its own acoustic sensors and establishes the most quiet lineup of equipment for normal or critical operations. Overall, the reason the submarine is so quiet is because every member of the crew knows how important it is to remain quiet and undetected ensuring the submarine can perform all of its mission.

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