Chuck Merkel reflects on nine years at the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum

Charles “Chuck” Merkel remembers being handed construction drawings for renovations of the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum on his first day as executive director in May 2016.  

Nine years later, Merkel is set to retire at the museum association's annual dinner and meeting on May 1. He said completing the $20 million renovation he inherited on Day One was both challenging and rewarding.    

“The USS Bowfin was in good shape at the time, but we still needed to fundraise and set the budget for the renovation,” he told Aloha State Daily.

Despite delays brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, the museum reopened within two years in February 2021 with new interactive and historical exhibits for all ages.

Merkel, a 32-year U.S. Navy veteran, said another proud moment was captaining the 82-year-old World War II submarine to a dry-dock in Honolulu Harbor and back for maintenance in 2022.

He said the last time that happened was in 2004 and the next dry-docking will be about 2040.  “The goal is to have her looking good, preserving its historical integrity, not necessarily for the purpose of operating again.”

Education is another focus for the nonprofit, whether that be free school tours for Department of Education classes or the organization’s various scholarship programs.

“Since 1985, the Pacific Fleet Submarine Memorial Association has awarded over $1.5 million in scholarships,” its website noted. Merkel says this is possible through partnerships and an existing endowment that invests in students seeking trade certifications or degrees in submarine-related fields.

Earlier in his career, Merkel joined the Navy in August 1980, then a student at Texas A&M University. He served on four Pearl Harbor based submarines – USS Bremerton, USS Omaha, USS Tunny, and from 2000 to 2003, as Commander of USS Key West.

In 2003, Merkel led his crew in combat during two consecutive deployments launching Tomahawk cruise missiles into Iraq. He retired from the Navy in October 2012 and went on to work as a contractor supporting the submarine force, he said. Soon after, he joined the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum Association’s board of directors as treasurer, before assuming the role of executive director.  

In retirement, Merkel plans to stay in Hawaiʻi and is looking forward to traveling with family and revisiting lost passions, he said, like deep sea fishing, which he picked up at 8 years old.

Last year, the museum welcomed more than 11 million visitors since opening in 1981. In 2025, new leadership expects to grow its exhibits showcasing WWII, the Cold War and the modern world.  

“I wouldn’t be leaving if I didn’t think I had somebody capable to come in behind me,” Merkel said of his successor. “I’ll be available if he has questions or can’t find something, but it’s more important for me to step away and let him take the reins. We’ve been running alongside each other for about a month now. It’s time for him to take the baton and go.”  

Andrew “Homer” Ring will take the helm of the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, overseeing its $10 million budget and 35 full-time staff members, effective May 2, the nonprofit noted.

“We thank Chuck Merkel for all that he has done to advance our organization through museum construction and other significant improvements,” said museum board chairman Pete Miller in a statement. “In his efforts to preserve the history and legacy of our naval submarine force, Chuck leaves us with big shoes to fill. However, we anticipate equally great contributions from incoming Executive Director Homer Ring.

“Ring’s background and leadership experience, as well as his passion for preserving naval heritage make him an ideal fit for this pivotal role at our museum,” Miller continued.

Ring is a career submariner officer, who served most recently as Chief Staff Officer at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, overseeing more than 4,300 personnel across 15 departments, a $250 million annual operating budget and $1.75 billion in construction projects.

As Commanding Officer of the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land, he also led a crew of 1,100 personnel responsible for the submarine’s maintenance and repair.  

“It’s an honor and a great privilege to take the helm of an organization that honors the proud legacy and inspires the bright future of our Navy’s submarine force,” Ring said in a statement.

The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission to the submarine is $25.99 per adult and $14.99 per child ages 4-12. Military, kama‘āina and school group admission rates are available. Visit bowfin.org.

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.