Emergency Update: USS The Sullivans

[@Bayan1905]

What really irks me, NYS and Governor Hochul just gave hundreds of millions of dollars to the new stadium in Buffalo. I have no intention or desire to see the Buffalo Bills, but I would like to see the USS The Sullivans someday and I know if I don't my son would like to. If I am going to have my tax dollars sent somewhere, I would rather they go to fix this ship then build a new stadium for a bunch of whiny, overpaid athletes.

[@mattnw42]

Lol a progressive politican with a sense or care about history doesn't exist

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank you! NYS and the Governor's office is aware of this. In a good season, we have as many visitors as who attend one Bills game. The history of the ship is second to none, and it's story will continue to be shared for the next 80 years! Thank you for YOUR support, and we'll continue to do out best to get the support of larger entities!

[@garymathena355]

The funding of stadiums, especially those named for multi billion dollar companies do more than irk me, studies have shown that cities that have stadiums LOSE money. They give them tax breaks and TAXPAYER DOLLARS, and charge people 15-20 dollars for hot dogs and beer. Not to mention the millions they pay to players. And let's not even mention the millions owners get. The bad thing is, the men who served on these ships, their sacrifice made it possible for these companies to exist, a nice big check as a form of gratitude would NOT be out of place.🤔

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

@@garymathena355 Totally understand, I wish the Bills still used the old Rockpile! Talk about welfare...welfare for the rich! But, with supporters like you we can continue to get the word out! Appreciate it!

[@veganconservative1109]

@@garymathena355 As a resident in Phoenix, AZ, I concur that stadiums are a bane for the local taxpayers. How many PRIVATE businesses are supported by public means while still keeping their profits PRIVATE?

[@rclooking99]

Damage Control with a full crew of hundreds is tough work. With a small but very dedicated museum staff you are asking for the impossible. Glad to see the city and other government entities join you for your "failure is not an option" mission to make sure the USS The Sullivans will be around for generations to come! Thank you and the museum team for all that you are doing!

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Rory - this is very uplifting! Thank you for your support and comment! Don't Give Up The Ship!

[@veganconservative1109]

I've never seen a sailing ship in person that wasn't docked on the Los Angeles/San Diego coast, but seeing the footage of late of your baby has me teary eyed. Your face and voice tell me how your feelings are faring here. God bless and shore you up, good sirs. We put men on the moon, we can surely save this piece of history.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank you Vegan Conservative! It's heart breaking for sure. But we know she will rise again...especially with people like yourself who are so supportive!

[@geofffikar3417]

Hang in there. I know you are worried and heartsick, to say the least, but you have an army of people trying to get the ship righted. Things are going to work out.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Geoff! Thanks so much for your support and confidence! We won't let you and all our viewers down!

[@jvaneck8991]

The hull plating seems to be heavily pitted below the waterline. Looks like your permanent fix would be to drydock and re-plate the underwater hull steel with new, using a thicker metal, perhaps 9/16". Put a layer of epoxy over that to discourage those invasive zebra mussels, and you should be good to go. Hey, all it takes is money!

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank you for watching and for your suggestions! Everything will be on the table!

[@sec808]

Many people don't understand how much effort is involved in maintaining an afloat Naval ship. I did ship construction/repair for 25 years and was in charge of the corrosion control effort in design and building of new ships for awhile. Steel and saltwater make the job extremely difficult. Active ships are drydocked every ten years, any thinned hull sections are cut out and replaced or doubler plates installed. Then multiple coats of anticorrosion and antifouling paint are meticulously applied for the entire underwater hull. This costs millions of dollars and hundreds of personnel working full time. Museums do not have that luxury in finance or personnel. Today I watched some of the videos taken onboard early last year and was amazed at the battle you were fighting. Keep fighting the fight and I hope you have all the help you need in expertise and finances.

[@allenra530]

Thank you for the update, Shane. I knew the story of the 5 Sullivan brothers who were all killed in action, leaving the family desolate early in WW II and I knew that a DD had been named for them, but I did not know that it was still around. Living in Idaho, I am far from your museum, but I applaud your efforts and hope that you are able to raise the ship quickly and keep internal damage to a minimum.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank you, Allen! The five Sullivan brothers were from Iowa, just an FYI! Thank you for your support...this ship represents all Gold Star families! Appreciate your support!

[@robertyoung3992]

The five Sullivan Brothers were killed when their Light Anti-Aircraft cruiser USS Juneau was torpedoed twice during the Naval battle for Guadalcanal 13 November 1942 one during the battle where three were killed and as she left for repairs a second time where the others died.

[@stevecole3192]

This makes my heart hurt, Shane. If I had a million I'd hand deliver it. We have to save these ships. They are history we can touch. Please folks, anyone and everyone, old sailors and current LCS9 sailors, please send whatever you can to help save these ships. Even 5 bucks will help. Any amount. Please. I served aboard The Little Rock until her decommissioning in 1976 and I'm so grateful to be able to walk on her decks again. I've seen peoples comments that say it's time to dispose of The Sullivans, and they are entitled to their opinions, but having served aboard one of the historic vessels I have a far different feeling about how much is too much to spend. These ships served our country during wartime. Sailors lived and fought on these ships. These ships right here in the Buffalo Naval Park! You can touch them and walk on them and even spend the night aboard my old ship. Please, everyone who reads this post, please send whatever you can to save The Sullivans. This old sailor begs you. Thank you and may God richly bless you. Happy Easter!

