WWII Submarine USS Silversides Returns to Michigan After Major Restoration
The historic Gato-class vessel completes a multi-million dollar dry dock preservation project.
1Historic Vessel Returns Home
The USS Silversides, a decorated World War II submarine, returned to Muskegon, Michigan, on October 31 following a three-month dry dock restoration in Wisconsin. The vessel completed a 15-hour transit across Lake Michigan to reach its museum home. This marks the first major structural preservation effort for the ship in over 50 years.
2Extensive Structural Repair Scope
The restoration project required removing the 312-foot Gato-class submarine from the water to access its lower hull. Workers performed comprehensive welding of reinforcement steel to the underside to ensure long-term integrity. Curator Scott Hardin confirmed that repairs spanned the entire vessel, addressing critical maintenance needs from the top deck down to the keel.
3Financial Investment and Funding
The total cost for the extensive refurbishment reached $3.5 million, covering both structural welding and various mechanical fixes. While the ship is now back in Muskegon, the museum faces the challenge of covering this significant repair bill. Officials are actively encouraging public donations through their online portal to support ongoing preservation efforts.
4Operational History and Legacy
Launched on August 21, 1941, the USS Silversides served throughout the Pacific theater during World War II. The submarine was heavily armed with 10 torpedo tubes and multiple deck cannons. During its active service, the vessel successfully sank 23 enemy ships, totaling over 90,000 long tons of shipping before its 1946 decommissioning.
5Unexpected Historical Discovery
During the inspection process, workers identified a rare component stamped with the name Trigger. This flood valve is the only surviving piece of the USS Trigger, a sister ship lost during the war. Both submarines were built simultaneously at California’s Mare Island Navy Yard, explaining the presence of these interchangeable, historically significant parts.
6Museum Transition and Access
Following its return, the museum staff initiated an interior cleaning process to prepare the vessel for public viewing. The USS Silversides is scheduled to reopen to visitors on Saturday, November 7. This reopening allows the public to engage with a rare, surviving machine that represents the technological legacy of the American naval generation.
7Post-War Institutional Journey
After the Navy decommissioned the vessel in 1946, it functioned as a training ship for Naval Reservists in Chicago. In 1987, the submarine was transferred to the Great Lakes Naval Memorial Museum. It eventually found its permanent location in Muskegon, where it serves as a dedicated museum piece for historical education and preservation.
8Significance of Material Preservation
As the number of living World War II veterans continues to decline, the physical machines they operated become vital historical artifacts. Preserving the Silversides ensures that the mechanical reality of the Pacific theater remains accessible. The project highlights the ongoing operational commitment required to maintain aging military hardware for future public historical study.