US Submarine Veterans WWII National Memorial West

Located at the Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, the US Submarine Veterans WWII National Memorial West serves as a poignant tribute to the submariners of World War II. Established in 1977, the memorial honors over 3,000 submariners who made the ultimate sacrifice during the war, with individual plaques commemorating each of the 52 U.S. submarines lost in the conflict. Additionally, there are plaques dedicated to submarines lost in the postwar Cold War era, highlighting the ongoing legacy of these brave sailors.

Submarines, despite comprising less than 2% of America's naval forces during WWII, played a crucial role in the conflict by destroying over 55% of Japanese shipping. However, this success came at a great cost, with one in four of the 12,000 sailors serving aboard submarines not returning home. The memorial stands as a somber reminder of their sacrifice and the vital role submarines played in shaping the outcome of the war.

Officially entrusted to the USSVI LA/Pasadena Base, the National Submarine Memorial West is a place of remembrance and reflection, inviting visitors to learn about the history of these submariners and pay their respects to those who gave their lives in service to their country.

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