USS Silversides WWII Submarine Undergoes $3.5M Restoration in Wisconsin Dry Dock
The USS Silversides, a submarine from World War II known for sinking at least 23 enemy vessels, has been relocated from Muskegon, Michigan, to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, marking its first dry dock repair in over half a century. Towed by the tugboats Nickelena and Erika Kobasic, this 312-foot submarine is undergoing a $3.5 million restoration, supported by private contributions and a grant from the National Park Service. The restoration work, which includes sandblasting, painting, and structural repairs, is being carried out by Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding. Commissioned on December 15, 1941, the USS Silversides completed 14 war patrols and earned 12 battle stars. The project is anticipated to finish by October, after which it will return to Muskegon for public tours.
Key facts
- USS Silversides is a Gato-class submarine, 312 feet long, sank at least 23 enemy ships in the Pacific during WWII.
- The submarine was moved from Muskegon, Michigan, to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, for dry dock repairs.
- It had not been dry docked in over 50 years.
- The journey across Lake Michigan was 113 miles, assisted by tugboats Nickelena and Erika Kobasic.
- The restoration project costs $3.5 million, funded by private donations and a National Park Service grant.
- Work includes sandblasting, painting, removing zebra mussels, and structural repairs.
- The submarine was commissioned on December 15, 1941, and completed 14 war patrols.
- It received 12 battle stars and the Presidential Unit Citation.
- It is one of the top three decorated WWII submarines and the only one remaining.
- After decommissioning in 1946, it served as a training ship and museum ship in Chicago and Muskegon.
- The restoration is expected to be completed by October, after which it will return to Muskegon.
Entities
Institutions
- USS Silversides Submarine Museum
- Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding
- National Park Service
- Wisconsin Maritime Museum
Locations
- Muskegon
- Michigan
- Sturgeon Bay
- Wisconsin
- Lake Michigan
- Chicago
- Manitowoc