Emergency Updates IV: USS The Sullivans

[@jimturnbo7475]

I have spent my life watching the staff and volunteers working to preserve USS Texas due to leaking. Many do not appreciate the effort required to keep these ships serviceable as museum ships. This is simply to say that your team's hard work is appreciated. Keep up the hard work. Thank you.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank you very much, Jim! Every staff and volunteer of our museum fleet works hard against the inevitable odds. This is a major event in the history of USS The Sullivans, and we will not fail! Appreciate your kind thoughts!

[@davidlabar6688]

Spent 3 years with the "Moth Ball " fleet in Philadelphia baby sitting those ships and the Sullivans was there and twice we had problems in the after sections of her. Wish you the best with her.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

@@davidlabar6688 Thank you for your comments. I hadn't heard that story before that there were potential issues in the transom while still in Philly. I'd like to hear more, if you have specifics or records/notes that would be really fabulous! Let me know!

[@billcraig1540]

Scrap that wreck.

[@lancomedic]

I'm sorry you are getting negative comments. It's obvious that this ordeal is taking a toll on you personally. We appreciate your hard work.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Fred - thank you very much! All the staff work here because we love these ships, and the stories that they tell. It's heartbreaking, but it also will allow us to continue to tell her story and we'll have this "victory" to start that story! Appreciate your support!

[@oldcarnocar]

@@BuffaloNavalPark Victory to The Sullivans!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@OGartondale011]

People that put negative comments need to get a life! Go Sullivans!!!!!!!!!!

[@oldcarnocar]

@@OGartondale011 ABSOLUTLY!!!!

[@oldtugs]

Lack of hard work, planning, and the ability to recognize and respond to a known threat is what caused the current condition. Posting little hearts and empty videos online is not "hard work". No one from the organization is even permitted onboard because they have nothing to contribute and would be a hazard to themselves and the salvage work. If you feel compelled to thank someone, thank the salvage company workers who are performing a difficult, dangerous and dirty job that never should have been required.

[@FlynBrian]

Very, VERY, glad to see the efforts to refloat and right The Sullivans. This vessel has a special place in my heart. For 5-days back in March 1945, this vessel escorted and protected fellow Fletcher destroyer, USS Halsey Powell (DD-686). The Halsey Powell was struck by a Kamikaze on 20 March 1945 in the vicinity of Japan. She was badly damaged with a large hole below the waterline and her rudder jammed full left, leaving her only able to steam in circles. Twelve of the crew were dead or missing. The USS The Sullivans was ordered to accompany and assist DD-686 in any way she could. With the Halsey Powell unable to maneuver it was not long before the two Fletchers were all alone as the American Naval Fleet disappeared over the horizon. The crew of the Halsey Powell freed the jammed rudder, but it remained inoperative. This allowed the ship to steam in one general direction using engines to steer. The two destroyers slowly made their way away from Japan toward Ulithi. The journey was slow. For the next two days the duo came under Japanese air attacks. Were it not for The Sullivans, the Halsey Powell would certainly now be on the floor of the Pacific. Thankfully, by the 3rd day the two ships were beyond the reach of Japanese airplanes. The weather remained good and on day-5 they entered the lagoon at Ulithi. The Sullivans brought the USS Halsey Powell back safe. You see, the Halsey Powell was the ship that my father served aboard during WWII.

[@TimberwolfCY]

Fantastic story there. Thank you for sharing!

[@ampatriotsmith9545]

A beautiful story of two great ships; thank you for posting and God bless your father🇺🇲🥰🙏

[@BryceKant]

I am happy to hear that the memorial compartment never flooded and the artifacts are safe and secure. That is a blessing given all that has happened. I am also glad to hear that you are thinking of this with a silver lining as well, having mentioned that this is also an opportunity to restore things to a more original state when and where appropriate and possible. I think keeping the eye on the brighter future with all the possibilities is a much needed thing when going through any serious incident.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Bryce - thank you! I was quite relieved to see the Memorial Compartment never came close to flooding! Everything is secure...including Alleta Sullivan's (the boys' Mom) letters to the boys who served aboard this ship! Ah - you caught the camp scheme I'm interested in painting her...excellent! I will need all the advocates I can get! Thank you as always!

