United States Submarine Veterans
Mid-Atlantic Base
The United States Submarine Veterans Inc. was started by a group of United States Submarine Veterans of World War II. These men shared the vision that the sacrifices of those who gave their lives on submarines in the line of duty for their country will never be forgotten.
Our Creed
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 Government.
Mid-Atlantic Base is the local chapter of the USSVI in Delaware. Membership is open to residents of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia who have earned their dolphins. We meet at 11:30 on the third Saturday of each month at the Dover Sheraton Inn in Dover, Delaware. Guests are always welcome. Meetings usually include some topic of historic or informational nature related to the Silent Service and are followed by a luncheon and social time.
Officially chartered on January 1, 2000, Mid-Atlantic Base has the honor of being the first USSVI base chartered in the new millennium. From humble beginnings on December 11, 1999, when the original six members met at the Mason-Dixon Post of the VFW in Ocean View, Delaware, Mid-Atlantic Base has grown to over 70 members hailing from Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
About the USSVI
"That's our Creed above, but it's not who we are." We are United States Submarine Sailors. We were, and are, members of the elite fighting force of the United States Navy. We are all qualified in submarines.
Included are submariners from the very early boats: S, R or earlier: WWII boats; post-war GUPPY boats and FBM and Fast Attack submariners. All qualified in submarines - from E2 to 4 Stars. Retired, short timer, or active duty - it makes no difference. If you are qualified in submarines we want you in the United States Submarine Veterans Inc.. The USSVI currently has over 10,000 members made up of active duty, retired and other submariners who earned the designation qualified in submarines. There are over 120 bases in ten geographical districts.
In addition to periodic regional and district meetings, we also hold a National Convention in a different city annually. There are usually boat reunions held along with the National Convention each year. If you want to learn submarine history from the people who wrote it, tell or hear sea stories, USSVI is the place to do it.
If you want to find shipmates, plan or attend a boat reunion, eat, drink, or just share a common bond that never goes away, USSVI is the place. Looking for a submarine ball cap, boat patch, or dolphin logo merchandise? USSVI is where you can find it all. If you are active duty and wonder how things used to be, or how a problem used to be solved, a USSVI meeting is where you can ask. Want to ask a question only COMSUBPAC/COMSUBLANT can answer? There are many members of both staffs that are members.
Why you should join
Because this is where you find all the submariners. This is where everyone understands what you do or did, and you understand them. This is common ground. While regular membership is reserved to qualified United States Submarine Sailors, all bases have provisions for Associate memberships and/or Ladies Auxiliaries and guests are always welcome at meetings.
Some things we do
- Provide a Scholarship Fund for children and grandchildren of submariners
- Help younger submariner families who are struggling financially
- Support submarine museums all across America and around the world
- Conduct public outreach programs in the local community
- Provide support to submariners who are currently serving our country
- Establish and support memorials to those who gave their lives in submarines
- Hold memorial services on Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and similar occasions
- March in parades, hold parties, picnics, and other events for submariners
Our magazine
One of the benefits of membership in the USSVI is our national print magazine, the American Submariner. Printed quarterly, it has news, sea stories, and articles of Submariner interest. It is also a great resource for locating information about boat reunions, finding a base near you, or even buying submarine-related music.
Many USSVI Bases also have a newsletter (some in print, some on-line or both) with local Submariner information, sea stories, and meeting information.