Michigan’s Acclaimed WW2 Submarine Begins 120 Mile Journey From Muskegon

The Great Lakes have a storied history involving shipwrecks, but as it turns out, there's also a shipwrecker with a storied history that calls Lake Michigan home. The USS Silversides, a World War 2 submarine credited with sinking 23 enemy vessels. 

Since its decommissioning in 1946 and removal from all Navy services in 1969, it has been preserved as a memorial. It has been the centerpiece of the USS Silversides Submarine Museum in Muskegon since 1987.

USS Silversides Submarine Museum via Facebook

But even a retired submarine needs some TLC, and that's why this 85-year-old submarine has begun its longest journey in years to the other side of Lake Michigan for maintenance. But it isn't making the trip on its own; it's being towed by two tugboats 120 miles to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

USS Silversides Dry Dock Maintenance: What To Know

For the first time in 50 years, the USS Silversides is being fully lifted out of the water. The work is expected to take about 3 months, and the submarine will make its return in October. While the submarine has an annual tradition of turning on its engines for Memorial Day, it cannot move on its own; hence the need for tugboats. The museum will remain open while the vessel is in Wisconsin.

Credit: Naval History and Heritage Command (National Archives)

READ MORE: Lac La Belle Shipwreck Found in Lake Michigan After 150 Years

Submarines are dry-docked (taken out of the water) every 15-20 years for preventive maintenance, such as hull cleaning; a detailed inspection inside and out; treating any issues with deteriorated or corrosion-affected metal; and adding a protective coating to the bottom of the hull.

This submarine is so acclaimed that it was featured in The Smithsonian Channel show Hell Below: In Enemy Waters. Thankfully, the submarine is staying in friendly waters this time.