[@sbrunner69]

Very well stated. Great positive words.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

@@sbrunner69 Agreed!

[@robertbullcarmichael9856]

Thank you for keeping us in the loop. Great progress so far. The pumping out is going to take a little time but its already feeling like an eternity. Stay safe.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank you Robert Bull. We continue to be quite hopeful. Once they solve the issues in Section C - the fantail area, she will be ready to come up and tell her story for another 80 years. Thank you!

[@lenking410]

Bravo! Hats off to the salvage crew. Wont be long now.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Very true, Len! And we'll keep you updated as that happens!

[@dbaider9467]

Watching this from Ireland over the past week or so. Good luck getting her back on even keel, she is important for so many reasons.

[@andrewpante6047]

Hi from Aus . There is a saying here , everyone knows how to pull a beer . It refers to how everyone is an expert and knows better . You guys are probably volunteering so if anyone is criticizing your efforts they should take a good hard long look at themselves . Keep up the good work friend . I can tell you are passionate about this amazing boat . Thank you for the updates and remember Everyone ! Eeeeeeeveryone knows how to pull a beer . Godspeed Andy from Aus

[@kerrymcdonagh1327]

Too bloody right mate. I can see & hear the raw emotion in Shane as he gives us the update. As another Aussie just coming off our ANZAC Day, these fine vessels need preserving for the next generation to see & experience. I am sure these efforts will succeed & we can only hope that the cash will be available for the overhaul that will allow USS The Sullivans to be around for the next 80 years.

[@sydecarnutz972]

Having served ten years at sea on a number of Navy ships, I can only imagine the rotten sea water pipes in the engine room at this ships age. I served on a much newer Carrier that would start leaking from certain pipes if you leaned them too hard. Gave us good practice at pipe patching and damage control. Very happy you are saving her!

[@DakotaStone408]

This US Navy veteran and former Little Rock sailor appreciates everyone's hard work to save The Sullivans!

[@sloehr1974]

My late Grandfather was former Navy, served in WW2 and Korea on the USS South Dakota, and seeing you being able to save The Sullivans makes me very happy. Thank you doesnt being to say enough for every minute of your hard work.

[@DreamsOverTheRockies]

Sometimes disasters in life bring about conclusions that could have never been anticipated. I never heard about this museum prior to this incident. Now, I would really like to visit.

[@chadwasden1600]

I'm glad she's doing alright. The Sullivan's is on my museum ship list to visit one day.

[@earnharvick]

US Navy Vet here, everyone is doing a 4.0 job getting her off the bottom. The plan of pumping forward then aft then midship is a good one, it won't put too much tension on the hull that way. Keep it up gang, she will be up soon!

[@s.m.r.5198]

Before the keel was laid strong men were honored. Strong men and I'm sure few woman as well will be involved in the rising of this well honored ship . Keep the info coming! We are watching

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

S.M.R - thank you for your thoughtful comment! The weight of all those she represents and the workers at the Bethlehem Ship Yard in San Francisco, are on our shoulders. We will continue to tell her story for the next 80 years! Appreciatively!

[@ELCADAROSA]

Great seeing her raising back up! Congrats to all involved for the work thus far! 👏🏼👏🏼 👏🏼

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Neil - thank you! We are working around the clock and as hard as we can to get her on a right even keel and to continue to tell her story!

[@midcon077]

As a proud Iowan and veteran I thank you guys for working what is now night and day to save and refloat the ship. I scanned many of the latest comments and they all seemed positive. Perhaps the negativity is turning. My thanks to the men and women who are working so hard to save and refloat the USS Sullivan’s, I salute you!