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank you for you unbelievable support, Steve! This may change the Little Rock working party so be in the lookout for updates! Thank you so much for your continued support!

[@stevecole3192]

@@BuffaloNavalPark I am forever in humble debt to the keepers of The Rock. Long live the Sullivans!

[@cigarmanx]

#1 the ship was not built to last forever. #2 its not "historical" is any way shape or form #3 the Sullivans were never even in its zip code. #4 Its an eye sore to the entire waterfront.

[@stevecole3192]

@@cigarmanx I respect your opinion cigarmanx and agree with your #1, but having served on the other ship I have a deep respect for the U.S. Navy and will do everything in my power to help preserve these vessels. Blessings from Kansas cigarmanx~

[@FE428Power]

I grew up in Baton Rouge and visited the USS Kidd many times. Thank you for all you do to preserve our history. Everyone please do what you can to help, a donation, a share to your social media of choice!

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

FE428Power. Your support through our channel, and your viewership is instrumental. USS Kidd is a beautiful ship, and USS The Sullivans will come back!

[@Paughco]

Thank you for posting. The Fletcher Class destroyers are great ships. I served (as a reserve) on the USS Cowell, DD-547. My pappy, on the other hand, was a real destroyerman, who served throughout WW2 on the USS Chandler DMS-9.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thanks for sharing your family's story, Alan. Generations of sacrifice! Appreciate it!

[@leopardone2386]

I think the decision to leave the ship with hatches open was unfortunate but 100% the right call from a time pressing saftey standpoint. No hard feelings guys just glad everyone is safe. You guys are awesome and hopefully things begin to improve with the ship. Take care and keep us posted.👍

[@kidnamedfinger6323]

Why does it matter if the hatches are open?

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Leopard - thanks for the support. The fire department told us to leave, and management agreed. There will be an update tomorrow, but that will be more about the plan moving forward! Appreciate it!

[@thomastheisman1751]

@@kidnamedfinger6323 more the below deck hatches, but they keep any water localized to one area of the ship.

[@randomness3465]

Hang in there! There are lots of us worldwide cheering you on and helping in whatever ways we can.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank you! Failure is definitely not an option! We will be working our hardest to tell her story for the next 80 years!

[@davidarbogast7338]

Thanks for keeping us up to date.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thanks David!

[@jamieknight326]

This is heartbreaking to watch. I wish you all the luck and best wishes for getting her back upright and repairing any damage. If anyone can do it, you can.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thanks Jamie! Such kind words, and I don't forget all of our supporters and we're planning and moving forward!

[@HyperK7]

That’s absolutely insane. I think she may need some time in dry dock once she’s righted for a full inspection of the hull and new paint below the waterline. I don’t know if that’s possible but I think it’s worth looking into.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Let's all be nice here! Thanks for both of your comments! The plan was to apply an epoxy paint below the waterline and that was the first step to remove the zebra mussels. We'll see if we shift the plan over the next couple of months! Appreciate the support from both of you!

[@HyperK7]

@Bobb Grimley I think it’s justified in this situation. She has a list as bad as Yorktown’s when they abandoned ship and although it is being addressed slowly it’s still a precarious situation. “Insane” also has the informal definition of being shocking or outrageous which works in this context. I know it’s not the official definition but it’s becoming significantly more common. And with all due respect, I don’t think age or generation should be the primary concern here. As far as I’m aware you can care about stuff like this at any age. One of four is one of four, especially when there used to be almost 200.

[@HyperK7]

@Bobb Grimley Like I said, it’s an informal definition. It’s not going to be in a dictionary for a while but languages do evolve over time and slang does exist. Anyways I’d rather be done with this so would you kindly stop berating me for something this minor? There are a lot of things I could say here but that’s not exactly the point and it just takes away from what’s actually important here.

[@451dskots88]

Thanks Shane... Appreciate everything that you do.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Shawn H - - - thank you for your support! Thanks for watching the live session with History X today!

[@theupstaters]

Thank you, my great grandfather served in the pacific during WWII in the Navy. These ships, as you know, mean a great deal to a lot of us. We know you guys are working so hard and we appreciate it!! Please don’t forget to look after yourselves as well.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thanks The Upstaters! The WWII Navy guys were special men! Thank you for watching and your support! We are all pushing hard over the next few days, but we will take care!

[@barbaramahoney5732]

Thank you for the update and info. So glad she seems to be better!

[@dougdays8095]

probably never thought you would be part of an abandoned ship scenario there .. thanks for all your hard work!

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Doug: Never thought I would be doing any of this work while I was in library school, but I wouldn't change it for the world! Thanks for your support!

[@newobanproductions]

Let us hope things good alright. In Sydney (Australia), we lost the ferry MV Baragoola to similar circumstances literally at the start of the year, and she's now lost forever, only six weeks shy from her 100th birthday too. Hope USS The Sullivans comes out of this alright.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

We're sorry to hear about the ferry! We are working hard to right the ship and make sure she's around for another 80 years!

[@febnyc]

Shane - thanks for the update. All of us Little Rock vets and Association members wish you the best and look forward to seeing you during our reunion (hopefully, aboard Little Rock) in August.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Stamford! Thank you so much! We know the CLG4 guys are pulling for us. There will also be renewed surveys of Little Rock moving forward! Especially the superstructure!

[@rek-tekconsultingllc8827]

Hang in there, Shane and Co.! The Sullivans is lucky to have y'all as her caretakers! She is a WARSHIP through and through! Not much she can't bounce back from! Don't know if this has been asked before, but does she still have her prop shafts, rudders and associated stuffing boxes?

