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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. Update:  The Cobia is set to be placed on a barge and delivered to Sturgeon Bay, Wis. for these important repairs and cleaning. There is also an opportunity for submarine enthusiasts to join us in future USS Cobia working parties.

Fun events on the way for 2025 -- 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. was another crowd pleaser for family and friends. The 2005 Sub Fest kicked off July 4-6, 2025, 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. This three-day event, found sub sailors sharing facts and stories about life aboard the boats. For information about upcoming Museum events visit https://www.wisconsinmaritime.org/. FACT: Did you know that 28 submarines were built in Manitowoc during WWII? Come and find out the whole story.                                                                                
• World War II Days (re-enactment). The USS Illinois Base again this year hosted a booth at this very popular event on Sept. 27-28, 2025 at Midway Village in Rockford, IL. Base members greeted hundreds of attendees sharing the work of the United States Submarine Veterans, Inc., as well as the mission of our Base. 

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.