United States Submarine Veterans

United States Submarine Veterans. It is a congressionally chartered veterans' organization dedicated to perpetuating the memory of submariners who have given their lives in the service of the United States Navy. Founded in the mid-1960s, the organization serves as a fraternal and support network for those who have earned the coveted Submarine Warfare insignia. Its mission encompasses camaraderie, remembrance, and support for active-duty personnel, with a strong focus on honoring the legacy of the Silent Service.

History and origins

The organization was formally established in 1965, with its roots tracing back to the post-World War II era when submarine veterans sought to maintain the unique bonds forged during service. Key early figures were veterans of pivotal conflicts like the Battle of the Atlantic and the Pacific War, who understood the distinct experiences of submarine duty. The push for a national organization gained momentum following the losses of boats like the USS Thresher (SSN-593), highlighting the need for a dedicated memorial and support group. Its founding paralleled the growth of other major veterans' groups like the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, but with a specific focus on the submarine community. The organization received its congressional charter in 2008, solidifying its official status alongside entities like the Naval Submarine League.

Organization and structure

The national headquarters is located in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, home to the Wisconsin Maritime Museum. The group is organized into local chapters, often called "boats," spread across the United States and overseas locations with significant naval populations, such as Guam and Hawaii. Governance is provided by a National Executive Committee, led by a National Commander, and includes various officers such as a Chief of the Boat. Major committees oversee areas like scholarship programs, memorials, and liaison activities with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and United States Department of Defense. The structure is designed to support both the national mission and the community-focused activities of individual chapters.

Membership and eligibility

Membership is open to any honorably discharged veteran or active-duty member of the United States Armed Forces who has qualified in submarines and wears the Submarine Warfare insignia. This includes officers and enlisted personnel from the United States Navy and, historically, members of the United States Army who served on submarine cable ships. Proof of qualification, such as discharge papers (DD Form 214) or official orders, is required. The organization also offers associate memberships for supporters who have not served on submarines, including family members of qualified submariners. This inclusive approach mirrors the eligibility frameworks of other specialized groups like the Naval Order of the United States.

Activities and programs

Primary activities include organizing annual reunions, such as the national convention often held in cities like San Diego or Norfolk, Virginia. The group runs a robust scholarship program for children and grandchildren of members. A central program is the "Tolling of the Boats" ceremony, a solemn remembrance held at meetings and at the National Submarine Memorial in Groton, Connecticut. Members participate in Fleet Week events, support the Submarine Force Library and Museum, and engage in community service and veterans' advocacy. They also provide direct support to active-duty crews aboard vessels like the USS Virginia (SSN-774) and families during deployments.

Memorials and recognition

The organization is a primary steward of submarine memorials nationwide. Its most significant project is the maintenance and enhancement of the National Submarine Memorial in Groton, Connecticut, near the Naval Submarine Base New London. It also dedicates plaques and monuments at sites including the USS Bowfin (SS-287) museum at Pearl Harbor and the Washington Navy Yard. The group awards the prestigious "Distinguished Submariner Award" and administers the "Submarine Veterans of World War II" scholarship fund. These efforts ensure the legacy of boats lost from the USS Tang (SS-306) to the USS Scorpion (SSN-589) is preserved.

Notable members and leadership

Past national commanders have included veterans of historic submarines such as the USS Nautilus (SSN-571) and the USS Parche (SSN-683). Notable members have included several recipients of the Medal of Honor, including Howard W. Gilmore and Eugene B. Fluckey. High-profile naval leaders like Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, the "Father of the Nuclear Navy," are honored as seminal figures within the community. The membership has also included veterans who served under legendary commanders during critical engagements in the Korean War and Vietnam War, contributing to the organization's deep institutional knowledge and prestige within the broader veterans' community.