Tragic WWII relic found during historic submarine's restoration
Maintenance work on USS Silversides uncovers part from lost submarine USS Trigger.
1Historic submarine's preservation process
The USS Silversides, a WWII-era submarine, underwent its first dry dock maintenance in over 50 years. The 312-foot vessel was transported from its Michigan museum to facilities in Sturgeon Bay for a $3.5 million restoration project set to complete in October. This work will ensure the historic ship remains exhibition-worthy for at least 15-20 more years.
2Unexpected discovery: Lost submarine's part
Workers found a flood valve marked 'Trigger' with serial number L-792-228 during maintenance. This part belonged to USS Trigger, another Gato-class submarine lost in 1945. Historians believe this might be the only surviving physical remnant of the lost submarine. The interchangeability of parts between same-class submarines made this discovery possible.
3USS Trigger's tragic fate
Commissioned in 1941 from California, USS Trigger completed 11 successful patrols before disappearing during its 12th mission. On March 28, 1945, it endured a two-hour attack by Japanese planes and ships in the East China Sea. A subsequent large oil slick confirmed its sinking. After failing to reach Midway by May, it was declared lost and stricken from records in July.
4Significance of Gato-class submarines
The backbone of US WWII submarine forces, the Gato-class comprised 77 vessels. These 95-meter submarines carried 6 torpedo tubes and 24 torpedoes. They sank 1,392 enemy ships during the war. USS Silversides became one of the most successful, single-handedly sinking 23 enemy vessels during its service.
5Japanese records of the engagement
Japanese war records confirm a US submarine was detected and bombed on March 28, 1945. The oil slick following depth charge and aerial attacks served as evidence of USS Trigger's sinking. However, the specific Japanese unit responsible for the attack remains unidentified to this day.
6Museum submarine's war record
Displayed at a Michigan museum since 1987, USS Silversides completed 14 war patrols covering 90,000 nautical miles. It sank 23 Japanese ships and earned its crew 7 Silver Stars. After serving as a training vessel post-war, it gained museum status in 1969.
7Restoration project technical details
The dry dock work in Sturgeon Bay includes inspections of the hull, propellers, and steering systems. Special anti-corrosion coatings are being reapplied. Electrical systems are also being upgraded to modern standards while preserving original components wherever possible.
8Discovery's historical significance
The found part serves as a reminder of wartime dangers submarine crews faced. US Navy records show 52 submarines were lost during WWII, with 3,500 sailors perishing. USS Trigger's valve stands as a tangible connection to those who never returned home.
Original article: Popular Science — Tarihi denizaltıda II. Dünya Savaşı'ndan kalma trajik keşif