# WWII Submarine USS Silversides Returns to Michigan After Restoration The historic Gato-class submarine concludes a major dry dock preservation project in Wisconsin. - **Source:** [Popular Science](https://brifing.si/source/cc3d313a-759c-4802-b881-fc8585f35ef9) - **Published:** 2026-11-03 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/53ed63eb-4404-41ec-af2b-f77e9de2f6e6 ## Historic Vessel Returns Home The USS Silversides, a decorated Gato-class submarine, returned to its Muskegon, Michigan museum on October 31. The vessel completed a 15-hour journey across Lake Michigan following a three-month dry dock stay in Wisconsin. This project marked the first major hull inspection and preservation effort for the submarine in over 50 years. ## Extensive Structural Repair Scope The restoration project required a $3.5 million investment to ensure the long-term integrity of the 312-foot-long submarine. Workers welded reinforcement steel to the underside of the hull and performed comprehensive repairs across all sections of the ship. Curator Scott Hardin confirmed that the vessel underwent a total refurbishment from top to bottom. ## Operational History and Legacy Launched on August 21, 1941, the submarine served throughout the Pacific theater during World War II. It was equipped with 10 torpedo tubes and various deck guns, successfully sinking 23 enemy ships. The vessel was decommissioned in 1946 before eventually transitioning into its current role as a museum ship in 1987. ## Unexpected Historical Discovery During the inspection process, workers identified a unique artifact aboard the Silversides. A flood valve stamped with the name Trigger was discovered, confirming it as the only surviving component from the USS Trigger. Both submarines were built consecutively at the Mare Island Navy Yard, allowing for the interchangeability of specific mechanical parts. ## Public Access and Reopening Following the return to Muskegon, the museum staff is conducting an intensive interior cleaning to prepare for visitors. The USS Silversides is scheduled to reopen to the public on Saturday, November 7. This reopening allows the museum to showcase the recent structural improvements made to the historic vessel for all guests. ## Financial Challenges and Funding Despite the successful completion of the dry dock repairs, the museum faces the significant $3.5 million cost associated with the restoration. The institution is actively seeking donations from the public to cover these expenses. Supporters are encouraged to contribute directly through the museum's online portal to sustain ongoing preservation efforts for artifacts. ## Preserving Wartime Technological Heritage As the population of World War II veterans continues to decline, the preservation of these machines becomes increasingly vital for historical education. The Silversides serves as a tangible link to the past, representing the engineering and sacrifices of that era. Maintaining these vessels ensures that future generations can study their mechanical design. ## Strategic Preservation Outlook The successful restoration of the USS Silversides highlights the complexities of maintaining aging naval assets. By addressing structural vulnerabilities now, the museum ensures the vessel remains a viable educational site. The integration of salvaged parts, like the Trigger valve, adds significant historical value to the ongoing maintenance and curation of the ship. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.popsci.com/technology/wwii-submarine-silversides-restoration-michigan/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._