JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Two large pieces of the USS Jacksonville submarine have arrived in the city they were named for, with plans to restore them and eventually put them on public display in downtown Jacksonville.
The pieces include the submarine’s sail—the portion that rises above the water—and the rudder, which helps steer the vessel.
They traveled more than 3,000 miles from Washington state, where the submarine was decommissioned in 2021.
The USS Jacksonville, known as “The Bold One,” was a nuclear-powered attack submarine commissioned in 1981. Supporters say it was the only U.S. Navy vessel named after Jacksonville.
The sail and rudder are expected to be refurbished and displayed at the Navy Pier in downtown Jacksonville, alongside the USS Orleck.
Stephen Jorgensen, who served aboard the USS Jacksonville and helped lead the effort to bring the pieces to Jacksonville, said the display would help preserve the history of the ship and the sailors who served on it.
“There was probably 2,500 sailors that served aboard here… and just having the history… to talk about the U.S. Navy and the military services in general is a good thing,” Jorgensen said.
Organizers say the goal is to eventually obtain additional parts of the submarine, with hopes the display could be available to the public within the next year.
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