[@scottdoubleyou563]

Having grown up in Jacksonville FL, my dad was stationed at now NAS Mayport, I spent alot of time on base. I got to see Saratoga and Forrestal up close and personal. Lots of O.H. Perry FFG's, and several Spruance DDG's. I had never really paid attention to WW2 era ships, as I had never seen one outside of a movie. I was in Buffalo in 2017 when U.S.S. Little Rock (The new LCS) was being commissioned at the park. I had the pleasure of seeing U.S.S. The Sullivans up close and personal. I fell in love. I even started thinking of ways to put her, U.S.S. Kidd, and U.S.S. Laffey back in service. I know that's a dream and not even slightly feasible, but it's a cool dream. Anyway, my point is, Thank You for saving her. She represents not just a memorial to brave men and the sacrifices they and their families have made, but also as an inspiration for the dreams of kids young and old.

[@Errr717]

Kudos to the crew. I'm confident that you'll get her back up. My ship is the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. DD-850 which is also a museum ship in Massachusetts. The shamrock also appears on our emblem.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Ed, we will not let this ship go down. She's been through too much history, and we will keep telling the story of her, the boys, and all who served for the next 80 years! Thank you for sharing your story and your sacrifices!

[@lancerevell5979]

Glad to see The Sullivans is being saved. It's a slow tough job, but well worth it. My own ship, a Knox class frigate USS Ainsworth FF-1090, was transferred to Turkey in 1994 as the TCG Ege, finally decommed in 2005. She is now a museum ship in Izmir, Turkey.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

@@lancerevell5979 Thanks for sharing your story, Lance. I'm sure it would be quite interesting to go visit her there! We're all confident that Sully will come back and tell her story for the next 80 years!

[@Errr717]

@@lancerevell5979 Nice to see Turkey turn it into a museum. That's the same city we used to visit whenever we went to the Med.

[@lancerevell5979]

@@Errr717 They also have on display an exUSN submarine next to my old ship. Nice to know other nations save a few of their old ships.

[@RGMerkel]

Keep up the hard work. We need to save our history and save this memorial to the Sullivan brothers!

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

RGMerkel - We are working as hard as we can! As the Sullivan family says - this ship isn't just about their family, it's about all Gold Star families. Thank you!

[@billchasser8978]

Thank you for the update. When I first saw this on national news tears welled up. This ship has deep emotional ties to many old salts from that era. The tragic loss of the Sullivan boys caused changes to how family members served in the USN in its aftermath so that such a tragedy didn’t happen again. This ship represents the sacrifices made by all shipmates in their ultimate sacrifices, the families who mourn their loss and the highest traditions of the United States Navy. May the USS The Sullivans raising be uneventful and her temporary repairs be sound. When was she due for a haul out and will she be dry docked once she is secured? Given the number of breaches to her hull that have been found thus far I can only surmise that their are more yet to come in the near future. Fair winds and following seas

[@johnmanthey2683]

It is a major shore to keep these vessels afloat and preserve our hard fought for history. People just can't imagine what it takes. Maybe, get her sealed up enough to make the trip to Erie. That yard there did a wonderful job on the Cod. My heartfelt thanks to all of you trying to save our history.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thanks John, we've reached out to DonJon again. We had a nice meeting with them last summer. Certainly doesn't change that it will cost $4 - $5 million at least! Appreciate the comment!

[@WideWorldofTrains]

As a fellow Western New Yorker I wish you he best in getting the USS The Sullivans back in ship shape. I want to come see it sometime this Summer, I was lucky to see the Buffalo fire Boat when it came to Dunkirk a few years ago.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank you, Wide World of Trains - and you can come up at any time! Have dinner and a drink at the Liberty Hound, and you can walk right to the pier and look at the name as it sits above the waterline again! Appreciate it!

[@why_do_we_have_to_use_handles]

Thank you for not giving up on this deserving ship, she still has some life in her, I wish I could donate but for now I will just keep watching the videos

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

We want to be the first to come back from something like this! Thank you John!

[@socrates2890]

It is SO very painful to see that this has happened. Godspeed to you & all the other volunteers who are are fighting mightily to save this historically significant vessel!

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank you Kevin. Please check back for our Update V video tonight or tomorrow. It will bring a nice smile to your face. Slow and steady is winning the day!

