Through the efforts of a small number of former submariners over a 5-year period, the ASSM stands today as an aesthetically pleasing and visually dramatic monument that is available to the public on the Capitol grounds of the Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza, Phoenix, Arizona. This unique memorial is dedicated to those who have served, are currently serving and to those who will serve in submarines, as their service is a uniquely challenging assignment in the United States Navy.  The monument also recognizes and pays tribute to submarines and their crews of other nations. 

     The monument offers many features and one in particular that centers on replica of a nuclear submarine breeching the water's surface.  The center piece's design was the creative genius of former U.S. Navy Quartermaster Chief Petty Officer Danny Ray Moss, U. S. Navy (Retired).  Dan created a model of the center piece of the monument that was inspired from his own 20-year U.S. Navy submarine service as well as the historic 48 degree ascent of the USS Pickerel on 1 March 1952.  Dan was also influenced by a statue on display at the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland designed and created by Sculptor P. Wagner who was commissioned to create a tribute celebrating the U.S. Navy's submarine force 100th Centennial. 

     Dan's design captured both the ascent and standalone structure in his model shown below.  Dan's vision was carried forward with the help and efforts of members of the Perch Base Chapter of the United States Submarine Veterans, Incorporated.  Some of those individuals stand with Dan and his model showing their support. For the next three years, Dan's leadership established the organization of the Arizona Silent Service Memorial Foundation and launched an aggressive fund raising campaign that evventually raised the necessary funding as well as the approval of the Arizona State's Administration to place the monument on the Captiol grounds. 

USS Pickerel (SS-524), surfacing at a 48 degree up angle, from a depth of 150 feet, during tests off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii, 1 March 1952 - 1 March 1952.	The U.S. Naval Academy's Submarine Monument that reads in part: Centennial of the United States Navy Submarine Force 100th Anniversary. Dedicated to those who serve beneath the seas Families and Support Personnel.	Front Row (Left to right): Dan Moss Jim Denzein Tim Moore Kenny Wayne Back Row (Left to Right): Chuck Emmett Howard Doyle David Fledderjohn	The ASSM Center Piece dedicated 17 April 2021 stands today as the only submarine monument at the Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza located on the Capitol's grounds in Phoenix, Arizona.
1 March 1952	11 April 2000	2014	17 April 2021

     With the help and able assistance of local businesses and talent, the design and construction of the monument and grounds it stands on began and accomplished within 5 years.  This resulted in several features that include:  The Center Piece, 2,100 Square Foot Paver Base, Retaining Wall, Podium, Memorial Benches, and numerous symbols, plaques, and emblems associated with the submarine force.

ASSM Senate Bill 1401 introduced to State Legislature

SB 1401 signed into law by Governor Jan Brewer

Lei Cutting and Dedication Ceremony

held at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza