News & Information

Latest Scuttlebutt

Illinois Base initiates Operation Dry Dock

Area USSVI Bases have joined us in support of a special fundraising effort to help pay for the much needed hull repairs for the USS Cobia (SS 245), a midwest historical WWII submarine on display at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, in Manitowoc, Wis. The repairs require the boat, which sits in water, to go into drydock for cleaning and repairs. Her last time in drydock was 25 years ago. We have a monumental task ahead of us in obtaining the amount needed for this task. To assist us, the Wisconsin Maritime Museum has set up an automatic donation (as a single donation or as a monthly donations) from the financial institution of your choice. It is an easy way to give! Visit the Maritime Museum's Donation Page for informaton. There is also an opportunity for submarine enthusiasts to join us in future USS Cobia working parties.

Fun events on the way for 2024 -- come join us
Spread the word about these upcoming events. Sub sailors know how to tell stories and how to entertain a crowd. Our events are just starting to come onto the calendar, so check back here often.

  • Sub Fest on the 4th at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc, Wis. This annual event pays highlight to submariners everywhere, with plenty of family fun events. (Sub Fest this year is slated for July 4 - 7, 2024) It kicks off on  with music, food, and exceptional tours aboard the WWII USS Cobia (SSS-)245, which is moored on the pier next to the Museum that highlights the history of shipping on the Great Lakes. On the boat, throughout this four day event, you will find sub sailors sharing facts and stories about life aboard the boats. Bring the whole family to this fun event. For information watch the museum's website at https://www.wisconsinmaritime.org/. FACT: Did you know that 28 submarines were built in Manitowoc during WWII? Come and find out the whole story.
  • Red/White/Blues Festival coming to Rockford on July 20th from noon to 7:30 p.m. at Lyran Park, 4781 S. Bend Rd., Rockford, Ill. The cost is $10 if purchased in advance, or $15 at the game. Those under 18 years of age can enter free. The USS Illinois Base will have an information booth at this event and invite other service organizations to join us. You don't have to be a veteran of the military to come--all people who appreciate the Red, White, and Blue and love GOOD MUSIC!

Calling all qualified submarine sailors!

Come and join fellow sub sailors in support of today’s submarine force, to honor fellow sub sailors on eternal patrol, and to relive your days aboard the subs with others who also cherish these memories. Associate memberships are also available for those who just love submarines.

The United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. (USSVI’s) USS Illinois Base, named after a Virginia class submarine, is an interesting Base. Don't be fooled by its name -- our membership meets stragegically on the border of Illinois and Wisconsin and is made up of veterans and submarine enthusists throughout Northwest Illinois and Southwest Wisconsin. We are one of 162 USSVI bases located throughout the country. Our group serves one cause -- to preserve the history and future of a strong submarine force. We would love to have you stop by and visit with us.

Important Links

USSVI
Official site of United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.

USSV Charitable Foundation
Official site of United States Submarine Veterans Charitable Foundation, Inc. It is the Charitable arm of USSVI of United States Submarine Veterans, Inc.

USS Illinois (SSN-786)
Official Facebook page for crew of submarine USS Illinois

USS Illinois
Website for the USS Illinois Commissioning Committee

Wisconsin Maritime Museum
Explore the nation’s most completely restored WWII Submarine. Visit the USS Cobia (SS-245) located in Manitowoc, WI, at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum.

Submarine Museums
Find a submarine memorial near you.

Naval History and Heritage Command
Official site of Naval History and Heritage Command. View the history of submarines and ships in facts and photos.

Hull Number
Looking for the names of former ship mates? HullNumber.com's mission is to provide a means for shipmates to keep in touch with one another.

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