[@Technoid_Mutant]

HooooRah! God Bless the Sullivans, their mother, and the USS The Sullivans, who carries their names. God bless the folks on damage control and all those who support them. You are doing a noble work.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank you...we think of George, Albert, Joseph, Madison, and Francis - along with Alleta and Tom, their parents every day we step aboard. I say good morning to all the boys every day! Thank you for your support! We hope to continue to bring you good news updates!

[@TheSiruncle]

Hi, from the UK. Lovely to see the passion of those involved in getting her back up floating like she should be. I wish you all the best of luck in your efforts. Maybe if I'm really fortunate, one day I might get to come see her. Take care all.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank you for watching, TheSiruncle! So appreciative of your views from across the pond!

[@susanfranks-craun811]

Thanks for keeping us in the loop. I like that you speak to the deck plates, not over our heads with technical terms. Makes everything so much easier to understand!! Keep up the great work!😁😁😇😃

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Susan - thank you for the kind words! Well, I'm a deck plate too - ha! I've learned everything over the last four years of working here, but I didn't know anything (except archiving the collections) about the Navy or ship architecture. My "job" is to make the photographs, primary source materials, books, 3D artifacts available to visitors. I've bleed on board, and fell in love with these ships. Appreciate your support! We'll keep providing updates!

[@geneziemba9159]

It’s good to see the lessening of list even to the most casual observer. Appreciate the constant updates.

[@whyjnot420]

While not ideal, the current situation with The Sullivans is quite interesting. Many ships are in much worse shape overall and in serious threat of sinking. This is showing what might end up needing to be done, but never actually done to other ships in the future. caveat: Interesting is never to be conflated with good. addendum: Screw ill wishers. Bad things happen, that is life. It is in fact a great thing that the ship is not being written off. This fact is far more important than that she sank. That Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park is willing to do this, is the true measure of what the ship means to them. What they did when something bad happened, not that something bad happened in the first place.

[@setharp]

I spent years volunteering on a retired WW2 aircraft carrier and appreciate what you guys are doing here. Its VERY difficult to keep these things afloat. They basically rust 24/7 and its almost impossible to keep up with a volunteer staff. Keep up the good work.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

John doe - thank you, Sir! You have inside knowledge and thanks for sharing your experience! Check tonight's video for some good updates!

[@DvlHownd]

Bravo Zulu to you, the volunteers, and all others involved in your desperate battle to save your ship. Nineteen Fletchers were lost during World War II. Because of the efforts of you and your tireless team, this will ensure that the USS The Sullivans WILL NOT become the 20th to be lost.

[@eherrmann01]

You folks are doing a great job. Thanks for all you are doing to save this important ship, and thank you for the updates on your progress.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank you, Sir! We can't do it without our viewers support! So appreciated. Please check back for Update V video tonight! Some very good news!

[@johnvaluk1401]

Just found your channel. Have some catching up to do. Thank you for what you all are doing to save this. Thank you again for the updates.

[@shanesmaineshop]

Did not even know about this park until this sad situation. We will be in Niagara this summer and now plan to visit the naval park. Keep up the good work.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank you so much! Please come on down...we're in the Buffalo River where she meets the Niagara River! Look forward to it!

[@stevecole3192]

Thank you to all personnel involved in this task. Your efforts are greatly appreciated by many old sailors. Please be safe in your work and may the Lord bless all involved. Thank you again. Love your video updates Shane.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Steve - as always great to have your support! And look forward to meeting you later this year...you've been a great supporter!

[@stevecole3192]

@@BuffaloNavalPark Thank you Shane.

[@stevenwheaton874]

I'm happy to see that she will be saved. Thank you for the updates. Please continue to keep us appraised of the progress. It looks like you'll be able to save the Sullivans.

[@echo3957]

Never Give Up The Ship. Each and every vessel (Surface and Submersible) has a soul of their own.

[@artieshuster8013]

Keep up the good work, what a improvement from last Thursday when m wife & I saw the ship.

[@dalejohnson3520]

It is great to see her getting righted again. I hope she is going to get the repairs necessary and be able to remain a living testimony for everyone as too the sacrifices that were given by this family.

[@michaellovell9625]

Nice to see you bringing her to an even keel again. I was a BT on DD 596 Schields and DD 544 Boyd and toured the Fletcher when she tied up to us in San Diego. When cleaning the bilge in the boiler rooms we were always told to scrape and never chip due to the thin hull. Good luck with The Sullivans.

[@jamesbuchner9077]

well done , look forward to visiting soon.

[@leopardone2386]

Thank goodness your in fresh water I'd hate to see the complications brought on by saltwater contamination. Thanks for the update👍.

[@phillipbouchard4197]

Keep up the good work. Your progress is appreciable. My nephew's company is supplying the large Godwin pumps on your pier side.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank you Phillip, and thank you to your nephew. When we pump the ship, we don't have anything close to this equipment. I'm going to be asking that one stay here on sight when she is righted again! Thank him for us!

[@williammcclain4001]

In 2013 my wife and I visited your Museum because it was the only Fletcher class Destroyer my Father served on in WWll. He served on the C.K. Bronson 668.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thanks for sharing and for visiting! We'll have her on a right even keel and you'll be able to visit again!

[@Lithonion1]

This tin can sailor is glad you guys are making progress on saving The Sullivans. I know how thin hulls are on destroyers. It would be nice if you could get it in a dry dock and have the whole hull gone through. The ship I was on is sitting at the bottom of the ocean off the Puerto Rico coast. :(

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank you for your sacrifices while serving, and thank you for your comments. Please keep checking back for more updates - and your kind words are appreciated! We won't give up the Flagship of the Irish Fleet!

[@gandalflotr2898]

@@BuffaloNavalPark you should put on land

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

@@gandalflotr2898 We've discussed this in the past, Graybeard, but the major concern in her current state is that she would collapse under he own weight on the blocks. For her, the buoyancy helps her. Once we are able to get her dry docked and the hull strakes strengthened we may consider it...but as of now, we worry she wouldn't be able to support herself. Thanks for watching and your comment!

[@johndavey72]

Good evening Shane , thankyou for keeping us in the loop , very much appreciated . Showing the water mark really illustrated the steady and careful progress being made . We know that for some, emotions can overtake us and make regrettable remarks . One thing unites us all, to see the "U.S.S Sullivans back to her proud self once again . Thanks to all who aee working so hard .

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

John, thanks for your thoughtful comments! Please check back for tonight's Update V video. There will be some smiling faces - which will include yours no doubt! Slow and steady will win this race! Appreciate your support!

[@toddgardner1269]

Thanks for update Shane! Thank you for all the work done by everyone involved to save The Sullivans! I can't wait to be on watch on the quarterdeck again soon!

[@Turboy65]

After completing the refloat operation, drydock the ship and have the entireity of the hull analyzed with ultrasound and radar as required, and restore its integrity. It's going to cost money but it's worth it. Where can I donate?

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank you very much! Everything is going to be on the table for sure. You can donate a variety of ways - buy a membership, purchase an item or two in the gift shop on our website, or go to the links in the description of this video. They should take you to the pages!

[@Wahbooz]

@@BuffaloNavalPark That's great, thanks. I'll look into donating, The Sullivans deserves to be saved. Is there a list of ships in the museum? I've always wondered if any LSMR's were saved for museum purpose, they served this country and should get a place in history, instead of just razor blades.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

@@Wahbooz You can visit the Historic Naval Ship Association website at: www.hnsa.org They have lists of the museum ships by state or country. Hope that helps!

[@Wahbooz]

@@BuffaloNavalPark Thanks. I've been going down the list, and also by state, but I suspect not one was saved. It saddened me when I read our small task force was decommissioned and sold to Japan for scrap after fighting in Vietnam for 3 years. Our history will only be on websites I guess. Keep up the good work.

[@billbrasky527]

Thanks for all your hard work to save this piece of history!

[@DakotaStone408]

Shane, everyone is doing a great job on this ship. We appreciate the work and the updates.

[@mhub3576]

If I am not mistaken those torpedo tubes mounted on deck are the MK 32 SVTT (Surface Vessel Torpedo Tubes), which entered service in 1960, five years before The Sullivans was decommed. It must have been refit with them, unless I'm mistaken.. They are still in use today, albeit updated mods. I was a sonar tech not a TM, but had to help load and unload many torpedoes in and out of the MK32 SVTTs since we were in the same division.

[@FrenchmansFlats51]

they were refit

[@ampatriotsmith9545]

Thank you for keeping us informed🇺🇲👍🙏

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thanks so much! We'll keep the info coming!

[@garywayne6083]

Thank you for these updates. Its so clear how much you care!

[@r.a.monigold9789]

Left foot. Right foot Repeat as need until destination reached. Thank you ALL for your efforts ! ! !

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank you, thank you R.A. Monigold! We will keep marching and fighting until she is on a right even keel ready to welcome her fans, and for us - ready to add this incident and our ability to overcome it to her 80 year history!

[@williamprescott3637]

When I heard what happened, I was saddened. So glad The Sullivans is being rescued. In the mid 1980s I had the pleasure to work on the USS Kidd (DD661) in Baton Rouge, La. before she opened to the public. In that part, there is a connection. Keep up the good work. Fair winds.

[@hankdoughty4375]

Worked at Kidd for 5 years. They become a part of you.

[@timhancock6626]

It's quite simple. Ignore any negative comments. Those people have nothing to offer anybody. I'm pleased to see she is steadily stabilising and hope your efforts are rewarded. My grandad was an engineer on a troopship throughout WW2. He told me how alone they felt once the escorts left them. Very best wishes from the UK.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank you Tim! Glad to have your support, and happy you're enjoying the channel! Cheers!

[@marybabiec]

So sorry Shane . You're in my prayers . Mary Babiec

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Why am I in your prayers, Mary? Everything is going good with the ship!

[@rb67mustang]

That's great news the Sullivans artifacts were not damaged. I'm very happy to see the progress as the Sullivans is rising out of the river. If I lived close by, I'd be happy to help with the clean up. I have subscribed and I'll stay in touch.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank you very much! We'll be making a volunteer video when we're ready and directing people on how to get in touch with us to volunteer! Appreciate it!

[@wdavis6814]

I visited this park back in 2020, very cool collection of ships. Hope it all works out! God bless y'all!

[@Tkmined]

As someone who volunteers at a ww2 museum, I appreciate the work the crew is doing to help the Sullivans! At our museum we do mostly aircraft, but a ship takes a whole other level of work. Glad to see shes coming up!

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank you very much for the support! Keep up the good work at the museum you volunteer at. Volunteers are so vital to the survival of museums! Appreciate it!

[@terrallputnam7979]

You guys are doing a great job! Keep up the good work and saving this remnant of World War II.

[@richardthompson9836]

Honoring all who served and "go down to the sea in ships", like my grandfather and all of his ship mates aboard HMS Exmouth.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Richard, thanks for watching, and we won't let the Flagship of the Irish Fleet go down! Tonight's video update will bring a wee smile to everyone's face!

[@richardcall7447]

Great video. You guys are doing an incredible job keeping the ship from sinking completely, and getting her back upright! I just hope it won't be too difficult to find the leaks and get them patched.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Richard - appreciate your comments! Thank you so much for your enthusiasm. It really is uplifting to our crew to know that you and so many are pulling for her from all across the globe! Appreciatively!

[@mose717]

It's good to see salvage efforts underway and making progress.

[@jeffbruh3253]

I hope everything goes well, I live an hour away and I remember exploring the ships when I was a kid. Good luck and hopefully everything gets back to normal soon.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thanks Jeff - for watching and visiting! You'll be able to visit her again! Thanks for your support!

[@michaelsimmons6138]

It's great to see her coming up out of the water keep up the good work men 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank you Michael...everyone is working towards that one goal. Keep checking back for updates!

[@EtzEchad]

Thank you for the update. I really appreciate what you are doing. I had never heard of The Sullivans (ship. I of course had heard of the brothers) but now I'm really emotionally connected to her, and like you said: may she float for 80 years more!

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

As always, David - thank you. Hope to have you visit her when she's back! Appreciate your support!

