Muskegon, MI –  The USS Silversides Submarine Museum has announced the launch of a major drydock 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.

In July 2026, USS Silversides will begin a carefully planned journey across Lake Michigan to Sturgeon Bay, WI, where she will undergo essential preservation work for the first time in decades. 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.

Once 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. The submarine will be transported under tow by Basic Towing, Inc. of Escanaba, MI, an experienced marine transportation provider specializing in Great Lakes towing operations.

During dry dock, specialists will conduct a comprehensive evaluation and restoration effort, including hull cleaning, structural inspection, steel repair, and the application of advanced protective coatings to ensure long-term stability.

“USS Silversides is more than a historic artifact—she is a powerful, living connection to the men who served and the communities that supported them,” said Veronica Campbell, Executive Director of the USS Silversides Submarine Museum. “This project represents our commitment to preserving that legacy with care and integrity. By taking action now, we are ensuring that future generations can continue to experience her story firsthand.”

The submarine has not undergone full dry dock preservation in over 50 years, and delaying this work increases the risk of structural deterioration, safety concerns, and significantly higher repair costs. The estimated $3.5 million project is supported by a $750,000 grant through the Save America’s Treasures Grant Program, administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Through this grant and the incredible generosity of our major donors and sponsors, this preservation project has come to fruition. The Museum Board and Staff sincerely thank those that stepped up to ensure the submarine’s lasting impact on future generations.

The towing of USS Silversides is tentatively scheduled for July 13, 2026, with a return anticipated in mid-October 2026. During this time, the museum building in Muskegon will remain open to the public, continuing to offer exhibits, programming, and educational experiences.

While USS Silversides undergoes preservation, the museum is preparing to introduce new waterfront experiences for visitors, including plans for a visiting tall ship. A formal announcement with additional details is expected soon.

USS Silversides welcomes community members, donors, and supporters to be part of this historic effort. Contributions directly support critical preservation work and help ensure that this national treasure remains accessible for generations to come.

USS Silversides Submarine Museum

DULUTH, MN –  The shoreline along Lake Superior will be safer and easier to access this summer following the completion of a multi-million dollar project. The Army Corps of Engineers celebrated and reopened the shoreline near the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center in Duluth’s Canal Park on last week. Construction has been underway there over the past year. Project leaders said the $3 million project will help protect a 200-foot section of shoreline from future erosion and severe storms.

“It’s important because our shoreline was deteriorating over time and no longer withstanding the forces of Lake Superior as seen in the storms from 2017 and 2018,” said Monica Anderson, project engineer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The project also makes the area more accessible. The sidewalks are wider and there are more handrails. Fencing will remain up for the next couple of months to help the new trees and sod grow.

Watch a report here.

FISH CREEK, WI – The Utopia sailboat is making stops in Door County, giving people a chance to see the vessel and learn about the Patriot Racing Project.

On Thursday, the boat docked at Egg Harbor for its second-to-last stop in the five-day voyage on Lake Michigan. The Utopia is a historic 77-foot staysail schooner built in 1946 by Peterson Boatworks in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. After an illustrious history of circumnavigating the globe, the vessel was donated to the Patriot Racing Project, a veteran-focused nonprofit, and moored permanently at the Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay.

Utopia arriving at Manitowoc in September 2025. [Roger LeLievre]

The organization has given veterans the chance to learn different skill sets to help with the transition back into civilian life when searching for jobs, and the trip has left a lasting impact on the veterans on board

They say it’s been a chance to build connections and find support through their shared experiences. Recently, veteran crew members on the Utopia have shared drinks, laughs, and stories, which Captain Jack Gage says is the purpose of this voyage.

“We just started, like we’ve been describing, connecting with each other, talking about the experience, and then also talking about each other’s experiences when they were active duty or deployed or something of that nature. And these stories just come pouring out that ordinarily you wouldn’t talk about unless you’re in a setting like this,” says Gage.

Sailing may be a warm-weather sport, but when winter comes, the work doesn’t end.

