USS CLAMAGORE veterans’ effort to raise three million dollars for repair of their ship continues. A Cold War veteran submarine and National Historic Landmark, CLAMAGORE resides at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, Mount Pleasant, SC. Nearly $40,000 has been raised, a fraction of the funds needed to restore her. Patriots Point Museum currently explores options for disposing of CLAMAGORE by either finding a new home or sinking her to form a reef.
On the veterans’ journey to tell the story of the USS CLAMAGORE, author and former Commanding Officer of the USS CLAMAGORE, Don Ulmer, exchanged letters with famed author Clive Cussler on the plight of this ship. Mr. Cussler is no stranger to maritime adventure. He is founder and chairman of the real-life National Underwater and Marine Agency. Mr. Cussler released the following statement for publication.
In a letter dated Oct. 12, 2012, Cussler endorsed and gave his public support for efforts attendant to saving the Cold War veteran submarine, USS Clamagore, currently an exhibit at the Patriot’s Point Marine Museum at Mount Pleasant, SC. Per the staff at Patriots Point, Clamagore’s deteriorating condition could cause the ship to sink alongside its dock possibly posing an environmental hazard. Repair costs are estimated to total $3M. The Clamagore Veterans’ Association (CVA) attempts to raise these funds ill a campaign depicted at the website
http://www.savetheclamagore.com/. Pending receipt of funds for needed repairs, Patriots Point staff currently explores options for disposing of the vessel with a target date of the June, 2013 beginning of the hurricane season.
The Clamagore Veterans Association is forever grateful to Mr. Cussler for his support. These veterans will continue making every effort to keep their proud submarine afloat. This historical landmark provides immeasurable value for gaining insight into the Cold War submarine past.
