USSVI USS Chicago Base Submarine Veterans

08/06/2026

The Manitowoc, Wisconsin Shipbuilding Company built 28 Gato and Balao-class submarines for the U.S. Navy during World War II. They were some of the best submarines built during that time. When ready they performed trials on Lake Michigan. After commissioning they traveled the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers to New Orleans using a floating dry dock because of shallow water and bridge clearances. Four of those submarines were lost with all hands during the war. USS Chicago Base member Joe Tokarz presents the very interesting story of these submarines at various locations in our area. His most recent presentation was at the Morris, IL Public Library on July 14, 2026. Here's a link to a presentation that he made at the LaSalle, IL Public Library on Feb. 10, 2026.

During World War 2, twenty-eight submarines were built in Wisconsin...

07/15/2026

USS Chicago Base, along with other area veterans, veterans' groups and interested people, participated in the July 13, 2026 Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery (ALNC) direct burial ceremony for unclaimed veteran remains. This is a quarterly ceremony held at ALNC. After the ceremony we enjoyed a nice breakfast at the Silver Dollar Restaurant in Elwood. Here are some photos from the event.

07/14/2026

Our chief cook Bill Hoffman, received a Board of Directors award at the July 2026 USS Chicago Base meeting. Bill has been providing outstanding meals after our base meetings for a very long time. As we often say, "come for the meal and stay for the meeting". Thank you Bill for all you've done and continue to do for our base! It's very much appreciated.

07/03/2026

USS Chicago Base participated in the 2026 Carbon Hill Homecoming parade. It was held June 28th. Once again we had a nice turnout of submarine veterans and family. After the parade we went to a local restaurant for a delicious lunch. This was our 4th parade of 2026. We have one more parade this year. It's the Grundy County Corn Festival parade and it'll be held Sunday September 27th in Morris. Here're some photos of our group prior to the parade, and afterward at the restaurant.

06/22/2026

06/22/2026

Coal City held an America 250 celebration in honor of our countries 250th birthday this past Saturday June 20th. The celebration kicked off with an awesome parade and USS Chicago Base was a part of it. We were very happy to have several members of our families join us. They helped out by carrying the banner, handing out candy, and marching or riding along with us. We'd like to thank all of the family members who came out and helped make us look good! The weather was beautiful and the crowd was very appreciative. We went to a local restaurant in Coal City for a nice lunch afterward. Here are some photos from the parade.

06/09/2026

Chicago Base submarine veteran members attended the 2026 Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Day ceremony. We act as volunteers, handing out programs, and then watching the ceremony which is always great. We had 5 members present. Unfortunately two of them don't show up in these photos.

05/18/2026

Past base commander John Connon received the Board of Directors Award from the current base commander Brian Finks at the May 2nd base meeting. John was our base commander for many years and did an outstanding job. John is also the current USSVI Central District 2 commander. Here're two photos of John and his award.

05/11/2026

USS Chicago Base participated in the 2026 New Lenox Loyalty Day Parade on May 3rd. We had a nice turnout of our submarine veterans and some of their family, including my grandson Dominic. I'd like to thank everyone for coming out and representing our base. The weather started out rainy and cool. The sun came out just in time for the parade and warmed us up. There was a nice crowd of appreciative people all along the parade route. After the parade New Lenox VFW Post 9545 provided free hotdogs and beverages. Of course we partook of those refreshments and had a nice time doing it. We'd like to thank the New Lenox VFW Post 9545 for their wonderful hospitality.