On and off the water, Gage wears many hats, since he’s also the president and founder of the patriot racing project. The nonprofit organization has a partnership with the Door County Maritime Museum to help veterans adjust after leaving the armed forces.

“We have a workshop at their storage facility where we teach veterans trade skills that are relevant to pretty much anything and everything. So, when working on these vessels, they’re learning things like painting, carpentry, small engine repair, electrical, and things of that nature. And it gives them a leg up, veterans a leg up when they’re coming out of the military for job skills and also just life skills,” says Gage.

Former Utopia owner Jeff Rochon said he knew the sailboat would be taken care of and used in a meaningful way when he heard about the Patriot Racing Project.

“That’s kind of what we were hoping for, especially since Door County has a deep soft spot for this vessel,” Gage said. “And it definitely feels good to see them come out in droves to relive those old memories that make her so special to this area. So we’re more than happy to accommodate anyone who wants to come see her.”

Gage said he hopes this voyage is the first of many, giving the public a chance to learn about sailing on the Utopia.

WBAY

Read more about the project here.

DULUTH, MN –  The shoreline along Lake Superior will be safer and easier to access this summer following the completion of a multi-million dollar project. The Army Corps of Engineers celebrated and reopened the shoreline near the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center in Duluth’s Canal Park on Thursday. Construction has been underway there over the past year. Project leaders said the $3 million project will help protect a 200-foot section of shoreline from future erosion and severe storms.

“It’s important because our shoreline was deteriorating over time and no longer withstanding the forces of Lake Superior as seen in the storms from 2017 and 2018,” said Monica Anderson, project engineer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The project also makes the area more accessible. The sidewalks are wider and there are more handrails. Fencing will remain up for the next couple of months to help the new trees and sod grow.

Watch a report here

CLEVELAND – Shipments of iron ore from U.S. Great Lakes ports increased 8.4 percent from May 2025 to 5.4 million tons. Shipments were also 4.7 percent above the month’s 5-year average.

Year-to-date, the iron ore trade stands at 12.2 million tons, an increase of 4.1 percent compared to a year ago.  Iron ore shipments were 6.2 percent below their 5-year average for five months of the year.

Since 1880, Lake Carriers’ has represented the U.S.-flag Great Lakes fleet, which today can move more than 90 million tons of cargos annually that are the foundation of American industry, infrastructure, and power: iron ore, stone, coal, cement, and other dry bulk materials such as grain, salt, and sand.

CLEVELAND, OH – The Puerto Rico, the last of 10 new Damen tugs built at the Great Lakes Shipyard in Cleveland, OH, for the Great Lakes Towing Co. was recently christened at the Collision Bend Brewery on the Cuyahoga River. The vessel was christened by

Tug Puerto Rico, officially christened. [Bill Kloss] Click the headline for more images.

Designed by Damen Shipyards, the tug Puerto Rico measures 64′ x 24′ x 11′ and is powered by two Cummins QSK 38 1,000hp Tier III diesel engines.

Bill Kloss

STURGEON BAY, WI – The barge St. Marys Challenger was moved into the large graving dock at BayShip, Sturgeon Bay, Wednesday with the help of four tugs – the G-tugs Washington at the stern, Cameron O at the bow, with Florida and the little tug Bayship. The barge is in for her five-year inspection and paint. Her tug, Prentiss Brown, is in the floating dry dock.

St. Marys Challenger at BayShip. [Rosann Hollinger]

Two bright orange autonomous sail drones are floating on Lake Erie right now, part of a new U.S. Coast Guard program. The drones launched in May for the first time in the Great Lakes and are equipped with 360-degree cameras. The U.S. Coast Guard said they serve a variety of functions, which include helping with search & rescues, environmental spills and law enforcement activities.

The U.S. Coast Guard sail drones will be deployed in Lake Erie and be pulled from the water once ice forms. [U.S. Coast Guard]

Both U.S. and Canadian agencies, including law enforcement, could have access to the drone technology after going through the proper channels, according to Garcia. “Helping secure the border and protect and prevent cross-border criminality,” Garcia said is one of the drone’s functions.

