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Posted On: 7/16/2026, 7:18:16 PM
Last Update: 7/16/2026, 7:18:16 PM
The USS Silversides, a historic WWII submarine, has reached Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding for a much-needed drydock. Because the sub's last yard period took place during the Cold War, it must be preserved to continue serving as a museum ship.
For the first time in fifty years, this decorated Pacific Theatre icon will come out of the water to undergo painting, sandblasting, and steel renewal.
Vice President and General Manager of Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding, Jeffrey Frank, expressed pride in supporting the preservation of a historic submarine, highlighting the project's need for careful planning, skilled trade work, and technical coordination.
According to the Executive Director of the USS Silversides Submarine Museum, Veronica Campbell, this project is a significant step in preserving a historical landmark. She expressed confidence in the skilled team at Fincantieri and gratitude for their professionalism in safeguarding the submarine, highlighting the importance of community efforts in protecting national history.
On December 15, 1941, the Gato-class diesel-electric attack submarine Silversides was put into service. Eight days after the Pearl Harbour attack, the boat went into service and quickly joined the Pacific War.
Moreover, Silversides attacked 23 Japanese ships during 14 patrols, sank them, and damaged numerous others. Silversides is regarded as one of the top five most successful U.S. Navy submarines of the war, having destroyed over 90,000 tonnes of Japanese shipping.
For her service during the war, she was awarded 12 battle stars and a Presidential Unit Citation, the highest decoration in the military.
Following the war, Silversides retired to a berth in Chicago and was used as a training ship. In 1973, she was taken over by a volunteer-run historic preservation organisation after her Navy service ended, and she was progressively brought back to a liveable condition. She moved to Muskegon, Michigan, where the Great Lakes Naval Memorial and Museum is located, and she has been hosting guests there ever since.
On July 13, Silversides embarked on a 20-hour journey to Sturgeon Bay in preparation for a much-needed drydocking. (Her Fairbanks-Morse diesel engines continue to run even though her propellers have long since been removed.)
Further, Valkor Energy Services will oversee a $3.5 million preservation project for her upon her arrival at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding. The majority of the funding is provided by private donations, with a $750,000 contribution from the National Parks Service.
The Maritime Training Academy explores submarines using core STEM concepts and advanced naval operations, with an emphasis on hydrodynamics, buoyancy and density, underwater acoustics, and life support systems. It is recommended that you explore the relevant resources and reading lists available in our Academy's training courses to gain a solid foundation in history, engineering, and design.