[@davidabbott7270]

Thank you for these updates I heard about the Sullivan through the USS New Jersey's you to Paige and I'm glad that the Sullivan will rise again

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank you for your support, David. Battleship NJ and Ryan has been so helpful! Hope you enjoy and keep checking back for updates!

[@jay76ny]

Great update. It's good to see forward progress is being made. It's also good to see they are not rushing the process.

[@donb7113]

Instead of paying for a new Buffalo football stadium, they should fix this first. Thank you for everyone’s hard work, the Sullivans deserve more to honor their loss and sacrifice.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thanks Don B for your passionate comments. She'll come back upright and floating again soon, and will be here to tell her story for the next 80 years!

[@xcellerated207]

So glad that everything looks like it's going to be okay!

[@justnotg00d]

Progress. I have watched the videos on all the difficulties of raising ships in Pearl Harbor in 1942, it took a long time before they could tow the larger ships to a port that had large enough dry docks. You have progress, so that is good. I hope it continues. So many pieces of equipment were lost to history, from trucks, steam locomotives, armored vehicles, aircraft . . . They are part of history and should be preserved.

[@docholliday1811]

Keep up the great work to everyone working on this ship. Thank you.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thanks for watching and your support, Doc Holliday!

[@fw1421]

Congrats! The progress is impressive. A lot of work by everyone concerned.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

thank you fw1421! Everyone is on the same page for sure. Appreciate your kind words of support.

[@wmsollenberger8706]

God speed your efforts! We remain in prayer for complete success!

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank you wm! We're nothing but positive about this effort. Nothing has been done like this to a museum ship, and we're so glad to have our KZbin friends along with us!

[@Icanhasautomaticcheeseburger]

She's getting there -- take your time and stay safe!

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank you for your support! Continue to check back for updates and be sure, if you're able to join us on our live 20:00 Watch, Wednesday night at 8pm.

[@andrewsmith6499]

Great to see all the great work on the ship

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank you, Andrew! Keep checking back for more updates! Really appreciate your support!

[@adamdavis7663]

Y'all are doing a great job! I've never been up to your site. But I hope to one day

[@trtj200]

I live in Waterloo Iowa, you have done a remarkable job so far keep up the good work!

[@jeffgrier8488]

Thanks for the update Shane, i know that this whole ordeal must be wearing you all down. We are behind you all the way! Hopefully i catch you live again Wednesday!

[@Meowface.]

Glad there’s a dedicated group of guys putting in the work necessary to save the ship

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Davie - you're right. The brothers and their parents - Tom and Alleta - are with us every minute, and we'll bring her back better than ever! In her Measure 21 Sea Blue WWII Came scheme (If I have any control)! Thank you!

[@JohnHonda101]

Watching with interest from the UK.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank you John! So appreciated! I'd love to do a comparison video with HMS Belfast! Cheers!

[@mr.kelley6556]

I'm happy to see such great progress has been made. I hope this has spawned efforts to inspect the Croaker and Little Rock thoroughly as like The Sullivans they are an important part of our Navy history as well.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Randy - thanks for your comment, and yes - staff has already been updating our surveys of Croaker and Little Rock, and we are developing a 5 - 10 year plan to cut this off at the pass for them.

[@dperson6557]

Pleased to see that all the efforts have provided some good results... I know the story of the Sullivan Brother and that a Ship was named after them but didn't have an knowledge of that vessels whereabouts till last week when I saw stories about it hull rotting out and it taking on water. I must say it looks to be in better position then when I first saw it practically leaning on the dock. Glad to hear that memorial portion of the ship was spared any large amount of water damage. Hoping once the water is pumped out that repairs can be made to it hull to put her back in place so people can visit her again if not maybe she can be fitted with a coffer damn and given an earthen pedestal to sit upon so she can once again be visited by the public. Here in Michigan we have few like that. I can see there is a lot of emotional involvement in those there and wish them the best with task ahead of them.

[@6Sally5]

Sending best wishes and prayers from Texas. I can’t understand why there would be negative comments, but you know what they say, “Opinions are like a-holes…everyone has one!” Keep fighting the good fight!

