Museum

Waterfront Memorial

Waterfront Memorial

The Waterfront Memorial stands in tribute to the 52 U.S. submarines and more than 3,500 submariners who made the ultimate sacrifice for their nation during World War II. The fifty-two monuments chronicle the wartime career of each of the lost submarines and list the names of the officers and enlisted men who are “on eternal patrol” with their vessels. An additional monument lists the names of submariners who where lost in the line of duty, although their vessels were not sunk.

The Memorial has provided a much-appreciated gathering place where people may pay their respects, reminisce about the frightening yet exhilarating days of World War II, and share rich memories with the younger generation. Since its official dedication on 11 May 1992, the Memorial has hosted hundreds of reenlistments, retirements, commissionings, memorial services, changes of command, receptions, and even a wedding.

The Waterfront Memorial is the end result of four years of hard work by a talented team of historians, architects, graphic designers, landscapers, and skilled craftspeople. Raising the funds necessary to support such a project has not been easy. Although several of the plaques have been generously sponsored by individuals, veterans' groups, and corporations, most of the burden has been borne by the Pacific Fleet Submarine Memorial Association, a non-profit charitable organization which receives no federal or state financial assistance.

Shown here is the plaque honoring USS Bonefish (SS-223).

Please see our sister website - On Eternal Patrol - for individual memorial pages on each of the over 4,000 men lost while serving in the U.S. Submarine Force.

Secrets of the Sub

Vargas Girls

Artist Alberto Vargas became famous for his WWII watercolors depicting beautiful pin-up girls. "Varga girls" were so popular that many different artists immitated Vargas’ technique and approach to the female figure: an idealized female form eliciting sensuality and seduction. During the 1940’s his work was a hit amongst enlisted men who drew inspiration from them which inadvertently created high morale. The military was so influenced by this art that they adorned their vessels with it. Many military aircraft had Varga style girls decorating the nose of their planes, Varga girls were even printed on greeting cards and sent to enlisted men by their sweethearts. Inside the engine room aboard USS Bowfin, the crew posted a 1943 Vargas calendar, on which they doodled, wrote notes, and recorded their conquests of the sea.