As Chair of the USS Groton Sail Foundation, I am extremely proud and honored to work with my fellow community leaders, retired Navy personnel and representatives of the submarine industry who have come together to serve as Foundation Board members and volunteers in this mission. The collective pride we share in our connection to the submarine force has been mobilized to transform the Sail and Rudder of the decommissioned submarine USS Groton (SSN 694) into the centerpiece of what we believe to be our Nation’s first monument “Dedicated to the men and women who design, build, operate, and maintain our Nation’s submarines and the families and communities who support them.”
We believe this monument has significance beyond our community. We are creating a tribute to the suppliers across the nation who provide precision components for these unique vessels. And we are creating a tribute to the men and women who come from every state to serve aboard our submarines. With this monument, all who come to Groton will have the opportunity to understand all that goes into designing, building, and operating a submarine, and to appreciate the skilled men and women who bring to life these complex vessels.
We invite you to join us in creating and building this lasting monument, which represents a significant portion of our maritime history and defense of our Nation. Your generous monetary donation will ensure that our goal is met and that future generations will understand the sacrifices made by the men and women who have given to this great Nation through the construction and operation of the submarine force.
John Padgett
USS Groton Sail Foundation
Chair