United States Submarine Veterans Inc.
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| United States Submarine Veterans Inc. | |
|---|---|
| Name | United States Submarine Veterans Inc. |
| Abbreviation | USSVI |
| Type | Veterans' organization |
| Founded | 1963 |
| Headquarters | Poughkeepsie, New York |
| Region served | United States |
| Membership | Submarine veterans and supporters |
United States Submarine Veterans Inc. United States Submarine Veterans Inc. is a national veterans' organization representing personnel who served aboard USS Nautilus (SSN-571), USS Constitution (1797), United States Navy submarines and associated shore commands. Founded in the early 1960s, the organization connects former submariners from conflicts including World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, while also engaging with contemporary communities such as veterans of the Cold War and Gulf War. Through local chapters and national leadership, the organization maintains memorials, advocates for benefits related to legislation like the Veterans Benefits Act, and preserves submarine heritage through museums and partnerships with institutions such as the Naval History and Heritage Command.
History
The organization's origins date to post‑World War II efforts by former crew members of boats such as USS Tang (SS-306), USS Wahoo (SS-238), and USS Gato (SS-212) who sought to maintain camaraderie similar to associations like American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Early meetings referenced the legacy of patrols during the Pacific War and operations in the Atlantic Ocean, recalling actions involving Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Admiral Thomas C. Kinkaid, and commanders from fleets such as the Pacific Fleet (United States) and Atlantic Fleet (United States Navy). The group expanded through regional bases and submarine veteran organizations formed after seminal events including the loss of USS Thresher (SSN-593) and USS Scorpion (SSN-589), which catalyzed memorial efforts and safety advocacy tied to commissions like the Eisenhower Commission and procedures influenced by the Navy Safety Center. Over decades, membership absorbed veterans of named classes such as Balao-class submarine, Gato-class submarine, Los Angeles-class submarine, and Ohio-class submarine, adapting to policy changes after acts like the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and interacting with the United States Congress on veterans' matters.
Mission and Activities
The core mission emphasizes remembrance of fallen submariners, support for survivors, and preservation of undersea warfare history. Activities align with partnerships and outreach to entities such as the Submarine Force Museum, Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, and academic centers including United States Naval Academy and Naval Postgraduate School. The organization engages in commemoration at sites like the National World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and regional veteran cemeteries associated with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Advocacy efforts intersect with legislation concerning benefits overseen by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the United States Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and state legislatures. Educational programming includes oral history projects referencing operations like Operation Ivy and incidents investigated by boards such as the Admiralty Board.
Membership and Organization
Membership is open to enlisted and commissioned personnel who served on submarines across eras, including veterans of patrols aboard vessels such as USS Seawolf (SSN-21), USS Benjamin Franklin (SSBN-640), and USS Nautilus (SSN-571). Organizational structure features national elected officers, regional directors, and local "bases" modeled after lodges like those of the Marine Corps League or chapters of Disabled American Veterans. Governance documents echo procedures used by peer groups such as the American Veterans (AMVETS), with conventions similar to those held by the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Liaison relations exist with the Chief of Naval Operations office and successor submarine commands, facilitating ceremonial duties with assets like USS Constitution (1797) and shore activities at yards like Norfolk Naval Shipyard.
Programs and Events
Recurring programs include Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies, tributes to losses such as USS Indianapolis (CA-35) survivors (contextual for naval remembrance), and wreath-laying at monuments including the Submarine Veterans of World War II Memorial. The organization sponsors youth outreach through scholarships and partnerships with groups like Boy Scouts of America and the Sea Cadets, and participates in civic events coordinated with municipal governments like those of New London, Connecticut and Groton, Connecticut. Annual national conventions rotate among port cities with significance to submarine history such as Pearl Harbor, Bremerton, Washington, and San Diego, California, featuring speakers from institutions like the Naval War College and veterans who served in operations including Operation Desert Storm.
Awards and Recognition
Recognition programs honor valor, service, and community contributions, often referencing decorations such as the Navy Cross, Silver Star, and Bronze Star Medal awarded to submariners. Organizational awards mirror service medals and commendations and have acknowledged members involved in historic patrols aboard boats like USS Wahoo (SS-238) and USS Tang (SS-306). The organization participates in ceremonies with federal officials from the Department of Defense and earns proclamations from bodies including state governors and the United States Congress for preservation of naval heritage and veterans' welfare.
Publications and Communications
Communications include a national newsletter and periodicals featuring historical analyses, interviews, and technical retrospectives on classes such as Balao-class submarine and Los Angeles-class submarine. The group maintains archives of oral histories and photographs shared with repositories including the National Archives and Records Administration and the Naval Heritage and History Command. Public outreach leverages partnerships with media outlets covering naval affairs and collaborates on exhibits with museums such as the Submarine Force Museum and Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum to disseminate accounts of patrols, peacetime operations, and technological developments exemplified by vessels like USS Nautilus (SSN-571) and USS Seawolf (SSN-21).