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Hey Rek-Tek! Thanks for watching! And you are very true...the Fletchers went through a lot, and many stayed afloat. For your question...she does have her shafts, rudder, and stuffing boxes. The props were removed and are getting bronzed up! Nice to see you again and thanks for your support!

[@danbreyfogle8486]

Military basic training, day 3, drill instructor started a rumor about our entire flight being sent to Viet Nam. He let us stew and entire day and then proceeded to explain how rumors can destroy moral. Social media seems to never have learned that lesson as everyone thinks they are an expert and rumors grow out of control. I have been checking in on this since it started with a great deal of concern but avoiding comments as I won't be part of speculation that is based on nothing. Great update Shane.

[@codywangen]

Keep up the amazing effort we are all pulling for you guys

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thanks Cody! We'll have another update tomorrow.

[@codywangen]

@@BuffaloNavalPark look forward to it I donated last week and will be donating more Wednesday after pay day hopefully you guys have had a lot of help this week to cover all your expenses stuff like this is never cheap or easy .

[@wcgdenmasterken3431]

I'm very glad to see your priorities were correct, when a dangerous situation arises, the safety of the staff must always take center stage, and you did that. Keep fighting the fight.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Salten Pepper, Thanks so much! We were all upset that we weren't given more time on the boat, but if it takes a whole 20 - 25 minutes to secure the ship, the Fire Department wasn't going to allow us that time!

[@thomasleatherbury2373]

Wish the best for the Sullivans

[@jeffgrier8488]

Thanks for keeping us in the loop Shane, i know it must be painful to talk about, it hurts me just to see the pics.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Jeff, you're welcome and check back again tomorrow night!

[@BryceKant]

I missed the premier, - wife was hungry and required dinner - but thank you for the video update. I knew the Zebra muscle problem was bad but actually seeing how many there are is amazing. It kind of puts the problem into perspective. Keep up the good work!

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Hope you and your wife enjoyed your dinner! Thanks for watching as always! No Dr. Pepper for me today...had a Coke or two! I haven't seen that much of the hull either...thank you for your support!

[@BryceKant]

@@BuffaloNavalPark Dinner was delicious. I told my wife that next time I visit home (Grand Island), we will have to do it during your open season so I can visit the ships again. It has been decades. Her response was… “In August when it is 110 here.. and like.. our winter up there? Sounds good.”

[@kristoffermangila]

Blame that unknown foreign vessel that brought this invasive species in the 90s for this problem.

[@jasonarcher7268]

I used to be a commercial diver and did hull cleanings and inspections on many ships over the years. I've spent weeks scraping barnacles off of filthy freighters and tugs. I've used plenty of that splash-zone epoxy as well. When was the last bottom survey? Has anybody been down there to do any non destructive testing, checking hull thickness and whatnot? What type of cathodic protection are you guys using? Is there universal corrosion, or bad localized pitting? It could be an electrical short eating a hole in her. I'm not trying to pry, or be an ass, I'm just genuinely curious. Very sad to see her in that condition. I wish you guys the best of luck going forward.

[@marybabiec]

Hang in there , USS Sullivan's Navy ship Mary Babiec

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thanks Mary!

[@jaynichols6972]

Thanks for the update.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Jay - thanks. I'll be giving a secondary update tomorrow night at the same time! Appreciate you watching.

[@billvose7360]

My late father spent a good part of his Navy career on "tin cans" One was a WWI 4 stacker converted to a mine layer, the USS Gamble. After that he was on a new Fletcher, the Heywood L. Edwards and his last sea duty tour was as CO of the USS John Hood who was showing her age in 1960-61. A very well presented update!

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thanks Bill, and thanks for sharing your Dad's Tin Can experience!

[@hammer1349]

As a brit, any warship that doesn't go out on its own terms is sad to see. It'd pretty much a guarantee that this sheep needs to get out of the water and ideally into a drydock. She's a warship and she needs to be taken care of like one. With the steel being so old and so thin as a destroyer, it was only going to be a matter of time before something like this would happen. Though I cannot support monetarily, you've got my vest wishes to all involved and hopefully she can be restored again. Possible repair process is along the lines of a coffer dam around the ship to atleast lower the water or get it out of the water altogether, apply any emergency patches so that she is atleast water tight and buoyant and sea worthy. After that, refloat her and then either under her own power if she still can or under tow, get her to a drydock for a full inspection and maintenance and repair cycle. Probably best looking at the stuff they did in the aftermath of the Pearl Harbour attack and the salvage operations there. I understand with the USS Little Rock being less than a stones throw away makes most of the potential options hazardous and impractical or downright impossible which is unfortunate. As stated though best wishes to all involved. Love from over the pond on Airstrip 1 (England)

[@Pamudder]

Thank you for the update.

[@Revkor]

many are behind your efforts and pray for your success

[@dabluesgarage]

Informative update that helps put things in perspective.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

dabluesgarage - thank you as always for your continued support!

[@jay76ny]

My thoughts are with you in this. Spent the night on Little Rock as a cub scout in the 80s and many more on active duty on USS Antietam. My interest in serving started in your park and my hope is that I can bring my 2 sons to have the same eperience someday soon. I live in the Rochester area and am more than willing to come up and help with the cleanup when you get to that point.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

j76ny! Glad you had a great experience, and we'll look forward to you bringing your two sons here for the same! Thanks for your offer, our updates on KZbin will let everyone know when we're ready for volunteers - and "what kind" regarding skills so we don't have people running around like they're in a pinball machine!

