WWII Submarine USS Silversides Enters Dry Dock For First Time In Over 50 Years

The historic WWII submarine USS Silversides has arrived at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding for drydocking.

The submarine was towed to the site, in a 20-hour-long voyage to Sturgeon Bay, since her propellers were removed long ago, but her Fairbanks-Morse diesel engines are still operational.

The celebrated sub will undergo a $3.5 million preservation project led by Valkor Energy Services.

The National Parks Service is also contributing $750,000; however, private donations make up most of the budget.

During the three months of restoration, specialists at the shipyard will focus on hull cleaning, structural inspections, steel renewal, sandblasting, painting and applying protective coatings on the exterior to ensure the submarine remains intact for years to come.

It has not been in dry dock for preservation for over 50 years, according to the USS Silversides Museum.

Its last yard visit was during the Cold War, and now it needs to be preserved well to continue functioning as a museum ship.

“We are honoured to support the preservation of this historic submarine,” said Jeffrey Frank, VP and General Manager of Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding.

“This project requires the kind of careful planning, skilled trade work, and technical coordination that our team takes great pride in delivering,” he added.

This Gato-class diesel-electric attack submarine was commissioned on December 15, 1941.

It entered service just 8 days after the Pearl Harbor attack and was then deployed to join the war in the Pacific.

Over 14 patrols, the submarine sank 23 Japanese warships and inflicted damage to many more.

USS Silversides is among the top 5 most successful U.S. Navy submarines of the war, having received 12 battle stars for her wartime service and the Presidential Unit Citation, the military’s highest honour.

It is now displayed at the USS Silversides Submarine Museum, Muskegon, Mich.