The submarine’s sail and other artifacts will be displayed at OKC’s Wiley Post Park
Officially breaking ground on Oct. 23, 2026, the USS Oklahoma City (OKC) Navy Memorial Park moved closer to reality in the spring of 2027. The memorial sits within the Wiley Post Park alongside the Oklahoma River between South Walker Ave. and South Robinson Ave. It will display the boat’s sail (replica until 2028), two dive planes and interpretive walls describing its 34-year history and crew. Retired Rear Admiral Greg Slavonic, Former Acting Under Secretary of the Navy, said the USS Oklahoma’s anchor will move to the park. The USS OKC Park Association wants additional artifacts, which might include a long gun, a screw (propeller) and ship’s bell. The memorial park has been discussed and planned for since 2019.
Key People Involved: Speaking or attending were many people instrumental in creating the park: Mark Stonecipher, OKC Ward 8 Councilman; former Mayor Ron Norick, who commissioned the boat in 1988; Rear Admiral Slavonic and retired Commander Tucker McHugh who formed the non-profit USS Oklahoma City Park Association; Debi Martin, Chief of Staff to the City Council of OKC; Gary Marrs, Chairman of the OKC Riverfront Redevelopment Authority; Donald Beck, architect; and others. Stonecipher concluded his talk by saying, “This submarine is about defending our nation and protecting our freedom.”
Todd Holmes is the OKC Submarine Veterans Base Commander. He said having the memorial is important “to perpetuate the idea that there’s submarine sailors here in Oklahoma…It’s a veterans memorial to honor us, to keep alive the names of the submariners that served on board the Oklahoma City…that went to sea during very trying times.”
Gabriel Long served on the USS OKC from 1997-2003 and Jeff Haupt, from 1992-1996. Referring to the memorial park, Haupt said, “To me, it’s kind of continuation of Oklahoma City’s support for the boat…and it’s neat to see the investment the city’s making. Just to kind of give our boat a final place to be seen by the public and be part of the community.” Haupt added, “I hope this will become a hub for reunions…It’ll be nice to get together out here.”
About the USS Oklahoma City: The USS OKC, a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarine that operated in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans with 127 sailors, began active service in July 1988. The crew supported Operation Desert Shield and Enduring Freedom. New sonar and combat control systems were added and in 2007, it became the first to navigate exclusively with Digital Nautical Charts. In 2001, the submarine participated in Arctic and North Pole exercises, demonstrating its ability to operate under and through the polar ice. The crew won numerous awards, such as the “Hook-em” award, recognizing anti-submarine warfare excellence; a Meritorious Unit Commendation; Battle Efficiency “E” ratings; and the Engineering “E” for outstanding engineering performance. Unfortunately, in November 2002, it collided with a Norwegian liquefied natural gas tanker, and although no one was injured and there were no fuel or cargo leaks, the submarine’s sail and periscope area were damaged. The commander was fired and several crew members received punishment. The boat made its 1,000th dive in 2021. It was decommissioned in Sept. 2022, after 34 years of service.
Construction: Park construction is funded with $4.1 million from OKC Tax Increment Financing and about $3.65 million in federal pandemic relief funds. The prime contractor is Lipper Brothers. Private donations are needed to transport the sail and naval artifacts. Donations are welcomed by the USS Oklahoma City Park Association, a 501c(3) organization, at P.O. Box 8693, Edmond, OK 73083. To learn more, scan the QR code or go to “[email protected].” •Story by Retired Lt. Col. Richard Stephens, Jr., USAFR website: Rich Travel Niche
