Mission Statement: Dedicated to the men and women who design, build, operate, and maintain our Nation's submarines and the families and communities who support them.
Season’s Greetings from the Submarine Capital of the World!
I am writing to share our progress on the USS Groton Sail Monument as 2025 draws to a close. The Foundation Board, our committees and volunteers are hard at work. They have accomplished much that we all can be proud of.
The Monument is dedicated to the men and women who design, build, operate and maintain submarines and the families and communities who support them. Nowhere is the purpose of the Monument more evident than in the work the Story Board Committee. The Committee was stood up over two years ago. They have outlined topics to be covered and are developing content for the 40+ exhibit panels. The content includes interviews with USS Groton crew members and others. Earlier this year the Board hired a nationally known exhibit designer to work with the Committee.
The USS Groton’s sail, fairwater planes and rudder were stored at SUBASE Groton for many years. Earlier this year, Electric Boat agreed to refurbish these pieces as part of their workforce training. EB estimates that this will entail over 20,000 hours of work valued at $2.5 million. As a result of EB's generous offer, the Board authorized the remediation of the pieces to remove any hazardous materials. They were moved to Rhode Island for that work and are ready to be shipped to EB.
The Fundraising Committee is applying for grants, soliciting shipyard vendors, approaching businesses and reaching out to the local community, current and retired SUBFORCE members and the community at large. Your support is crucial. VisitGrotonSail.com for more information on how you can help. USS Groton pavers make great holiday gifts!
In summary, the Monument design is complete. Land has been acquired, and all local approvals are in hand. The project contractor has been selected. The sail, fairwater planes and rudder have been moved off SUBASE, remediated and are ready to be transported to EB for refurbishing. Additionally, exhibit planning is well under way.
Initial construction of the Monument is anticipated to begin in the second half of 2026, subject to EB’s progress and additional fund raising. It looks to be an exciting and pivotal year for the USS Groton Sail Monument.
Thank you again for your support and your continued commitment. It makes a huge difference as we move forward.
Don’t forget to put your own name or the name of a loved one on one of our pavers. In the years to come, you and your loved ones will take particular pleasure in finding the paver and knowing that their contribution isn’t forgotten. Choose from one of ten logos and add your own text. Whether you want to memorialize your own efforts or those of a friend, co-worker, or loved one, you can purchase a paver which will be part of the walkway.
