A proposed USS City of Corpus Christi memorial could give residents and visitors a permanent connection to the submarine that carried the city’s name for more than three decades. However, supporters say they still need roughly $2 million to turn that vision into reality.
Submarine veterans are working with the City of Corpus Christi to establish the memorial at Sherrill Veterans Memorial Park. The project would preserve portions of the decommissioned submarine, honor the sailors who served aboard it, and highlight the continuing importance of the U.S. submarine service.
Memorial Planned for Sherrill Veterans Park
The USS City of Corpus Christi memorial is included in Phase 2 of the master plan for Sherrill Veterans Memorial Park. Organizers hope portions of the submarine will eventually become a permanent feature of the site.
The USS City of Corpus Christi was decommissioned in 2017 after 33 years of service. Today, portions of the vessel remain stored on a property near Staples Street while veterans and community partners work to secure funding for the memorial.
The submarine components made a significant journey to reach Corpus Christi. According to Lt. Commander Phillip Kimbro, commander of the U.S. Submarine Veterans Inc. Sea Turtle Base, the remains traveled from Washington state aboard three 18-wheeler flatbed trucks.
However, transporting them to Corpus Christi was only part of the process. Supporters now need additional funding to prepare the memorial site and relocate the submarine sections to the park.
Project Still Needs About $2 Million.
The Ed Rachal Foundation has contributed $500,000 toward the effort. Still, organizers estimate they need about $2 million more to move the project forward.
Kimbro said the veterans organization has an agreement with the city to pursue the memorial. Architects are also developing drawings for the proposed site, although organizers have not announced a construction or completion timeline.
The project recently received renewed attention as Corpus Christi welcomed hundreds of submarine veterans for the U.S. Submarine Veterans National Convention.
Submarine Veterans Gather in Corpus Christi
Among the convention attendees was retired submarine captain George Wallace, a former commander of the USS Houston and an author of submarine fiction.
Wallace also has an unusual connection to the USS City of Corpus Christi. He was originally assigned to command the submarine but was reassigned at the last minute to the USS Houston.
Beyond sharing stories about his career, Wallace has focused on educating the public about modern submarine operations.
He noted that some people still associate submarines primarily with vessels from World War II. During one encounter at a coffee shop, Wallace said a barista mistakenly believed submarines were no longer part of the U.S. military.
Experiences like that demonstrate why veterans believe education should be an important part of preserving submarine history.
A permanent Corpus Christi submarine memorial could help visitors understand not only the vessel’s history but also the role submariners continue to play in national defense.
A Submarine With Strong Corpus Christi Ties
The connection between the submarine and its namesake city goes beyond its name.
During its active service, the USS City of Corpus Christi visited the city three times. Kimbro said those visits attracted large crowds, showing the community’s interest in the submarine and its crew.
Vice Admiral Rauscher, a former commanding officer of the USS City of Corpus Christi, has also supported establishing the memorial in the city.
For supporters, Corpus Christi is a natural place to preserve the vessel’s legacy because of the relationship the submarine, its crews, and the community developed throughout its service.
USS City of Corpus Christi’s 33-Year Legacy
The USS City of Corpus Christi built a reputation for excellence during its 33 years of service.
According to Kimbro, the submarine traveled around the globe multiple times while conducting critical missions for the United States. Its history reflects decades of service by submariners who often completed demanding missions far from public view.
Now, veterans want to preserve part of that history where future generations can see it.
While the memorial does not yet have a firm construction timeline, architectural planning represents an important step toward making the project a reality.
If supporters secure the remaining funding, the memorial could become another significant feature of Sherrill Veterans Memorial Park and a destination for veterans, residents, and visitors interested in military history.
More importantly, the USS City of Corpus Christi memorial would preserve a direct connection between the city and the submarine that carried its name around the world for more than three decades.