Staff and VolunteersPampanito 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 a forty-eight star American flag that was flown over Pampanito in a presentation case. Awards have been presented to: John Paulin - Jim Adams - Joe Senft - Marvin WongChester Bienkowski - Jack Coover - Bob Taylor - Bob FajardoPampanito'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 Benjamin Franklin 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. Private companies have also assisted the restoration greatly. Over the years General Engineering and Machine Works in San Francisco has assisted our restoration efforts. A recent example is Hydraulic Services of Napa, California who helped make the periscopes operational by donating their expertise and the necessary equipment. 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.
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