$10 Million to Finalize Restoration Efforts for Historic Pair of Waterfront WW2 Naval Vessels

A shot of Interstate 90 and Interstate 190 interchange leading to downtown Buffalo, New York.Photo byPhoto by J.M. Lesinski

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul recently celebrated the allocation of approximately $10 million for the continued support, repair, and restoration of the USS The Sullivans and the USS Croaker World War II naval vessels located on Buffalo’s waterfront.

“USS The Sullivans is a tribute to our heroes — to a family that lost all five of its sons in the Pacific, and to the 400,000 Americans who died fighting in World War II,” Hochul commented of the funding. “As an iconic and recognizable symbol on Buffalo’s waterfront, my administration is committed to helping rebuild and restore this national treasure and symbol of perseverance.”

During April 2022, USS The Sullivans’ moorings began to sink, which caused listing and required extraordinary effort to fix. Though temporary stabilizing fixes were made, long-term repairs, estimated at a cost of $21 million, were deemed necessary to maintain seaworthiness on both The USS Sullivans and USS Croaker.

“The USS The Sullivans and USS Croaker are cornerstones of Buffalo's continued developing waterfront,” stated Buffalo Common Council President Christopher P. Scanlon of the funding. “Governor Hochul’s dedication to preserving these iconic vessels ensures that the stories of bravery, sacrifice, and service will continue to inspire all who visit our waterfront. This investment not only honors the memories of those who served but also strengthens Buffalo's position as a key destination for historical tourism. We are deeply appreciative of this support, which secures the future of these irreplaceable landmarks.”

Currently, the USS The Sullivans and USS Croaker are both moored next to USS Little Rock in the Buffalo River at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, which attracts a quarter of a million visitors each year as the United States’ largest inland Naval Park.

“The Buffalo & Erie County Military & Naval Park is Canalside's largest attraction among many,” Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes remarked of the funding. “When the USS The Sullivans listed, it made international news. Many of my colleagues in government, including Governor Hochul, collectively thought and said, ‘Not on our watch,’ and we banded together to provide resources. With excellent stewardship, these funds will help get USS The Sullivans and the USS Croaker closer to being drydocked and properly repaired to last another 50-plus years for visitors to experience, enjoy, and learn about the moving local connection.”

With Hochul’s new commitment of $10 million, the $21 million total has been met thanks to additional federal, state, and local funding, including $7.5 million acquired by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, $1 million secured from the City of Buffalo, $1 million provided by Erie County, $1 million procured by New York State Senator Sean Ryan, and $500,000 given from Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples Stokes.

“USS The Sullivans and USS Croaker served our nation during World War II, providing our armed forces with the fighting power needed to win the war,” noted New York State Senator Sean Ryan of the funding. “Since their decommissioning, they have made their way to Western New York, drawing admirers from throughout our region and around the world. Restoring the ships to their full glory will ensure future generations can enjoy one of Buffalo's most beloved waterfront attractions.”

The USS The Sullivans was named after five brothers from Waterloo, Iowa who perished together on the USS Juneau CL-52 in November 1942. It is now an 80-year-old National Historic Landmark and holds the distinction of being the only naval ship named after more than one individual.

“The Sullivans and the Croaker are key components of the Naval and Servicemen’s Park, irreplaceable pieces of history and mainstays of one of Erie County’s most-visited sites,” Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said of the funding. “We honor and remember our servicemen and women when we preserve treasures such as these and I thank Governor Hochul for her commitment to keeping these ships viable for future generations.”

The USS Croaker, SSK-246, was originally commissioned in 1944, serving six war patrols across the Pacific theater before being reconfigured during the Cold War and eventually decommissioned in 1971. Also on the National Register of Historic Places, the USS Croaker was one of only 77 Gato-class submarines to be built in World War II.

“This crucial investment by Governor Kathy Hochul ensures that the USS Sullivans will remain a centerpiece of Buffalo’s Naval and Military Park,” remarked Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown of the funding. “I am deeply grateful to Governor Hochul for her commitment to preserving this iconic symbol of our nation's and city’s history and honoring the sacrifices of our veterans. I'm proud that the City also provided $1 million to help save our historic ships.”