[@jay76ny]

@@BuffaloNavalPark thank you. Feel free to contact me via the email on my channel.

[@dmsissons]

Thanks for the update!🇺🇸❤

[@BeefSupreme115]

Wow, Shane knows The Sullivans really well to immediately call out which compartment that leak was coming from @3:37

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thanks Aj...it's appreciated. At the very least, it's good to know from the outside where roughly each space is. I don't have it frame by frame, but pretty close! Thanks for your support!

[@31Alden]

Very difficult seeing her this compromised, but thank you for the thorough update and everyone’s dedication and hard work to right her. The Sullivans must be preserved, if possible. KZbin may prohibit it, but do you have a website that provides an address where I can send a donation? Safety First. Thank you. 🇺🇸

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Rhybarb68, Yes, it is very difficult for sure, but we've made good progress - - and we started the work on her last year after we noticed a problem, she just didn't want to wait until the work started again this year. We're doing our best under difficult circumstances. Thanks for watching!

[@tonytrotta9322]

The five Sullivan brothers all hailed from Waterloo, Iowa. George Thomas (born 14 December 1914) and Francis Henry Sullivan (18 February 1916), the two oldest, enlisted in the Navy on 11 May 1937 and served in the destroyer Hovey (DD-208) into June 1941. At Des Moines, Iowa, on 3 January 1942, George and Francis-accompanied by their younger brothers Joseph Eugene (28 August 1918), Madison Abel (8 November 1919), and Albert Leo (8 July 1922) reenlisted to avenge the loss of Seaman 1st Class William V. Ball, of Fredericksburg, Iowa, a friend who had been killed in the battleship Arizona (BB-39) during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941. After instruction at the Naval Training School, Great Lakes, Illinois, all five brothers, at their expressed request (“We will make a team together that can’t be beat,” one had written), joined the light cruiser Juneau (CL-52) at the New York Navy Yard on 3 February 1942. Commissioned on 14 February 1942, Juneau initially served in the Atlantic but was transferred to the Pacific in August. Late in October, she took part in the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands and, on 12 November, fought in the fierce night battle off Guadalcanal. In that action, a torpedo severely damaged the ship. The following morning, the crippled cruiser, down by the bow and struggling to make 18 knots, retired from the battle area. Handling sluggishly as she limped through the glassy-calm sea, Juneau presented a tempting target for Japanese submarine I-26 which lurked nearby. One torpedo, or possibly two, hit the damaged cruiser forward and detonated her magazines. The resulting violent explosion tore the ship apart, and she went down in just 42 seconds. Four of the Sullivans -- Coxswain Francis Sullivan and Seamen 2d Class Joseph, Madison, and Abel -- failed to make it topside in time to abandon their doomed ship. Gunner’s Mate 2d Class George Sullivan, wounded during the 12 November night action, managed to get over the side and pull himself onto a raft, but died of his wounds a few hours later. Only 10 of the approximately 140 men thought to have survived the immediate sinking were rescued. The Sullivans’ surviving sister Genevieve enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve as a Specialist (Recruiter) 3d Class, and, along with her parents Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Sullivan, visited over 200 shipyards and manufacturing plants to encourage the workers there.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thanks for posting this concise history of the boys for our viewers! I'm sure it's appreciated!

[@johnvoorhees7881]

I hope all goes well. I am a big supporter of MY ship, the USS OLYMPIA in Philadelphia. She has needed dry docking for many years, but hardly anyone has done anything about it. She is the last of her kind. I am really disappointed that all the rich folks in Philly haven't donated to help out. And that includes the Navy. The gawdam Navy yard is right there, and they won't do anything. Sad times for our historic ships. Carry on.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank you, John. We are all going through the same thing for sure. Thoughts for your historic cruiser! Yes, once the Navy turns them over, they wash their hands as you know! It may be time for the historic fleet to have political advocates, and I mean we all need to advocate better! Appreciate your support!

[@kenhelmers2603]

Good luck!

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank you, Ken! Appreciated!

[@oldfreek1]

Hey, I'm a HT that was in the Navy, first close the watertight doors, attack it compartment by compartment. a use air to push out the water, what they did if it happen on ship.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

oldfreek1, thanks for your comments...we did that with the Croaker, our submarine, this year and it worked well. They will be getting the divers in the water early this week and we'll know more.

[@Aelxi]

It's really depressing to see her like this.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Yes, it absolutely is. When I walk along the pier, none of us can look in her direction! But, we will get her right!

[@robertyoung3992]

The USS The Sullivans survived WWII, and Korea plus she was part of the Cuban Blockade in 1962, she'll get though this set back as well I have no doubts

[@rjkoeller4444]

It doesn't matter if the doors are open , its a ship not a submarine .

[@dutchflats]

The Sullivans should probably be displayed up on dry land maybe somewhere at the Outer Harbor?

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Dutch Flats, thank you for your suggestion! We have "dreamed" about a coffer dam, but it's just a dream. But, anything is on the table now.

[@dutchflats]

@@BuffaloNavalPark If the park were out off Furhman Blvd. you might even have more space to expand the displays?

[@largesleepermadness6648]

That video you did last year about using ballast water for keeping the rear of the ship down since propeller was removed, any failure of the bulkheads? Kinda weird that I saw that video after she started taking on water. She definitely needs to get to dry dock

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Charles: We did a survey of the transom last Tuesday and that area was still secured the way she should be! Thanks for watching!

