The St. Marys Submarine Museum commemorates the 30th anniversary of its founding, celebrating three decades of preserving and sharing the history of the U.S. Navy’s submarine force and the men and women who served in the nation’s “Silent Service.”
On March 30, 1996, submarine veterans, active duty sailors, community leaders, and honored guests gathered in front of the former St. Marys Movie Theater to open the museum’s doors for the first time. The dedication ceremony included leadership from Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, including then–GROUP Ten Commander RDML Chuck Beers, as well as two distinguished figures remembered for their contributions: founding president Sheila McNeill and commissioning speaker Eugene Fluckey, a World War II hero and Medal of Honor recipient.
Since its founding, the museum has become a cornerstone of community life in coastal Georgia, serving as both an educational resource and a gathering place for military ceremonies and civic events. Over the past three decades, the museum has hosted activities ranging from Boy Scout visits and school field trips to reenlistment ceremonies, changes of command, officer promotions, and summer programs for midshipmen. The museum also serves as a focal point for the annual Submarine Veterans of WWII Memorial Week each November.
Leadership continuity has played a vital role in the museum’s sustained growth and relevance. Following the guidance of the late John Crouse during the museum’s first 14 years, leadership passed to Keith Post, who continued the mission after Crouse’s untimely passing. Together with dedicated volunteers, veterans, and community partners, the museum has maintained a strong commitment to honoring submarine history and supporting the active-duty community stationed at Kings Bay.
Today, the museum is engaged in a capital campaign to support a new facility in partnership with the City of St. Marys. The future location, co-located with City Hall in the former Walmart shopping center, will provide improved accessibility, expanded space for exhibits, and enhanced capacity to serve visitors traveling via Interstate 95 and the Kings Bay naval installation.
As a proud partner of the Georgia World War II Heritage Trail, the St. Marys Submarine Museum contributes to a statewide effort to preserve and interpret Georgia’s significant role in World War II. Through exhibits, programming, and partnerships, the museum helps connect visitors with the broader story of the Silent Service and its lasting impact on national security and maritime history.
“Over the past 30 years, the St. Marys Submarine Museum has served as a place of remembrance, education, and inspiration,” said Ed Coleman, Chair of the Georgia World War II Heritage Trail. “The museum pays tribute to the Silent Service and ensures that the courage, sacrifice, and technological innovation of America’s submariners remain part of our shared history.”
As the museum celebrates this milestone anniversary, leaders express gratitude to the submarine veterans, sailors, civic partners, and visitors who have helped sustain its mission. With continued community support and a new facility on the horizon, the St. Marys Submarine Museum looks forward to the next 30 years of preserving the legacy of the Silent Service.