Rear Adm. Yancy B. Lindsey, commandant, Naval District Washington, D.C. and a native of Phoenix, along with state and local officials, dedicated a part site to the USS Phoenix Cold War Monument at Steele Indian School Park near the Arizona Veterans Home.

Sailors from the destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG-79), the Navy Band Southwest, and Navy District Phoenix participated in the event that celebrated the USS Phoenix (SSN-702) and naval service.

"Thank you for your service. It means a lot to those of us that know that we stand on your shoulders," Lindsey said as the keynote speaker at the dedication.

The effort to make the monument a reality, the Save Our Sail Project, has been in the works for 17 years by various veteran organizations in Phoenix, and now in the hands of the Phoenix Saguaro Chapter of the Association of the U.S. Navy. The monument will be made of the coning tower, diving planes, and rudder from the now decommissioned nuclear attack submarine. The Navy has agreed to transfer the parts of the USS Phoenix to an approved sponsor of the City of Phoenix for use in creating a memorial.

The USS Phoenix was the 15th of 62 Los Angeles Class nuclear-powered fast attack submarines built and launched by the Navy from 1976 through 1996. The USS Phoenix served honorably on active duty for 17 years, from 1981 to 1998, mostly in support of operations focused on maritime security during the Cold War. Lindsey praised those that served and have served in the silent service in his remarks.

"They made great sacrifices in service to our country," Lindsey said. "They endured long deployments in cramped quarters, missed precious time with loved ones, missing holidays, the birth of a child, little league games, school plays, birthdays and the list goes on."

A proclamation read by Councilwoman Laura Pastor on behalf of Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton proclaimed March 21-26, 2016 to be Phoenix Navy Week and encouraged residents to take the opportunity to learn more about the Navy and show appreciation for their service.

Jacob Eaton and Nikita Joyner, both local middle school students who won an essay writing contest on "Why the preservation of the USS Phoenix is important to the City," were present with Rear Adm. Lindsey, Councilwoman Pastor, and Wanda Wright, director of the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services, to cut the ribbon, officially dedicating the site of the monument.

"Thank you all who have dreamed for so many years to bring the soul of the USS Phoenix home to its namesake city and to this beautiful park," said Wright.