[@jagreb]

Questions: Is her stern on the bottom now? How many degrees of a list did she have? What is her list currently? Have any of the hull breaches that caused this been identified? If so, have any temporary repairs been done? If not, are the pumps being used capable of dewatering the ship faster than it is coming in?

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank you for your comments! 1) We believe her stern is on the bottom 2) Wednesday night was 11 degrees...we believe it's now 35 - 40 3) No hull breaches have been yet identified as the divers have not been able to get too close to the hull. 4) Pumping the water will begin on Tuesday. Thanks for your comments and viewership...

[@jagreb]

@@BuffaloNavalPark Thank you for your response. I saw that pumping had to stop due to a fuel oil issue. Does that mean she will continue to flood until Tuesday? If so, won't she be completely sunk by then? This is gut-wrenching to see happening.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

@@jagreb thanks for your thoughts! She is actually buried in the riverbed, so the Coast Guard doesn't think that there is anywhere for her to go between now and when they start pumping. She is as low as she is going to go! Thanks again!

[@jagreb]

@@BuffaloNavalPark Thanks for the information. Best of luck in your efforts. Keep fighting the good fight.

[@sethpotter9592]

Put some heavy duty pumps in it. If needed, add generators for power.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

The update in tonight's video will answer that question! Thanks for asking Seth potter!

[@mdb831]

I know it's like your kid is in hospital, but she's gonna be fine. I sent in a small donation and I wish I could drive out from Massachusetts to help. I will get out to you someday. I want to see the ships and the SSN 703 sail as it was from USS Boston a Flight 1 688 boat.

[@robertlomax543]

Call a naval base and tell them that you have a training opportunity.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

It would be a good damage control training for our Sea Cadet program! Maybe our overnight encampments with Boy Scouts. (*_*)

[@Rightin02]

Appreciate the update. Keep up the effort, it's worth it. How did the ship (somewhat) right itself?

[@Stroh0000]

The River is about 22ft deep there, why not build an underwater support for the ship? (concrete or rocks)

[@brianberthold3118]

if you saw something yesterday and you cant today cuz its under water that means the ship is still sinking also as shown from the stern the depth charge rack was NOT under water and now it is

[@markm.1176]

No. It's been it the same position for two days now. The water level on Lake Erie continually changes. Today it rose nearly 6 feet, hence not seeing as much as before.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank you. Lake Erie may have gone up, but the Buffalo River stayed the same. It was my belief when I made that comment that the ship moved to a more upright list, and therefore would move port side under the water again. The depth charge rack has been underwater since Thursday morning. Appreciate you watching!

[@oldtugs]

@@markm.1176 The term for a ship that is open to the sea and floods in shallow water is "tidal'. That means the ship would have sunk completely if the sea floor hadn't stopped it. The thing has sunk, it has a porous (to be kind) hull and was poorly managed and inadequately manned by unskilled volunteers who lacked the training to respond to or even recognize a serious condition.

[@robertyoung3992]

Like her sisters USS Heermann,(DD-532) USS Hoel (DD-531) and USS Johnston (DD-557) during the Battle off Samar. The USS The Sullivans will fight valiantly and we here in Buffalo will help her with all our resources.

[@derekwilliams5993]

Please keep updating.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Check in tomorrow night and there will be an update II! Thanks for watching this update!

[@ussmalta]

as i can see why you put uss little rock on a other berth so you can work much easy and it is possible that bring a big crane and lift it and put it on a barge to the docks to be fix and the water will come out easy

[@ABH3DAD]

Couldn't set water tight integrity while exiting the ship because you had to leave quickly ?? In the case of the WTD you pointed out , more then likely is the WTD used to degress so secure the hatch while exiting !!! I know you were taught to shut the door right and the maintenance should be conduct quarterly so that it doesn't get to this or at the very least it's discovered and fixed sooner

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Our WTD and hatches, are sometimes secured from the inside or outside. It takes about 30 minutes to open or secure the ship, and when you have the fire department following you around yelling at you to off-board the ship, there wasn't much to do! Thanks for watching and your comment!

[@beckyumphrey2626]

The hatch he shows open is for moisture intrusion protection and not part of the WTD floatation system although it could aid.

[@robertyoung3992]

Is the USS The Sullivans classified as an early block Fletcher Class? I know there were some modifications on the later model Fletchers?

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

She was a square bridge fletcher, so constructed after the 45 or so round bridge fletchers. She was modified in 08/1945, and again in 1959. So, this is the third modification...I hope that helps, and thanks for watching!

[@lawrencebraun7616]

Get loads of gravel, build a coffee dam around it pump the water out from the enclosement

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

All plans, maybe rejected before, may all be on the table! Thank you Lawrence!

[@patrickradcliffe3837]

1:35 water tight door, not a hatch.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Got it, Patrick - Hatches are horizontal, doors are vertical. But, vernacular verbiage usually wins out! You might even hear me say "ceiling" instead of overhead once or twice. Thanks for watching!

[@ryanh2621]

I really hope they can save her shes one of my favourite class of warships and to see her go would cause me so much upset

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Ryan h...it is a beautiful class of ship. Along with the CLAA's like the Atlanta and Juneau, has perfect lines and balance between armament and speed!

[@ryanh2621]

@@BuffaloNavalPark agreed, i have a model of one, and i take special attention to it, ships like the sullivans i hope to see one day in all their glory

[@nate4745]

It looks like water leaking out of the hull on the high side; the hull must be just brown paper. This is going to be an uphill battle.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thanks Nate! Yes it is, but as we have talked about internally, this was unfortunately, our Pearl Harbor. What will show our worth and mettle is what we do moving forward!

