January 24th, 2014
Governor Nikki Haley
Office of the Governor
1205 Pendleton Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Dear Governor Haley,
As a member of the United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. (USSVI), an organization of over 13,000 submarine
veterans nationwide, I am asking for your help in preventing the disposal of the museum submarine USS Clamagore,
SS-343, currently located at Patriots Point, Charleston, South Carolina.
Ours is an organization whose purpose is to "Perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in the
pursuit of their duties while serving their country” and museum submarines like the USS Clamagore are an
important piece of American history to remind the public of their service and sacrifice.
During WWII, it was the Submarine Force that held the Japanese at bay after Pearl Harbor, while the US Naval
Fleet was rebuilt. While the US Submarine Force comprised of less than 2 percent of the US Navy, it sank over 30
% of the Japanese Navy and over 60% of the Japanese Merchant Fleet. The US Submarine force did, however,
suffer the largest percentage loss of any US Military group, losing 52 submarines and nearly one in five submariners
died in the course of their duties.
The Clamagore has a unique history, built for WWII service and modified to GUPPY III standards during the ColdWar period. She is one of only 76 National Historic Landmarks in South Carolina and the only submarine of her
class remaining on display in the United States.
Please help us save this unique submarine. It would be tragic to lose this great historical submarine for the citizens
of South Carolina and US Navy submarine veterans all across America.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Our purpose is to "Perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in the pursuit of their duties while serving their country. That
their dedication, deeds and supreme sacrifice be a constant source of motivation toward greater accomplishments. Pledge loyalty and patriotism
to the United States of America and its Constitution.
In addition to perpetuating the memory of departed shipmates, we shall provide a way for all Submariners to gather for the mutual benefit and
enjoyment. Our common heritage as Submariners shall be strengthened by camaraderie. We support a strong U.S. Submarine Force.
The organization will engage in various projects and deeds that will bring about the perpetual remembrance of those shipmates who have given
the supreme sacrifice. The organization will also endeavor to educate all third parties it comes in contact with about the services our submarine
brothers performed and how their sacrifices made possible the freedom and lifestyle we enjoy today."