Culture Connection

USS BARB (SSN 804) KEEL LAYING – (December 9, 2025) -

A keel-laying ceremony was held at Huntington Inglalls - Newport News Shipbuilding for the newest Virginia-Class submarine under construction.

SSN 804 will be the third US Navy submarine to carry the name Barb. The first, SS 220, was commissioned in 1942. During World War II, the submarine conducted missions under the command of Eugene “Lucky” Fluckey, earning the submarine four Presidential Citations, a Navy Unit Commendation, and eight battle stars for outstanding service.

The second, SSN 596, was a nuclear-powered submarine commissioned in 1963. The submarine took part in special operations during the Vietnam War.

USS Barb is the 31st Virginia-class fast attack submarine and will be the 15th delivered by NNS. The advanced capabilities of Virginia-class submarines increase firepower, maneuverability, and stealth.
Pamela Bove serves as the ship’s sponsor for the newest Barb. Bove began her analytical career working as a civilian within the submarine division at the Navy Operational Intelligence Center. She married Thomas “Tom” Bove, grandson of Rear Adm. Fluckey.

“It is an honor to serve as sponsor for Barb and see the legacy of this historic submarine carried forward to a new generation,” Bove said.

(March 2025) - The Museum was proud to assist the members of the USS GEORGE BANCROFT Association host their 2025 here in Kings Bay Georgia at the Sure Stay in St. Marys from the 16th to 19th of March, 2025.  They came to the Museum enmass on Friday afternoon. Saturday saw them holding a Memorial 'Tolling of the Bells' Ceremony at the BANCROFT Sail exhibit at the Subase to honor  those members who had passed since their last Reunion.  The weather was picture perfect.

 (March 2025) -The St. Marys Submarine Museum will be moving to a new location in Midtown St. Marys, located about 3 miles for the waterfront and the current museum location.

We will be the Kings Bay Shopping Center in a building with the City of St. Marys and the St. Marys.  Our thanks to the St. Marys City Council who approved our new agreement City Council Meeting on Monday night, 3 March 2025.  We have a great track record with the City, since we opened our doors for the first time in the city-owned old St. Marys Movie Theater downtown at the waterfront back on 30 March 1996.  This month we celebrate 29 years together!  THANK YOU all who have helped our efforts over these many years.

We look forward to a bright future in the decades ahead!!  Stay tuned to learn more how you can help over the coming months.

WWII Submarine Veteran Tony Faella and wife Betty from Rhode Island visited in March 2023. Museum Executive Director Keith Post presented them with a framed print by local Camden County artist Irene Braun honoring the museum. Tony served aboard the USS SPEARFISH (SS 190) during WWII completing 5 War Patrols in service to our county and turned 100 years old in September 2022. Thank you to Tony & Betty for your steadfast support of the Museum!

On 31 October 2021, the museum hosted its 33rd annual memorial event. Instead of a week long event as they have been in the past, the museum held a one day event with 100 invited guests. Tony Faella and his wife Betty, and several WWII Veteran widows enjoyed a great day at the museum and a moving ceremony at the Base Chapel. It was held there due to bad weather. Tony served as an Electrician's Mate First Class on the USS Spearfish (SS 190) during WW II.