[@sgtNUKEtroop]

so .... who did not preform the daily below water-line hull inspection ... which on museum ships is to be preformed daily ... ????

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Our Caretaker of The Sullivans did weekly surveys of the spaces, and he would report back. Usually damage would be in one area and we can rustle all staff and take care of it! But when we have catastrophic failure all across the ship, it's more than our staff can handle. Thanks for watching!

[@sgtNUKEtroop]

should be done daily

[@melvinjohnson2074]

This is the result of a lackadaisical preservation effort by the amatuer park operators. Only viable option is to have a salvage barge moor alongside and break it up.

[@johndougan6129]

I saw that International Marine Coatings has paints that are resistant to thing that attach themselves to hulls. Might they have something that would resist zebra mussels? Their stuff is costly but worth it, if it would do the trick.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thanks John! There's a few products that we are also considering other than the Somay Hycote. Multiple ones will be used before all is said and done! Thanks for watching!

[@guiltyofbias8818]

Here's hoping the old girl will be OK, I'd like to come see her one of these days.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

I think she'll be okay, Guilty of bias 881! The fletchers have gone through worse during WWII and survived! Appreciate your comment!

[@guiltyofbias8818]

@@BuffaloNavalPark I threw you guys a few bucks to help the Sullivan's. I know the fletchers are tough old boats.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

@@guiltyofbias8818 Awesome! So appreciative of your support!

[@jeebus6263]

I guess the emergency update is a day too late to see the patches.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thanks Jeebus, but we have other videos showing us patching her, so feel free to check those out!

[@jeebus6263]

@@BuffaloNavalPark then why didn't you show a screenshot in this video?

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

@@jeebus6263 Apologies, I should have...just didn't consider a screen shot of the patches out of water.

[@jeebus6263]

@@BuffaloNavalPark if you want to avoid editing, the millenial version of a screenshot is to hold up a second device :)

[@lewisparker4488]

Sorry does not explain why the doors are not dogged down now. It isn't going anywhere so send a person or two in to close the doors.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Lewis - Thank you. The marine company has been getting inside since your comment, and they have been shutting the doors and hatches where practicable. Appreciate you watching!

[@gunner-]

If in a damage control situation, why weren’t all doors toggeled? There is more to this story

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

gunner 30-30. I discussed this in the video, staff was preparing to open the ship for tours that day, and the Fire Department ordered everyone off. It usually takes about 30 minutes to open (or close up). For safety purposes, we weren't given the time! Thanks for watching!

[@oldtugs]

The Fire department doesn't know anything about ships, damage control or compartmentalization. You knew (or should have known) the depth under the keel and the worst case outcome. You should have had knowledgeable docents to tell the FD to keep out of the way until the vessel was secured. Also, didn't that thing have any bilge alarms to warn of flooding while it was still possible to manage the situation?

[@beckyumphrey2626]

@@oldtugs I am a firefighter/rescuer for the marine division of the New Orleans Fire Department . We absolutely know about watertight compartments on water going vessels. It is part of our training program. Lower Doors could have been closed and bulkhead failure could have occurred.

[@oldtugs]

" Lower Doors could have been closed and bulkhead failure could have occurred." "lower doors - bulkhead failure"?? Thanks for confirming my comment about fire department not knowing much, if anything. Does Buffalo have a marine division, what do they know about vessel subdivision, stability, and bottom topography at dock?

[@drewpooters62]

If she could survive the tender mercies of the Imperial Japanese Navy, she'll come out of this just fine. Would love to have her tour the ports of Great Lakes under her own power.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

That would be a dream, Drew. When ships get decommissioned, they don't want to you "drive" them at all...so, we won't be able to do that. But, next year The Sullivans, Cassin Young and Kidd all share an 80th birthday. We plan on being there at the party! Thanks!

[@drewpooters62]

@@BuffaloNavalPark Well, if they towed the Pampanito for " Down Periscope", you never know, right? Planning to visit The Sullivans from home in Indiana.

[@veganconservative1109]

@@BuffaloNavalPark I'll have to try to find footage now, but remember there were many beautiful sailing ships moving in the water during the 1976 Bicentennial event. Surely there were war ships represented then?

[@kristoffermangila]

Actually, this reminds me of what happened to USS Laffey down in Patriots Point years ago, just not that drastic like this one on The Sullivans...

[@SOU6900]

Maybe I missed it, but have they uncovered why she suddenly took on water?

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

SOU6900, as of now, not yet...but, I will be providing those updates as I have them. Thank you for watching!

[@james7210]

There is a scrap yard in Buffalo claiming they have been contracted to scrap the ship on their FB posts. Must be false?

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Absolutely false, James! We are not giving up the ship! Hope that solves that rumor!

[@johnbockelie3899]

What if a big gash has opened ?, those WW2 destroyers had thin hull plates in order to be fast ships.

[@drewpooters62]

If THAT had happened, she'd be down level with that much water flooding in. I'm sure that the damage is a small hole that came undone to flood just the starboard stern section....but ships of her class have had worse damage and still floated to repair docks.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

We won't really know until the divers get in there. The Coast Guard hasn't allowed anyone on board until we know she's settled and won't list any more. Come Monday though the divers will begin the search. Thanks for watching and your support!

[@ronaldmiller2740]

VERY SAD!!!

[@ntomenicgiorgo3598]

Why did they not start repair from nearer amidships where the larger floodable difficult to isolate spaces are? Not criticizing just asking. Hope you can save her.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

ntomenic giorno - Thank you that is a great question. All I can say it was discussed but up at the blade was selected as the starting place. Maybe for underwater work it just makes more sense than starting in the middle. But, those fire rooms and engine rooms are also where the fresh water tanks are, and so if any holes develop there the water just gets contained in those tanks, protecting the spaces - for a while.

[@ntomenicgiorgo3598]

@@BuffaloNavalPark I see. All the best. I live in Greece and plan on visiting the sister ship when I get the chance! All the best.

[@robertevans8126]

Sharing

[@benjaminburgess2654]

So is the ship recoverable

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

As of now, we are living with the idea that she is absolutely recoverable. She will live on to tell the stories of the Sullivan family, the ship's service to our country, and the men who served aboard! Thank you for your support, Benjamin.

[@benjaminburgess2654]

Ok great I'd hate to see a peace of America history just dissappear again.

[@seanquigley3605]

Ok just saw the most recent news report from the local station, the USCG is saying she's not actually coming upright but the Water itself is rising up the hull....care to clarify? Also I'm going to ask a hard question and you don't have to answer. At the press conference Paul said he was called at 9 or 10 pm and told the situation with flooding had got significantly worse. Who made the call to open for tours? I hope you get her up and going again quickly but am under no illusions as to just how big a job this is going to be. Was the hatchway cut into the after engine room bulkhead a post war modification or done to make tours easier? Had a really good friend Bill Bright who was a Machinist Mate in the after engine room. as a plankowner and all thru the war would someday like to visit her. Good luck.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

I hadn't heard that, but it must mean that the Buffalo River has risen a foot or two, but working there all day, I didn't notice it. Yes, it was a strange morning, but our staff were under the impression that we would be open. They get their early to prepare the ships and responded like any other day. This list that you see now was the result of only 15 - 20 minutes. They were still on board and were until the Fire Dept told them to, rightly, get off the ship! We asked for time to close, but weren't given that option. Not placing blame anywhere - - - just the facts. Thank you for watching.

[@seanquigley3605]

@@BuffaloNavalPark Shane thanks for answering what you can good luck with getting her going again. 👍

[@rjkoeller4444]

With as corroded as the metal is on the ship it should have been dry docked and had plates welded on the entire hull below the water line , expensive , yes , but it's the only n way to fix it permanently .

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

RJ...yes, we agree too. This epoxy the company is using, is meant to be a 10 - 15 year fix while we raise the endowment to get her dry-docked. Thanks for watching!

[@oldcarnocar]

Dear Madam: I have been shown in the files of the War Department a statement of the AdjutantGeneral of Massachusetts that you are the mother of five sons who have died gloriously on the field of battle. I feel how weak and fruitless must be any words of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering to you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save. I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom. Yours very sincerely and respectfully, Abraham Lincoln.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Ah, the Bixby letter. Some question of it's origin and provenance, but such a beautifully written letter. Thank you for sharing, LP!

[@williamfowler616]

have divers go in and restore all the water tight doors and start pumping

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

William - thanks for your suggestions. We are letting the ship settle, and then the divers will get in there. We don't want the ship shifting while the divers are in there. So, the Coast Guard is assessing if she will shift, and they feel by this Tuesday, if the ship hasn't moved, the divers will begin getting into the architecture. Thanks for watching!

[@thomasdorn7234]

Abandon a sinking display ship doors open?? TD Atlanta

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thanks Thomas. It would take about 25 - 30 minutes to secure the ship after our Caretaker opened it up, and the Fire Marshall was insistent he get off the ship immediately. Our guy tried to delay and started securing again, but he was just getting yelled at, and eventually had to leave.

[@georgesmith8113]

👍👍👍👊

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Fist bump back at you, George!

[@danielkapp9468]

Personally not sure how'd you'd ever be able to do it, as the cost could likely kill this idea, but getting the vessel moved to a large custom freshwater (or Oil?, EPA would likely freak at idea that though) heated and sealed pool (not bare concrete as that would mess with the water chemistry) would likely prevent "most" future damage as it'd be possible to control the condition's better, and no more mussels. Imagine a pool that only extends a couple feet around the vessel, possibly with some supports for when the vessel is moved into place and for maintenance purposes. I know Chicago used my idea for the U-505 of getting it out of the elements, but it took more than 10 years and more money than I'd ever see. You could even have spotlights under the props and rudder so one could see them if the water is clear? I just see this as a continuous uphill battle that will only increase exponentially in cost as nature is your greatest enemy. I want you to succeed and I wish you a brighter future. I know times are going to be financially tough but I hope you basically get a blank check from this emergency. If this does become a possibility? plus 10 points if you make the pool an outline of the current The Sullivans.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Daniel...everything will be on the table. The best decision to keep the ship alive to tell her story for the next 80 years will be reviewed! Appreciate you watching and for your support!

[@ttangen8754]

#saveUSSthesullivans

[@doodmonkey]

She's not the Moskva. Thank god.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank god is true! Thank you, Dood Monkey! She can't go down any farther...the Buffalo River isn't that deep!

[@brianberthold3118]

i still cant believe all the stories i was told about the Sullivans were all lies !! i was taught that the family line ended with all the 5 brothers deaths but that not true at all since i seen on the news the granddaughter talking about the ship

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

That is true, Brian. Kelly Sullivan is the sponsor of her own ship, USS The Sullivans, DDG68, and she has a brother, John. So, the family legacy lives on with them and their own kids.

