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Published April
13, 2007
GALVESTON — The Cavalla Historical Foundation has received a $1
million grant from the Burke Family Trust.
The gift will be used to complete the restoration of the World
War II-era USS Cavalla, a submarine; and the USS Stewart, a
destroyer escort, and to move forward with plans for a visitors
center at the military complex in Seawolf Park.
Jim Burke, chairman of the Cavalla Historical Foundation, said
his family decided to make the gift because of the importance of
the two ships.
“These ships represent the only place in the United States where
both a submarine and a destroyer escort that saw duty during
World War II are on display,” he said. “The Cavalla is the only
submarine of that era that sank an aircraft carrier, and the
Stewart is one of only two destroyer escorts remaining in the
U.S.”
Burke and his wife, Dian, established the Burke Charitable Trust
in 1994 and previously have made contributions to the Cavalla
Historical Foundation.
Burke was in the Naval ROTC program while he attended the
University of Wisconsin, and joined the Navy as an ensign upon
graduation. He served aboard three nuclear submarines — the USS
Henry L. Stimson, the USS Bluefish and the USS Cavalla.
After eight years in the Navy, he left to attend Harvard
Business School. He has been in business in California for many
years.
“My family has noted my dedication to the restoration of these
two ships and to a visitors center that will be a teaching
tool,” he said. “There is so much that can be learned from these
two ships — history, chemistry, biology, physics. Instruction
can be customized to the age of any student, from elementary
school through adults. We want to see Galveston and Houston
support this project and make it a reality.”
The mission of the Cavalla Historical Foundation is committed to
preserving the ships and promoting the legacy of those who
served aboard American submarines and anti-submarine vessels.
“The complex at Seawolf Park offers many opportunities for
expansion and development that can enhance the quality of life
in Galveston and surrounding counties,” said Ernie Connor,
president and CEO of the Cavalla Historical Foundation. “We are
very grateful to the Burke Family Trust for providing the
funding to allow us to move forward in the development of the
complex to its full potential.”
The complex at Seawolf Park already has attracted
military-related organizations to hold conventions and reunions
in the Galveston area.
“We are acquiring additional artifacts, working on an outreach
program, especially in the Galveston-Houston area, providing
major restoration on both the Cavalla and the Stewart, and
developing a stronger communications program,” said Connor.
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