USS Bowfin: The Avenger of Pearl Harbor

The USS Bowfin (SS-287), famously known as the "Avenger of Pearl Harbor," is one of the most renowned submarines from World War II. Launched exactly one year after the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor, on December 7, 1942, the Bowfin quickly became a symbol of America's determination to retaliate and gain the upper hand in the Pacific Theater.
The Bowfin embarked on nine successful war patrols during its service in the Pacific, prowling the waters near Japan and Southeast Asia. This Balao-class submarine was instrumental in disrupting Japanese supply lines, sinking a significant number of enemy vessels—about 44 ships in total, including freighters, tankers, and even military vessels—earning its reputation as a fearsome hunter beneath the seas.
The nickname "Avenger of Pearl Harbor" reflects the sub's connection to the American resolve following the attack, symbolizing the U.S. Navy’s effort to strike back at Japan. The Bowfin played a key role in the U.S. Navy's submarine warfare strategy, which crippled Japanese logistics and helped turn the tide of the war.
The USS Bowfin (SS-287) was a Balao-class submarine, a class that became one of the most prolific and effective American submarine types during World War II. Here are the key specifications of the USS Bowfin: