USS Silversides: Preserving a WWII Legend
USS Silversides has endured for more than eight decades as a symbol of American ingenuity, sacrifice, and service. Protecting her future now requires a major step forward. In the coming months, Silversides will be towed to Fincantieri Shipyard in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, where she will enter dry dock for the first time in generations.
This process allows experts to closely examine the submarine below the waterline, address age-related wear, and complete critical maintenance that cannot be performed while she remains afloat. Dry docking is not optional for a vessel of this age. It is essential to ensuring Silversides remains safe, stable, and preserved as a historic landmark.
The wartime submarines of World War II were not created by a single group, but by entire communities. Shipyard workers, engineers, welders, electricians, and designers, many of them women, worked around the clock to build the boats that carried submariners into harm’s way.
That shared effort is part of Silversides’ story.
Today, that same sense of collective responsibility continues. Preserving USS Silversides is a commitment that extends beyond the museum walls and depends on the support of those who value history, service, and sacrifice.
We invite you to stand with us during this pivotal chapter. Your contribution directly supports the dry dock work that will safeguard USS Silversides and ensure her story can be shared with future generations.
Help us Preserve History in honor of those who serve: past, present, and future.
You Can Support the Legacy & Preserve History!
Donate to Dry Dock USS SILVERSIDES
Your donation helps restore USS Silversides Submarine and keeps the legacy of our heroes alive for future generations!
Preserving USS Silversides honors the World War II submariners who served at sea and the Americans on the homefront who supported them. More than a historic vessel, Silversides is a hands-on way for future generations to learn about WWII. Your support helps ensure this important history continues to be shared.
To protect USS Silversides for the future, the submarine will enter dry dock in August 2026. This process allows essential preservation work that cannot be completed while the vessel remains in the water.
Dry Dock Work Includes:
- Hull Cleaning: Removing invasive zebra and quagga mussels and other marine buildup.
- Detailed Inspection: Examining tanks, torpedo doors, and free-flood spaces, along with reviewing the condition of past dry dock repairs.
- Structural Repairs: Stabilizing or replacing deteriorated metal and treating corrosion.
- Protective Coating: Repainting the underwater hull with specialized coatings designed to protect Silversides for the next 15–20 years.
This work is critical to ensuring USS Silversides remains preserved as a lasting symbol of WWII maritime history.
- When will USS Silversides leave?
Silversides is scheduled to depart in August 2026 for planned preservation work.
- Is this permanent?
No. The submarine will return after maintenance is complete, with an expected return in November 2026.
- Why is dry docking necessary?
Dry docking allows crews to clean, inspect, and repair the underwater hull, work that cannot be done while the submarine remains in the water.
- Where will this take place?
The work will be done at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, the nearest shipyard able to handle a 312-foot submarine.
- How often is this required?
Submarines like Silversides require dry docking about every 15–20 years to prevent deterioration and avoid emergency repairs.
- What does it cost?
The estimated cost of the dry dock project is approximately $2 million.
- Will the Museum stay open?
Yes. The Museum will remain open and continue to offer exhibits, programs, and special events while Silversides is away.
