USS Chicago Namesake Artist Remembered
By MC2 Ronald Gutridge
COMSUBPAC Public Affairs

Release Date: 03/09/2011

(PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii) – Chief submariners from the USS Chicago (SSN 721) paid tribute to a former namesake artist, Jim Alt, by displaying one of his watercolor paintings of the city of Chicago at a remembrance viewing ceremony held in the dive tower at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Wednesday, March 9.

Guest speaker Anita Alt, wife of the deceased artist spoke about her husband and what this ceremony means to her and her family who attended.

"I am grateful to the United States Navy and the crew of Chicago for allowing my family to be here today to fulfill a wish that Jim had envisioned," said Anita. "I know he is with us now as we view his painting of Chicago on this anniversary of his passing."

In the mid 1980's Jim Alt worked for the American Academy of Art in Chicago, Illinois. He was employed as an aspiring artist, recruiter, and assistant to the owner of the academy. At the time, the United States Navy was building a brand new submarine named after Chicago and Jim was asked to paint a watercolor conveying the spirit of Chicago.

This painting went on to be displayed in the chief's mess on board the new Los Angeles-class submarine for many years. Following the artist's death on March 9, 2010, the chiefs of USS Chicago wanted to pay tribute. Jim Alt's painting was an inspiration to many chiefs who served on Chicago and after time, it began to show wear. As Chicago resides in the shipyard undergoing maintenance repairs, the painting also received some repairs by the chiefs. It was cleaned and refurbished with a new frame, one that will last many more deployments.