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USS SIlversides in dry dock at Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay.
By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
MUSKEGON — After more than three months away from its home port, one of the most decorated American submarines of World War II is making its way back across Lake Michigan.
The USS Silversides (SS-236), a 312-foot Gato-class submarine that has been a landmark along the Muskegon Channel since 1987, is underway from Sturgeon Bay, Wis., following a $3.5 million preservation project at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding.
The submarine departed Sturgeon Bay Friday, Oct. 30, and is expected to arrive in Muskegon between 8 a.m. and noon Saturday, Oct. 31, depending on weather and lake conditions, according to the USS Silversides Submarine Museum.
The journey marks the completion of the submarine’s first comprehensive dry dock preservation project since July 1954, a span of more than 72 years.
Unlike the wartime patrols that made it famous, Silversides is no longer capable of operating under its own power. The submarine is being towed across Lake Michigan, much as it was when it departed Muskegon on July 13.
That departure was a memorable event for the hundreds of people who gathered along the Muskegon waterfront to watch the historic vessel leave its longtime berth.
A flotilla of recreational boats gathered along the Muskegon Channel as the submarine began its journey. The Muskegon County Sheriff’s Office provided an escort, complete with a ceremonial water salute, while boat horns sounded as Silversides slowly made its way into Lake Michigan.
The excursion vessel Aquastar, carrying more than 100 passengers, followed the convoy about two miles offshore, giving passengers an opportunity to watch as the submarine and its accompanying tugboats headed west toward Wisconsin.
It was an unusual sight on Lake Michigan: a World War II submarine underway more than eight decades after entering service.
Silversides being towed away from its berth by Nickelena in July.
A pair of historic tugboats
The July voyage was handled by two tugboats operated by Basic Towing, Inc. of Escanaba: Nickelena and Erika Kobasic. The two tugs are handling its return as well.
The Nickelena has an interesting history of its own. Built in 1973 by Marinette Marine Corporation in Marinette, Wis., the 109-foot tug began its career with the United States Navy as Chetek (YTB-827).
Following its naval service, the tug was transferred to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1996 and subsequently renamed Koziol. It later served the St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation before being acquired by Basic Marine of Escanaba and renamed Nickelena.
The tug is powered by a single 2,000-horsepower Fairbanks Morse diesel engine, providing a mechanical connection to Silversides, which was also equipped with Fairbanks Morse diesel engines during its operating career.
The Nickelena was modified in 2010 with an elevated pilothouse, improving visibility for towing and barge operations.
Its companion during the July crossing, Erika Kobasic, also has an impressive history. Built in 1939, the tug originally served as a United States Coast Guard cutter and saw service during World War II.
The combination of a former Navy tug, a former Coast Guard cutter and a decorated World War II submarine made the July crossing particularly notable for Great Lakes maritime enthusiasts.
According to the museum, the outbound journey took approximately 16 hours, with the submarine arriving safely at Sturgeon Bay on the morning of July 14.
SIlversides and the Mclane along Muskegon channel in 2025. The Mclane was recently scrapped.
Preserving a national treasure
The preservation project was considered essential to the long-term survival of Silversides.
For decades, much of the submarine’s hull remained underwater, preventing preservation specialists from thoroughly inspecting areas vulnerable to corrosion and deterioration.
On July 22, the submarine entered dry dock at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding. Once positioned above supporting blocks, the dock was drained, exposing the underwater hull for the first time since 1954.
The work included removing marine growth, cleaning ballast tanks, inspecting structural components, replacing deteriorated steel and applying protective coatings intended to help preserve the vessel for another 15 to 20 years.
Workers discovered that some areas of the submarine were in better condition than anticipated, including portions of the hull where fewer zebra mussels were found than expected.
Other areas required extensive attention.
Steel repairs were necessary in the free-flooding spaces near the forward and aft torpedo doors. These areas had not been fully inspected since the submarine’s last dry docking in 1954.
Workers also cleaned decades of accumulated silt and debris from ballast tanks, repaired sea chests and scuppers, and addressed corrosion associated with the submarine’s sail and radar antenna structures.
The project also produced several discoveries of historical significance.
Among them was a flood valve stamped with the name USS Trigger, a sister submarine built adjacent to Silversides. The USS Trigger (SS-237) was lost in March 1945 with all hands.
The valve was removed for preservation and is expected to become part of the museum’s collection.
Other artifacts, including hardware associated with the submarine’s propeller shafts, were also preserved for future exhibition.
The restoration was managed by Valkor Energy Services, which previously participated in preservation work involving the battleship USS Texas.
Funding for the project included a $750,000 Save America’s Treasures grant administered by the National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior, along with substantial private and corporate donations.
Silversides departing Muskegon in July.
A distinguished wartime record
Commissioned Dec. 15, 1941, just eight days after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, USS Silversides became one of the most successful American submarines of World War II.
During 14 war patrols in the Pacific, it was credited with sinking 23 Japanese vessels totaling more than 90,000 tons of enemy shipping.
Its combat career included attacks on enemy merchant vessels, engagements with Japanese naval forces and several rescue operations.
In 1943, its crew rescued 18 survivors from the torpedoed cruiser USS Helena, one of the notable rescue missions conducted by American submariners during the war.
During its final war patrol in 1945, Silversides performed lifeguard duties in support of American air operations against Japan, rescuing downed aviators.
For its wartime service, it received 12 battle stars and the Presidential Unit Citation.
Following the war, the submarine was decommissioned in April 1946. It later served as a training vessel for Naval Reserve personnel in Chicago.
After being removed from the Navy’s active inventory in 1969, efforts began to preserve the submarine as a permanent memorial.
It arrived in Muskegon in 1987 and became the centerpiece of what is now the USS Silversides Submarine Museum.
The submarine is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated a National Historic Landmark.
Preparing for its homecoming
The museum is preparing to welcome Silversides back to its familiar berth along the Muskegon Channel.
According to information on social media posted by the museum, the submarine will first pass its museum location before continuing into Muskegon Lake, where the towing vessels will turn it around for the final approach to the dock.
The museum’s parking lot will be closed to the public during the arrival, although public parking will be available at nearby locations and near Margaret Drake Elliot Park. Admission to the museum will be free Saturday.
While the submarine is expected to be secured at its berth upon arrival, it will not immediately reopen to visitors.
Museum officials anticipate reopening the submarine for tours Saturday, Nov. 7, following cleaning, utility connections and final preparations.
The museum will continue providing updates on the submarine’s estimated arrival, with plans to announce when the tow is approximately one hour from Muskegon.
The return represents the successful completion of a preservation effort that will help ensure future generations can experience an important chapter of American maritime history.
The submarine’s wartime days are long behind it, but its mission of preserving the stories of those who served aboard it continues.
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