[@rogermurray9058]

U.S.S.SULLIVAN 80 Year old 2023 Same age My Father Died 2009 My Father Serve U.S.AIR FORCE Vietnam 🇻🇳😢War Same happing Battleship Texas now 😢Listing on Side as well old Ships 🚢Battle Sea Water 🌊Rust

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Roger - every one of these ships will go through an incident like this. It's just a matter of time! We're happy she received the support she did from so many experts, now it's up to us to earn back the trust and get to work! Thanks for watching!

[@ttangen8754]

I have a good idea you guys can push the Sullivans onto the Little Rock the Little Rock is bigger right also this sad

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

It's like a 2 year old bumping into Dad...

[@randallbeasley646]

Your fired!

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

You're saying staff are the weakest links?

[@oldtugs]

Considering that there was more than enough time to determine the source and rate of flooding yet nothing was done about it, no watertight doors were secured, and no effort was made to dewater the ship, weakest link is a mild description. Not only that but who on Earth made the decision to leave the watertight doors open and carry on with tours in spite of flooding serious enough to create a list long before it sank at the dock? Where were the bilge alarms? Another video shows a flooded double bottom tank with the manhole cover removed and lying on the tanktop. Sorry Charley, blind leading the blind.

[@loboheeler]

This ship has rotten hull plates that need repairing/replacing in a drydock. There is one that can do that kind of work in Erie, PA, where the submarine USS Cod was refurbished last year. it would have to be patched well enough to be towed the 100 miles to Erie. To think it can be cleaned and patched for preservation is a stupid idea. This is a very special ship that deserves the investment. Make NYC pay for it, instead of them robbing the rest of the state.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thanks Roger: We spoke to DonJon last year and visited the Cod. It would be about $4 million. This patching job is slated to last 10 - 15 years which would allow us to raise the money to get it dry docked at that time. Appreciate your comment!

[@michaelmaddy278]

Why do taxpayers have to pay for damn 3 hundred million dollar football stadiums an basket ball arenas for pro teams yet we can’t pay any money to preserve history? This country has its priorities screwed up big time. I wonder if the government would give me millions of dollars to develop a gambling casino to dock at white river in Muncie Indiana?

[@jripn8543]

Sad ans such bullshit the ship has fought for all of us and are freedom so did Sullivan’s wtf kind of fight are giving her to keep her afloat , Disrespectful and sad , crane barge ?pumps air bags divers patches , terrible effort it seems they just want let her go , especially first video using electric pumps like 1 1/2 -2 “? It’s not a 25 ft vessel .

[@Regie57]

I am going to piss some people off here but do not care. USS The Sullivans is a ship that is one of four in the world, think about that "one in four in the world"...and it friggin sinks in New York State? What the hell? A million was raised and only $350,000 spent on the hull a year ago. I have been on less quality built ships (Liberty Ships) that should have lasted but 20 years, but are still running strong 75 years later. One of which voyages around the bay of SF with no effort at all. It is a disgrace to all that sailed on this veteran of a ship that it should now rest in mud. These ships are too valuable to be treated with such neglect. If you cannot afford to upkeep these vessels then you should give it away to a museum that is capable of raising the funds needed for upkeep. Most of you out there are hating me right now......but dammit that is my ship as much as it is yours.....so let me vent when I see a warship that is berthed in a large city in the large state of New York that let it flounder in the mud. Disgraceful to say the least. Use this publicity to get out there and raise awareness of how much is needed to keep these ships ship shape. Write your congressmen, senators, and hit every social outlet out there. This is much to much important to just layover and get depressed about what has happened. Fix it dang it. And I do apologize for getting mad...sorry.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

1reginald57, all I can say is I appreciate your passion. We recognized this last year, and work had started but the ship had other thoughts! This is our Pearl Harbor, and she will rise again!

[@Regie57]

@@BuffaloNavalPark I know ...you guys truly are the best. I apologize for losin it. I am such a believer in the US Navy especially in WWII. I cannot stand the fact that kids nowadays never even heard of WWII....but they know all about socialism, BLM, the way the Indians were treated in the past. But the Greatest Generation? They don't have a clue. The only way they learn is when they come across museuns such as your own You do such an awesome job talking about these ships. I doubt theres anyone better out there. I just think you need help in campaigning for funds . I know I will start a go fund me page for you guys. I want to help. So good luck. And forgive my ignorance of not knowing when to shut up .

[@aaronerskine3401]

this is such a historic ship. biden would take this on days amtrak wasn't running...

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Fabulous! She is a historic ship, as all the remaining Fletchers are!

[@maxsdad538]

I'm sure this guy means well, but we don't want to see him, we want to see the Sullivan!

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

I mean as well as I can! Feel free to visit our playlist about Saving the Sullivans, you'll see a lot of her in those videos! And of course, more to come. Thanks for watching!

[@organbuilder272]

WHen this was first shown the ship was listing but not nearly as deep as it is now. There was only one feeble pump operating. Why didn't you get big pumps on it immediately. It seems a damned shame that a ship dedicated to 5 boys who died in service FIVE of a mother's sons, what greater sacrifice did any family make. This memorial to those boys is now listing, full of water and no doubt suffering from damage. Like all museums - you do not care for the machines entrusted to your care, They become rusting hulks - like the Peking in New York. and eventually you "Museums" get tired of taking care of this heritage, and you scrap them. This is obviously going to follow the same path. Now or later, it will be destroyed. How could you let it get into such poor condition? What a slap in the face of the Sullivan Family for their sacrifice.