Although the Canadian Coast Guard tells CBC News that it has no involvement with the drone sail program in the U.S., a spokesperson said the two agencies work closely together. “The partnership between the Canadian Coast Guard and United States Coast Guard is critical to maintaining and advancing maritime security priorities and ensuring robust collaboration across different levels of government …,” said Craig Macartney, spokesperson for the Canadian Coast Guard.

Both coast guards are a part of the Great Lakes marine security operation, which operates 24/7, and includes other law enforcement agencies at all levels of government. The sail drones stay “well within the U.S.” waters on the Great Lakes, according to Garcia. “They are equipped with collision prevention, so they will self-navigate away from vessels,” said Garcia. Still, he recommends boaters stay roughly 100-metres away from the sail drones.

It’s also a seasonal initiative as the drones are pulled from the water once ice starts to form on the water.

CBC
Listen to this story here.

• When: Friday, June 26, 2026, 6-9 pm, rain or shine
• Where: Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours, Dock #2 (next to the Valley Camp)
• Parking: Park down by The Ship’s Store for the closest boarding gate
• Limit: 100 passengers per boat
• Food: Pizza and salad included with paid passage
• Youth Admission, age 4 and under: FREE
• Youth Admission, age 5-17: $15 flat rate

• Students (age 18+) with a valid student i.d. get a $5 discount off any adult ticket. Enter the code STUDENT at checkout. If sending a check or money order, let us know the order includes a student discount.
  The student must present their student i.d. when boarding.

• General Adult Admission:
• Early Bird Adult $35.00 each (through May 18)
• Regular Adult $40.00 each (May 19-June 19)
• Procrastinator Adult $45 each (after June 19)

This year’s St. Mary’s River cruise will be aboard a Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours boat on Friday, June 26. Boarding begins at 5:45 pm, and we cast off at 6pm. The cruise is three hours long. We plan to travel through the U.S. Locks, but that may change in order to chase freighters.  Pizza and salad are included in paid passage. There will be a cash bar on board. You can bring your own food and beverages (you cannot bring alcohol).

Reservations are a must, as the group is limited to 100 passengers per boat. Mailed checks or money orders must be received no later than Friday, June 19 & will be deposited on Saturday, June 20.

If the cruise is not sold out by June 19, we will take in-person cash/check (US funds only) or online reservations at the Procrastinator Price of $45.00 per General Admission ticket. Youth ticket rates stay the same as listed above. NOTE: No refunds will be issued after June 19.

Online Purchase: Click link below to buy your ticket(s) online. There is a $2 fee per ticket.

https://famoussoolocks.com/cruises/boatnerd-cruise/

Box Office Purchase: Visit the Famous Dock in the Soo to buy your tickets in-person. There is a $1 fee per ticket to buy in-person.

Check/Money Order Purchase: Click link below for instructions where to mail a check or money order (US funds only). Orders must be received by June 19.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/18K4cNTMgtkgJVdc5TkJl3m4Hsf_6-nVO/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104678381547013248834&rtpof=true&sd=true

Contact Angie at griffinclawangie@gmail.com or 734-386-0899 if you have any questions.

SUPERIOR, WI – The Coast Guard is trying to find out who stole a Twin Ports lighthouse beacon, warning that the theft could “lead to catastrophic vessel collisions.” According to the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS), someone or some people recently stole the beacon that was inside the Superior Entry South Breakwater Light. That’s the lighthouse at the end of Wisconsin Point. The theft happened on May 13, officials say. The suspects forced their way into the building and severed the power supply before taking the beacon.

Superior Entry South Breakwater Light.

The CGIS says this is not simply a property crime, but an act that immediately jeopardizes public safety. “Maritime aids to navigation function exactly like traffic lights and street signs on our roadways. The Superior Entry South Breakwater Light is a critical piece of safety infrastructure that guides vessels safely into and out of the harbor, especially during the night and in poor weather conditions,” CGIS officials said in a press release.

They went on to say that removing this light “creates a severe hazard that could lead to catastrophic vessel collisions or grounding.” Investigators say they are aggressively pursuing all leads and there is a $1,000 reward to anyone who offers information that leads to an arrest.

KARE 11