WWII Submarine in Action

USS Pampanito under tow

A few years ago, I had the privilege of filming the USS Pampanito coming out of drydock in Alameda, CA. It was there being refitted to original specs (deck gun placement) as well as getting the periodic hull inspection and paint.

USS Pampanito leaving San Francisco

The location, the Alameda estuary, is historic. Amelia Earhart took off on her journey at the adjacent airfield, and Jimmy Doolittle began his famous raid on Tokyo from this very spot. It was also where my father embarked on his tour in Korea 75 years ago.

This day I was tasked with filming the ship coming out of drydock. This was a bit tricky, as I only had so much battery and the tugs took a long time to maneuver. Once in position, the trip through the channel would only take a few minutes, so timing was everything. I was taken a bit by surprise at how fast the tugs were ready and by the time I got airborne the sub was at my position. I barely was able to capture her before she left the channel. She was heading back to San Francisco, her home berth. In the end, I got my shots and everyone was happy.

USS Pampanito heading to San Francisco