USS Asheville PG-21Commemoration Ceremony
The North Carolina Submarine Museum Foundation, in partnership with the city of Asheville, dedicated a monument to the 166 crew members on Sunday, March 3, at 2 pm in historic Riverside Cemetery. All citizens of Asheville were welcomed to attend. The Guest Speaker was Admiral Samuel Cox US Navy (RET), Director of the Naval and Heritage Command.
Although never forgotten by its namesake city, the PG-21 had not been permanently commemorated within Asheville. The monument within Riverside Cemetery was inscribed with the name of every PG-21 crew member, including the Executive Officer Lieutenant Lion Hart Miles, whose father, Alfred Miles, composed the lyrics to Anchors Aweigh.
Event Recap
We're deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to this event. Special thanks to Rear Admiral Samuel J. Cox USN (RET.), Director of the Naval History and Heritage Command, for being our Keynote Speaker and adding immense honor to the occasion.
We also thank Dr. Julie Lockwood, the former Commanding Officers of the USS Asheville SSN 758, and the representatives of the City of Asheville (Mayor’s Office, Fire Department, Police Department) for their invaluable support.
We were honored to have guests representing the Submarines Veterans of Western Carolina, regional Navy and Marine Corps, and the US Naval Academy, whose presence added significance to the event, especially in honoring Lieutenant Lion Miles and the five Academy graduates lost on Asheville.
Thank you to all citizens of Asheville who joined us at Riverside Cemetery; your presence made this commemoration even more meaningful.
Dinner Reception for Admiral Cox
On March 2nd, we hosted a reception dinner at the Albemarle Inn in Asheville.
This event was significant because the first ship bearing the Asheville name was launched on July 4, 1918. The ship’s ceremonial sponsor was Alyne J. Reynolds, daughter of Dr. Carl V. Reynolds, the city’s health officer during the 1918 influenza outbreak. Dr. Reynolds also implemented several public health initiatives, including vaccinations for school children. Notably, Dr. Reynolds' former home is now The Albemarle Inn, located at 86 Edgemont Road, and is listed on the National Historic Register.