Mendel Rivers SSN-686 American Flag Submarine T-Shirt

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vet pride tees

The Mendel Rivers SSN-686 American Flag Submarine T-Shirt displays the ship designation at the top, and reads "BEEN THERE - DONE THAT AND DAMN PROUD OF IT," a declaration that captures what it means to serve in one of the world's most demanding roles. Wearing it tells your story without apology, and it speaks directly to anyone who knows submarine service from the inside.

How the artwork is built

The design centers on a Los Angeles-class attack submarine surfacing through choppy ocean waters, its hull dark and commanding against the white-capped waves. Behind it sweeps an American flag rendered in bold brushstrokes of red, white, and blue, creating movement and patriotic depth. The lettering uses a distressed, industrial typeface that echoes the rugged nature of submarine service. The entire composition captures the essence of undersea warfare and the pride that comes with that mission. Together, the vessel, the flag, and the words form a complete statement of service and honor.

Who will enjoy it

Submarine veterans and their families recognize themselves immediately in this design. A sailor who served aboard the Mendel Rivers or anyone with years underwater will pull on this Mendel Rivers SSN-686 American Flag Submarine T-Shirt and feel the connection to their shipmates and their mission. Current submarine crews, naval families, and those who respect the sacrifice of the submarine service will also find it speaks to them. It's worn on casual days, at veteran gatherings, and whenever you want the world to know where your pride lies.

Ready to give

This design makes a meaningful gift for retirement ceremonies, reunion events, or the holidays when you want to honor someone's service. Pair it with jeans and boots for a straightforward veteran look, or layer it under a casual jacket. Available in multiple cuts including a classic T-shirt, hoodie, and tank top, it fits into any wardrobe and any occasion where service matters.

FAQ

What does "BEEN THERE - DONE THAT AND DAMN PROUD OF IT" mean on this submarine shirt?: This phrase captures the mindset of submariners who spent months submerged in one of the toughest roles in the Navy. It's a statement of earned pride, not arrogance, spoken by those who lived the mission. For submarine veterans, it's a shorthand for saying "I served, I know what it took, and I'm not apologizing for any of it."
Who is the Mendel Rivers SSN-686 and why do submarine sailors wear this shirt?: The USS L. Mendel Rivers is a Los Angeles-class attack submarine that served the United States Navy. Sailors who crewed this boat wear this shirt as a tribute to their service and their shipmates. It's also worn by the submarine service community broadly, as a symbol of respect for the men and women who operate underwater.
What occasions are right for gifting this submarine veteran shirt?: This shirt works perfectly for retirement ceremonies, Navy reunions, holidays, or anniversaries of service. Give it to honor a submarine veteran, to celebrate a crew member's deployment homecoming, or to show support for active duty submariners. It's also meaningful at veteran gatherings where sailors reconnect with shipmates and share their pride.

Fabric

Classic T-Shirt: Sport Grey: 90% cotton, 10% Polyester
Dark Heather: 50% cotton, 50% Polyester
other colors: 100% cotton
Fabric weight: 180 g/m²
Classic fit, tubular (no side seams)
Hoodie: 50% cotton, 50% Polyester
Fabric weight: 271 g/m²
Classic fit, kangaroo pocket, double-lined hood
Long Sleeve T-Shirt: 100% cotton
Fabric weight: 203 g/m²
Classic fit, runs slightly small
Crewneck Sweatshirt: 50% cotton, 50% Polyester
Fabric weight: 271 g/m²
Classic fit, crew neck
V-Neck T-Shirt: 100% cotton
Fabric weight: 142 g/m²
Fitted cut with V-neck
Women's T-Shirt: Sport Grey: 90% cotton, 10% Polyester
Dark Heather: 65% cotton, 35% Polyester
other colors: 100% cotton
Fabric weight: 153 g/m²
Slightly tailored women's fit, shorter sleeves
Tank Top: Sport Grey: 90% cotton, 10% Polyester
other colors: 100% cotton
Fabric weight: 142 g/m²
Fitted cut

Size Chart – Classic T-Shirt

Classic T-Shirt
Size	Width (in)	Length (in)	Sleeve Length (in)
S	18	28	15
M	20	29	16.5
L	22	30	18
XL	24	31	19.5
2XL	26	32	21
3XL	28	33	22.5
4XL	30	34	23.75
5XL	32	35	25

Measurements in inches, taken flat. Tolerance ± 1.5 in

Width: armpit to armpit, measured flat.
Length: from the highest point of the shoulder to the hem.

All size charts