Pampanito is fortunate to have a dedicated staff. Each person
brings unique talents and abilities that allow for a wide variety of restoration
and preservation projects to be accomplished. Staffed twenty-four hours
a day since the submarine was opened to the public in 1982, the crew can
rightly be proud of the work they have done to bring the submarine back
to life. They have not only worked thousands of hours to restore the submarine,
but also have protected her during freak wind storms, earthquakes and Hollywood
movies.
Volunteering one's time and expertise is truly a remarkable gift. Pampanito
is fortunate to have a small dedicated group of volunteers that have
brought invaluable resources to the restoration work. Over the years many
projects have been spearheaded by volunteers. The Maritime Park
Association has acknowledged the contributions of long time volunteers
by awarding the Bob Taylor preservation award (renamed in 2011). Awards have been presented to:
John Paulin - Jim Adams - Joe Senft - Marvin Wong
Chester Bienkowski - Jack Coover - Bob Taylor - Bob Fajardo
Len Vaden - Al Mcdonald - Jim Kyser - Kevin Peterson
Harry Nystrom - Charlie Butcher - Richard Pekelney
Merrill Swiney - Ron Gibson - Dominic Boncore
Pampanito's volunteers have made a significant contribution to
the restoration effort, and they continue to do so. Pampanito has
also greatly benefited from the expertise of a Naval Reserve unit that
has regularly drill aboard the submarine. Detachment 220, Sub Base Pearl,
has provided reservists ranging from interior communications specialists
to torpedomen who have helped to made possible a variety of projects ranging
from rebuilding the 1MC amplifier stack to putting the electrical circuits
back in order after years of sailor alts and jury rigged repairs. In turn,
they were able to provide in-rate training and problem solving to reservists.
The active Navy also has assisted with organized volunteer work parties
from submarines visiting the Bay Area. Crew members from USS Portsmouth,
USS James Madison, USS BenjaminFranklin and USS Richard
B. Russell have volunteered. The guys from the Portsmouth will
probably always remember the three days it took to remove forty tons of
crushed rock from the after battery tank so that it could be restored.
It was removed in five gallon buckets and passed up from the tank, up from
the platform deck to the topside deck, along the gangway to debris boxes
shoreside.
Many private companies have also assisted the restoration. Over the years Manson Construction, General Engineering and Machine Works, and many others have assisted our restoration efforts.
The Maritime Park Association is proud to have such a dedicated
staff and experienced group of volunteers at Pampanito. We thank
everyone who has assisted in the restoration effort.
