The USS Silversides, one of the most decorated American submarines of World War II, has begun a remarkable journey across Lake Michigan for its first major repair project in half a century. The historic Gato-class submarine was towed from its longtime home at the USS Silversides Submarine Museum in Muskegon, Michigan, to Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding, marking a major preservation effort to protect a vessel that represents a crucial chapter of U.S. naval history.
The submarine’s 20-hour voyage was unusual because the vessel traveled without its propellers providing power. Although the USS Silversides still has operational diesel engines, the aging warship required a controlled tow to reach the shipyard safely. The move begins an estimated $3.5 million restoration and repair project designed to ensure the submarine can continue welcoming visitors for decades.
The repairs are especially significant because the USS Silversides has not entered dry dock for more than 50 years. During this extensive maintenance period, specialists will inspect the submarine’s structure, repair damaged steel sections, clean the hull, and apply protective coatings to preserve the vessel against corrosion.
The WWII Combat Legacy of USS Silversides
The USS Silversides entered service on December 15, 1941, only days after the attack on Pearl Harbor pushed the United States into World War II. As one of the first mass-produced Gato-class submarines, it represented a new generation of American underwater warfare technology.
More than 70 Gato-class submarines were built during World War II, forming the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s submarine campaign in the Pacific. These submarines were designed for long-range patrols, allowing crews to strike enemy shipping far from American bases while remaining hidden beneath the ocean surface.
During its wartime career, the USS Silversides completed multiple combat patrols and became one of the most successful American submarines of the conflict. The vessel is credited with sinking 23 Japanese ships and destroying more than 90,000 tons of enemy cargo. Its achievements earned the submarine 12 battle stars, placing it among the most respected submarines in U.S. Navy history.
Preserving a Historic American Naval Landmark
Unlike many museum artifacts that remain stationary, the USS Silversides continues to tell its story through its original design and preserved equipment. Visitors can experience the cramped living conditions, advanced technology, and demanding routines faced by submarine crews during World War II.
The Gato-class submarines offered features that improved crew endurance, including air conditioning and individual bunks for sailors. These advantages were important during lengthy Pacific missions, where submariners often spent weeks operating in difficult and dangerous conditions.
While the submarine undergoes restoration, the USS Silversides Submarine Museum will remain open. The museum plans to provide additional waterfront experiences and exhibits focused on submarine warfare, naval technology, and the sacrifices made by sailors during World War II.
A Major Investment in WWII Submarine Preservation
The restoration project is receiving support from preservation organizations, including a $750,000 grant from the Save America’s Treasures Grant Program administered through the National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior. Additional funding from visitors, supporters, and donations will help complete the extensive repairs.
The USS Silversides is expected to return to public display in mid-October 2026. Once restored, the legendary submarine will continue serving as a floating monument to the sailors who operated beneath the waves during one of history’s greatest conflicts.
This journey across Lake Michigan is more than a repair mission. It is a preservation effort that protects an irreplaceable connection to the past. By restoring the USS Silversides, future generations will continue to discover the courage, technology, and determination behind America’s World War II submarine fleet.
