Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum

Mentor: Susan Kam

STEM Fields: Science, Technology, Engineering, Math

Internship Research Goals: 

  • Create/learn STEM Innovation Cart demos and activities
  • Learn about STEM in submarines
  • Sharpen presentation and public speaking skills
  • Interact with general public from all over the world; strengthen communication skills
  • Experience work environment in a nonprofit organization
  • Discuss interns’ career/college: resume writing, college entrance and scholarship essays

Pacific Fleet. Two silhouettes of navy shipsAbout The Internship Site:

Who We Are

  •       Popular submarine museum
  •       Most visited maritime memorial
  •       Honors veterans
  •       Educates public
  •       Connects us with our history
  •       Inspires us with stories 

The Pacific Fleet Submarine Memorial Association (PFSMA) was created in 1978 to establish a memorial to the gallant sailors of the Silent Service, and to maintain as a centerpiece of this memorial the Fleet Submarine USS BOWFIN (SS 287).

In 1979, the PFSMA saved the decorated Balao-class USS Bowfin (SS-287) from scrapping and began the painstaking process of restoring her to her 1945 configuration.

The site that would become the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park was obtained, Bowfin opened to the public in 1981, and an empty lot soon expanded to include numerous outdoor exhibits.

In 1986, construction began on a museum facility. In 2021, following extensive renovations, our campus was renamed the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum.

The museum now offers hands-on, interactive experiences that tell the story of the Silent Service from WWII to the Cold War to present day. In December 2021, USS Bowfin welcomed her 10 millionth visitor. 

A woman with long black hairMeet Our Internship Mentor: Susan Kam

Susan Kam is the Education Manager of Visitor Experience at the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum. Prior, she worked in museums and the United Nations, including corporations, nonprofit organizations, and schools. With over 15 years of teaching experience, she has also assisted students in obtaining scholarships for college. 

Internship duties and responsibilities

  • Create one STEM Innovation Cart demo and activity
  • Learn STEM demos/activities

Interns should be able to:

  • Interact with guests and present information
  • Research information to create STEM demo for Innovation Cart
  • Work in a team/collaborative environment

2026 Internship Schedule:

  1. Spring 2026: Schedules will be made individually with students at the beginning of the program.
  2. Internship wrap-up (Virtual): TBD

*Schedules are tentative and are subject to change. Interns will be required to work 48 hours in Spring 2026.

*Schedules are tentative and are subject to change. Interns will be required to work 8 hours in the Spring 2026. Interns will be required to work 40 hours in the Summer 2026. (You can also note additional required hours if any)

Internship Meeting Locations: 

PFSM onsite/Zoom or combination