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Alan! Your thoughts exactly! Thank you, Sir! The Flagship of the Irish Fleet will rise again for sure! She'll tell her story of sacrifice for the next 80 years! Be sure to check into our 20:00 Watch on Wednesday Live at 8pm. Bring questions or comments!

[@joshuamitcham1519]

You can't understand huh? Well looks like the motherfuckers have spent money on everything including 500 dollar cardigans to wear but piss on the ship..and you can't understand. We won't have museums ships in the future because noone is held responsible for bad fuckups and OBVIOUS misappropriation of funds.

[@rustycasteele6121]

You can't keep a Fletcher class down! She is in good hands, so we don't have to worry. Thank you for all the hard work, to you and all the crews.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank you for your vote of confidence, Rusty. We will work to not let you and everyone else down!

[@TheHhenning]

Great job still Shane! Thanks so much for everything that everyone is doing, Bravo Zulu.

[@beepseatsfindingfoodtreasu8756]

just seeing her gunwales above water does a lot of people's hearts good. the Sullivan Brothers might be 2 1/2 miles beneath the waves but their namesake will float on👍🇺🇸

[@gwalker3092]

Thx for the update. Best wishes and keep up the good work this is a difficult time. I'm a great believer in seeing positives at difficult times. I'm sure this has brought together ppl to see what they risk losing if the attention and funding these ships/parks deserve is allowed to disappear. I'm sure and hope after this the ship/park will be better and get more funding required to keep her around long time after I'm gone.

[@lucasa5363]

I am far more emotionally invested in this than I thought I would be

[@owenaero]

thank you for doing all you can to save the ship we must keep these ships they are our history

[@1996ram2500]

Any chance you'll have her dry docked. I live in Massachusetts, we had the Massachusetts A. K. A. ( The big Mamie) refitted a number of years ago. She looks good as new. It would be a shame to loose such a historic ship such as The Sullivans. Good luck Refloating her.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

thank you for sharing! The plan, which was begun last year was to coat her in two part epoxy, which was to last about 10 - 15. That time was going to be used to raise the $4 - $5 million to dry dock her at that time. This may change, but the company still plans on continuing the coating work...they started on the port side last summer.

[@kenswitzer4133]

This old Army vet from Mississippi is glad to see the progress. Save our past !!!👍👍😁🙏🏻

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank you Ken, check back for tonight's video. Slow and sure is the best policy here, and you'll see progress! Appreciate your support!

[@sailor6380]

Thank You for your hard hard work I’m a Navy Veteran I’m sending more good lucks

[@russellcollins52]

I cannot wait for the ship to be back on an even keel again. Keep up all your great work. I wish I lived a lot closer and could volunteer regularly but I will do what I can from afar. Do not let the negative comments get to you. This is one of two ships that I care dearly for, for the brothers. The other is the Olympia. I wish you the best and can't wait to see her open to the public again.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank you Russell - The Olympia is such an important ship too. They are all part of our history...every one of the museum ships, and a testament to the greatest building program the world has ever seen. I don't forget that! Thank you!

[@stevenwiederholt7000]

Good News! Thanks for keeping updated!

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank you Steven! We'll continue to update all of our interested viewers and subscribers!

[@alanvankirk]

Gentlemen, keep up the good work. I was sorry to hear about the ship, but it looks to be in good hands. I am originally from Waterloo many many years ago. As part of a summer school civics program, our class did cleaning and painting of the Sullivan's Park along side city park workers. We studied the Sullivan's, the Juneau and there history. Thanks Again!

[@ChrisDoll]

glad to see her coming out of the water a little bit! cant wait to get back in there and get her cleaned up, its going to be a process! plenty of vacation time in the wait, think this may be a good use

[@everettchris1]

While tragic, I hope the silver lining here is that the attention that this incident has brought to the ship will help bring awareness and resources to keep it afloat and accessible to the public for years to come. Hold fast, and keep up your great work.

[@BuffaloNavalPark]

Thank you, Chris - so appreciative of your support! We'll be continuing to provide updates, and the growth of our channel over the last three weeks is a testament to your and everyone's interest!