On a blustery, gray morning, the San Francisco Maritime National Park Association and the United States Submarine Veterans of World War II welcomed the public to recognize Memorial Day with a tradition dating to the 1940s: the Lost Boat Ceremony.
Held at Pier 45 on the deck of the USS Pampanito, the ceremony serves as a way for U.S. submarine veterans to remember and honor comrades who died. The “Silent Service” — the Navy’s submarine force — had the highest casualty rate of any U.S. military branch during World War II. In total, 52 submarines were lost during the war and approximately 3,500 officers and enlisted men did not make it back.
The day began with members of Scout Troop 415 and the Lincoln High School Color Guard, followed by an invocation from Chaplain Kayden Williams. Welcome remarks and introductions were given by Emilio Mackie, the ship’s manager, and Paul Roesler, president of the San Francisco Maritime National Park Association. Dwayne Chapman, a U.S. Navy senior Chief Petty Officer, was the guest speaker.
Tolling the Boats came next. U.S. Navy submarine veterans Steve Paganelli and Mike Brigandi read the names of each lost U.S. submarine, as well as the fate of the boat’s crews. Some died in combat, others were prisoners of war. For each boat, a bell was rung and the American flag was lowered and raised.
Approximately 50 people attended the ceremony, many of whom took part in the traditional act of remembrance by throwing flowers into the sea. This gesture symbolizes the laying of wreaths at a gravesite for those “on eternal patrol.” Soon dozens of red and white carnations floated in the bay.
The public was invited to tour the interior of the USS Pampanito, which added context to the day. While in service, crew members lived in extremely cramped conditions. Patrols typically lasted 60 days or more, and there were so few bunks aboard that sailors had to sleep in shifts. Some bunks were directly above the torpedoes…