“Seventy days.” Imagine being submerged for seventy days. That was the reality for the brave men aboard the Cold War submarines. This Cold War Submarine Memorial stands as a testament to their service. It honors their families and those who supported their vital missions.
The Cold War Submarine Memorial is located near the entrance to the Patriot’s Point Naval and Maritime Museum. The memorial was dedicated on December 6, 2002. It followed a five-year effort by the Cold War Submarine Memorial Foundation.
The Cold War is defined as beginning March 12, 1947. It ended November 9, 1989, with the opening of the Berlin Wall. During this period, the Cold War Submarine Memorial honors those who served.
The memorial’s plaza is a circular area at the entrance. It features a 35-foot flagpole displaying the National colors. Granite ledgers around the Plaza list the U.S. Navy submarines that participated in the Cold War. The Plaza is named the Ness Motley Plaza. It recognizes the law firm’s support. The Plaza is dedicated to Mr. Paris Jenkins. He was a Charleston Naval Shipyard employee. It honors the shipyard workers who supported the Navy.
The focus of the Cold War Submarine Memorial is a full-sized replica of a Benjamin Franklin Class Fleet Ballistic Missile submarine. This type of submarine was stationed in Charleston during the Cold War. The submarine appears to return from a 70-day patrol. It heads fair in the Charleston channel on entry course 299 Degrees True.
The earth around the replica is sculpted to show the water build-up over the bow. The wake crashes to the sides as the submarine moves. The replica uses segmented retaining wall stone for the hull. It features the sail, sail planes, and rudder from the USS Lewis and Clark. The USS Lewis and Clark was a decommissioned FBM submarine.
During the Cold War, Charleston played a crucial role. Many strategic ballistic missiles were assembled and loaded onto submarines here. These submarines formed part of the nation’s sea-based nuclear deterrent. The “Forty-one for Freedom” submarines loaded test missiles in Charleston. Most loaded their war reserve missiles and began their initial deterrent patrol from here. Each submarine carried 16 missiles. Their combined destructive force was greater than all explosives used in World War II. Even British Royal Navy FBM submarines loaded their missiles in Charleston.
More submarine crews deployed from Charleston for strategic deterrent patrol than from any other U.S. port during the Cold War. The USS George Washington sailed on her first Cold War patrol on November 15, 1960.
The citizens of South Carolina offered support to the Submarine Force families. The Charleston area provided a welcoming cultural and economic environment. The military community supported the area through various volunteer efforts.
The Cold War Submarine Memorial stands as a lasting tribute. It reminds us of the dedication and sacrifices made during a tense period in history. It also serves as a reminder of Charleston’s important role in the Cold War. Take a moment to reflect on the commitment and bravery of those who served. Their efforts helped ensure peace and freedom during those challenging years.