Wisconsin Maritime Museum raises $1.5 million needed to dry dock USS Cobia submarine

The dry docking of the World War II relic is slated for September.

MANITOWOC – The Wisconsin Maritime Museum has reached its $1.5 million fundraising goal to preserve the USS Cobia submarine, thanks to a boost from the state.

A $500,000 grant from the state of Wisconsin — included in the state’s biennial budget approved early July 3 — gives the Maritime Museum the final funding piece to move forward with the project.

Since 1970, the museum has worked to preserve the World War II submarine so its history remains accessible for future generations. According to a news release, a critical milestone will occur in September when the sub is towed to Sturgeon Bay for a six-week dry dock restoration at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding.

“We are so grateful to our staff, stakeholders and elected officials on both sides of the aisle who recognize the importance of preserving USS Cobia as a national WWII historic landmark,” said Kevin Cullen, executive director of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, in the release.

Patti Zarling
Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter