Photo: Cold War Submarine Memorial Marker

Photographer: Stanley and Terrie Howard
Taken: May 16, 2009
Caption: Cold War Submarine Memorial Marker
Additional Description: In recognition of the people of South Carolina and the Lowcountry whose strong commitment to freedom and democracy provided unflagging support to the Navy men and women of the Submarine Force throughout the Cold War During the initial years of the Cold War, virtually every strategic ballistic missile in our nation's sea-based deterrent arsenal was assembled and loaded into Fleet Ballistic Missile (FBM) sumarines at the Naval Weapons Station Charleston. Each of the "Forty-one for Freedom" FBM sumarines, including those of the Pacific Fleet, loaded their first test missiles here; and all but two of the "Forty-One" loaded their strategic missles and sailed on thir initial deterrent patrol from Charleston. Additionally,every British Royal Navy FBM sumarine loaded its strategic missiles in Charleston. Duting the peakyears of the Cold War, as many as 40,000 members of the Submarine Force and their families were part of the grater Charleston community. Known for their superb hospitality. Charlestonians from all walds of life warmly welcomed these submariners and their families into their community, just as they have welcomed the Navy throughout history. Throughout the Cold War, the entire U.S. FBM weapons system was supported worldwide from Charleston with maintenance teams, repair parts, and consumable supplies. In addition, during this period Charleston was the homeport for a large number of first-line nuclear attack submarines. They enjoyed similar high-quality support. Working side by side with the Navy men and women, civilian employees of the Charleston Naval Shipyard. Naval Station. Naval Base. Naval Weapons Station, Naval Supply Center, Polaris Missile Facility Atlantic, Polaris Material Office Atlantic, Naval Electronics Systems Command, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, and the Air Force Base, provided the trusted and reliable support infrastructure that allowed our submariners to sail with confidence and success on long and arduous missions of immense national importance. Clearly, this South Carolina civilian-military team perfomed unique and historic service in a vital national effort that contributed directly to maintainging stability and peace throughout the world.
Submitted: June 4, 2009, by Stanley and Terrie Howard of Greer, South Carolina.
Database Locator Identification Number: p65919
File Size: 1.077 Megabytes

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