The Pacific Fleet Submarine Memorial Association’s annual meeting every May 1 commemorates the commissioning of the USS Bowfin submarine into service.

This year’s meeting held extra special meaning as the evening served as a farewell to Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum (PFSM) executive director Charles “Chuck” Merkel, his last day leading the organization.

Museum board members and community leaders gathered to honor retiring director Merkel and his family, celebrating his nine years of leadership at the submarine museum. Hawaii Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke and Honolulu City Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam presented Mr. Merkel with certificates of appreciation in recognition of his dedicated service.

A former submarine commander himself, Merkel served on four Pearl Harbor-based submarines, including as Commander of the USS Key West (SSN 722) from 2000 to 2003. Merkel brought that same dedication and vision during his 32-year Navy career to the museum, navigating it through the pandemic shutdowns, oversaw a $20 million museum renovation, expanded its education and scholarship programs and recently celebrated its 11 millionth visitor.

The personal highlight of Merkel’s PFSM tenure, however, was the coordination of the towing of the World War II-era Bowfin submarine to Honolulu Harbor and back for drydock maintenance in 2022.

“To be standing atop the Bowfin as it was being towed out to sea was the thrill of a lifetime; the feeling of what it was like when her captain took her on combat patrol 80-something years ago,” Merkel recalled. “The fact that we helped preserve her for future generations will be one of our proudest moments.”

“After nine years, it was time for me to pass the baton to a new Executive Director,” Merkel said to the audience in his final remarks to the group leading up to Andrew “Homer” Ring as his successor. “The association has a new man in the arena and I know Homer is up to the task.”

Chuck, a heartfelt thank you for your leadership and legacy. You’ve left a lasting mark at the submarine museum and to everyone who walks through its doors. Please enjoy your retirement spending time with family and fishing.