USS Cincinnati
Memorial.
Peace Pavilion located at Voice of America Park in West Chester, Ohio — a tribute to the namesake submarine of Cincinnati and all who served during the Cold War era.
01 · History
History of the
USS Cincinnati
Nuclear Submarine
Read the history
02 · Community
Discover
Community
Benefits
Explore the park
03 · Education
Discover
STEM
Activities
Learn more
Submerge yourself.
The nuclear powered submarine, USS Cincinnati (SSN 693), served as a stalwart guardian of national security during the Cold War era. Commissioned in 1978 and decommissioned in 1996, this Memorial serves as a tribute to the city of Cincinnati's namesake submarine, her role in defending peace, and the dedication and valor of her crew and all those who served during the Cold War.
As visitors enter, they will step into a space which brings together history, learning, play and relaxation. Explore the legacy of the USS Cincinnati, a symbol of honor, courage, and commitment, and let her inspire you to cherish freedom as you enjoy the park's offerings.
Read the full historyThe fourth ship to bear
the city's name.
USS Cincinnati (SSN-693) was a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered fast attack submarine — sometimes referred to as the LA class or 688 class — the most numerous class of nuclear-powered submarines in the world.
From keel to
memorial.
Five decades of service, recycling, and remembrance — from the Newport News shipyard to the West Chester memorial.
Contract awarded
Newport News Shipbuilding receives the contract on February 4.
Keel laid
Construction begins on April 6 in Newport News, Virginia.
Launched
Christened February 19 by sponsor Mrs. William J. Keating.
Commissioned
Joins the fleet on June 10 with Cdr. Gilbert V. Wilkes III in command.
Decommissioned
Stricken from the US Naval Vessel Registry on July 29.
Components return home
Sail, planes, rudder, and "Big Red Machine" arrive in Cincinnati Aug 24.
Moments that
defined her service.
Finnish sailor rescued off the Florida coast
In August 1979, the USS Cincinnati rescued a Finnish sailor who had been in the waters off the coast of Florida for 22 hours after going overboard from a Finnish freighter — a remarkable mission of mercy in the midst of Cold War operations.
Nixon & Admiral Rickover aboard
After patrolling the Mediterranean Sea, Cincinnati was visited by former U.S. President Richard M. Nixon and Admiral Hyman G. Rickover — the "Father of the Nuclear Navy" — for a familiarization and orientation cruise.
Decommissioning & recycling program
On July 29, 1996, USS Cincinnati was decommissioned and stricken from the US Naval Vessel Registry. She later entered the Nuclear Powered Ship and Submarine Recycling Program at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington.
Preserved components return to Cincinnati
After dismantling, the ship's conning tower (sail), forward planes, upper rudder, and emergency diesel engine generator — affectionately known as the "Big Red Machine" — were welcomed by a large crowd in Cincinnati on August 24, 2013. These pieces will complete the full-size replica at the Memorial.
Stories from
SSN-693.
Original photography from the launch, service, and homecoming of the namesake submarine of Cincinnati.
How does
a submarine actually
work?
Discover STEM educational learning elements at the USS Cincinnati Cold War Memorial Peace Pavilion — exploring nuclear submarine operations through hands-on questions, exhibits, and curriculum.
How does the submarine go up and down?
How does the submarine make air to breathe underwater?
How does the nuclear plant make electricity?
How does the nuclear plant drive the submarine?
How does the submarine know where it is going?
How does the submarine receive messages?
How does the submarine dispose of garbage?
How does the submarine make fresh water?
How does the toilet work on a submarine?
Coming to
West Chester.
Located at Voice of America MetroPark — a 435-acre community park with a 35-acre stocked lake, nine miles of trails, and the future home of the USS Cincinnati Memorial.
West Chester, OH 45069
In the news.
Dream come true: Navy vet gets first look at Cold War memorial that replicates nuclear submarine in Ohio
Groundbreaking held for USS Cincinnati Cold War Memorial at Voice of America Park