The World War II submarine USS Silversides returned to its museum berth in Muskegon after a 15-hour tow across Lake Michigan, following the completion of a $3.5 million preservation project. The submarine returned amidst a flotilla of boats lining the channel to welcome her home. Preservation work was completed at a Wisconsin shipyard, and included hull repairs, ballast tank cleaning, structural reinforcements and a fresh historically accurate paint scheme that will help preserve the submarine for years to come.
“This was a huge undertaking, but it was necessary,” said Veronica Campbell, executive director of the USS Silversides Submarine Museum, reports MLive. “It would have cost us twice as much to have to go back than to do it when we had the chance.”
Despite rising costs being a factor during the restoration, the museum decided to move forward with repairs that would help extend the vessels’ life another 20 to 30 years.
“There was a decision at one point where it was like, we can either stop here and, you know, be good for eight to 10 years, or we can do this now, do these remaining things, finish the project the right way, so it will last another 20 to 30 years,” added Campbell.
Prior to the work, the submarine had not been dry docked in 72 years, and fresh water helped preserve the vessel in better condition than museum officials expected. The USS Silversides is one of the most decorated submarines of World War II, and is credited with sinking 30 Japanese ships over 14 patrols. The vessel took up its permanent berth in the Muskegon Channel in 1987, where the public is welcome on board to tour the historic vessel.
Donations to help fund the submarine repairs can be made online. To donate or learn more, visit silversidesmuseum.org.
PHOTO: USS SILVERSIDES SUBMARINE MUSEUM
