Cold War Submarine Memorial

Aireal View

 

On December 6, 2002, on a bright and clear December afternoon, the Cold War Submarine Memorial was formally dedicated in an impressive ceremony which culminated a five-year effort by the Cold War Submarine Memorial Foundation to establish a fitting memorial to recognize the unique and enduring contributions to peace and freedom rendered by those who served in and supported our submarine force and the execution of its singular sea-based deterrent mission through the decades of the Cold War. Located on a 2.3 acre site adjacent to Charleston Harbor in Mount Pleasant, near the entrance to the Patriot's point Naval and Maritime Museum, the Cold War Submarine Memorial today stands as an enduring tribute to the men who served in our submarines during this unique and dangerous period in our nation's history; to their families who remained behind and managed alone during their long absences; and to the men and women, both civil and military, who provided the superb support that assured the remarkable success of their missions.

The Memorial pays special tribute to the citizens of South Carolina whose strong commitment to freedom and democracy provided strong and unflagging moral support to these Navy men and to their families throughout the challenging years of the Cold War. The land on which the Memorial stands was leased from the Patriot's Point Development Authority - an entity of the State of South Carolina - so that our eleemosynary foundation could efficiently build it. Although the effort of the Foundation to raise the necessary resources to execute the project persisted over a period of five very challenging years, the actual construction took only six months following ground breaking in June 2002.

Upon completion and the formal dedication, the Foundation proudly presented ownership of the Cold War Submarine Memorial to the state of South Carolina and the Patriot's Point Naval and Maritime Museum, together with funds to support the memorial's maintenance. In addition, funds were set aside to establish and endow a youth education program that encourages the study of science and mathematics.

Successful completion of this enduring edifice of true national quality marks the culmination of an effort combining the tenacity of a number of dedicated individuals and the very generous help from many private individuals, industry and government over the past five years. No small amount of credit for our success - and indeed for our continued motivation - is rightfully due the people of the Lowcountry of South Carolina who gave generously of their time, talent and monetary resources. I am profoundly grateful to these friends and benefactors.

I share their pride in our results - an impressive Memorial from which future generations may learn and a youth education program to help our young men and women prepare for tomorrow's challenges.

VADM Albert J Baciocco, Jr. USN (Ret); Chairman of the former Cold War Submarine Memorial Foundation.

 

Admiral Baciocco's pinpoint vision and tireless effort in fundraising were the overriding reason why this Memorial was brought to fruition. Through his diligent leadership, a team of both civilian and retired Military put the pieces together to create a world class memorial to all Submariners in the US and United Kingdom.

 

Web Master: Rusty Pickett, CAPT USN (Ret); 843-762-3888; email: Rpickett@coldwarsubmarine.memorial