Historic WWII submarine to undergo critical restoration for the first time in decades
During early June 2026, the USS Silversides Submarine Museum announced the launch of a major dry dock preservation project for the USS Silversides (SS-236), one of the most decorated submarines of World War II. This significant effort will ensure the long-term preservation of the vessel and safeguard its legacy for future generations.
USS Silversides, a Gato-class submarine, is one of the most decorated subs of World War II. It is owned by and prominently displayed at the USS Silversides Submarine Museum, Muskegon, Mich.
During July 2026, the USS Silversides made a carefully planned journey across Lake Michigan to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, where she began undergoing this essential preservation work for the first time since July 1954.
After the USS Silversides Submarine successfully departed Muskegon, Michigan, she sailed smoothly through the night, arriving safely in Sturgeon Bay on the morning of Tuesday, July 14th, 2026 after a 16-hour trip. She was towed by Basic Towing, Inc. tugs Nickelena, which shares a common engine lineage with Silversides (both built by Fairbanks Morse) and Erika Kobasic, a 1939 Coast Guard cutter that served during WWII.
Silversides supporters arrived throughout “tow day” to watch the preparations and send off, some settling in at 10am. The parking lot and pier were packed, and a flotilla formed along the channel, giving the legendary and beloved submarine a deserved send-off celebration. On board was a skilled crew that included three Silversides museum crew members and three museum volunteers who were responsible for monitoring each compartment and gauges for the entirety of the journey.
With the USS Silversides now in Sturgeon Bay, restoration will take place at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding, a leading Great Lakes shipyard with the capacity and expertise to accommodate a vessel of Silversides’ size and historic significance.
For more than 80 years, USS Silversides has stood as a symbol of American courage, innovation, and sacrifice. Today, much of the vessel lies below the waterline, making it impossible to fully inspect critical structural components while afloat.
This complex, multi-phase project is being led by Valkor Energy Services, serving as the Project and Construction Management Team. Valkor brings significant experience in historic maritime preservation, having served as the project management and engineering firm for the multi-year restoration of the Battleship Texas—one of the most complex ship preservation efforts in the United States.
Historic WWII Submarine Arrives at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding for Preservation Work
During the three-month dry dock period, specialists at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding will perform a comprehensive restoration effort, including hull cleaning, structural inspections, and the application of advanced protective coatings to ensure long-term stability.
“We are honored 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.”
Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding is one of the largest and most dynamic shipyards on the Great Lakes, specializing in repair, maintenance and construction of commercial vessels. The company also supports the construction of naval vessels as a key component of Fincantieri’s system of shipyards in Wisconsin.
“This project marks an important milestone in ensuring this historical landmark remains preserved for future generations,” said Campbell. “We know the submarine is in excellent hands with the skilled team at Fincantieri, and we are grateful for the professionalism and care they are bringing to this project. This effort is a testament to what can be accomplished when communities come together to protect and preserve our nation’s history.”
For safety reasons, the shipyard will not host visitors during the project; however, routine updates will be made by the museum on its social media platforms and website: silversidesmuseum.org/dry-dock-uss-silversides, in addition to the Fincantieri Marine Group’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/FincantieriMarineGroup.
About Fincantieri Marine Group
Fincantieri is one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups, the only player active in all high complexity marine industry sectors. The Group is a leader in the construction of cruise ships, naval and offshore vessels, and stands out for its extensive experience in the development of underwater solutions, thanks to its integrated industrial structure capable of managing and coordinating all activities related to the commercial, defense, and dual-use sectors.
It holds a strong presence in key markets also thanks to the internalization of high-value-added, distinctive technologies; it is also a leader in sustainable innovation and in the digital transformation of the shipbuilding sector. The company is active in the field of mechatronics, electronics, and digital naval systems, as well as in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and marine interiors solutions. It also offers a wide range of after-sales services, including logistic support and fleet assistance.
In the U.S., Fincantieri is led by Fincantieri Marine Group, which oversees three Wisconsin shipyards and a repair and sustainment facility in Jacksonville, Fla.
With over 230 years of history and more than 7,000 ships built, Fincantieri is a global player with a production network of 18 shipyards worldwide and over 24,000 employees; It maintains its know-how, expertise and management centers in Italy, where it directly employs approximately 13,000 workers and creates around 90,000 indirect jobs.
Take a video tour of the USS Silversides below:
