MUSKEGON, MI – After more than three months away from its home port, one of the most decorated American submarines of World War II has made its way back across Lake Michigan.
A crowd watches as the SIlversides returned to Muskeson Saturday morning. [Brian Caswell]
The journey marks the completion of the submarine’s first comprehensive dry dock preservation project since July 1954, a span of more than 72 years.
Unlike the wartime patrols that made it famous, Silversides is no longer capable of operating under its own power. The submarine was towed across Lake Michigan, much as it was when it departed Muskegon on July 13.
That departure was a memorable event for the hundreds of people who gathered along the Muskegon waterfront to watch the historic vessel leave its longtime berth.
A flotilla of recreational boats gathered along the Muskegon Channel as the submarine began its journey. The Muskegon County Sheriff’s Office provided an escort, complete with a ceremonial water salute, while boat horns sounded as Silversides slowly made its way into Lake Michigan.
The excursion vessel Aquastar, carrying more than 100 passengers, followed the convoy about two miles offshore, giving passengers an opportunity to watch as the submarine and its accompanying tugboats headed west toward Wisconsin.
It was an unusual sight on Lake Michigan: a World War II submarine underway more than eight decades after entering service.
The July voyage was handled by two tugboats operated by Basic Towing, Inc. of Escanaba: Nickelena and Erika Kobasic. The two tugs are handling its return as well.
By Rob Alway, Mason County Press
