USS Cobia: Preparing for Upcoming Dry Docking

Cobia will be dry docked at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, nearly 29 years after its last dry docking there in 1996. This preservation work is necessary for preserving USS Cobia as a National Historic Landmark and ensuring it remains in pristine condition for future generations to engage with.

Launched on November 28, 1943, USS Cobia played a key role in the Pacific Theater during WWII. During Cobia’s six war patrols, it sank thirteen Japanese vessels, including a troop transport that helped the U.S. Marines capture Iwo Jima. In 1970, the submarine was brought to Manitowoc, Wisconsin, where it became an international memorial to submariners. In 1986, USS Cobia was incorporated into the Manitowoc Maritime Museum, declared a National Historic Landmark, and placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Today, the submarine is arguably the most popular attraction at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, offering guests a glimpse into the life of the brave crew who lived and worked aboard this historic vessel. Tours of Cobia take guests through the submarine’s narrow passageways, showing where crew members slept, ate, and prayed, all while carrying out their dangerous missions.

However, the ongoing task of maintaining and restoring historic vessels such as Cobia is challenging, especially as Cobia faces the effects of time and the elements. The upcoming dry docking is part of the museum’s ongoing commitment to preserve the submarine. Past restoration efforts included significant interior work, with the addition of WWII-era flooring, bunks, and crew lockers.

Volunteer-led projects have brought key systems back online, including restoring the submarine’s main engines. Additionally, Cobia’s SJ-1 radar has been restored and is believed to be the oldest operational radar in the world, alongside the return of the WWII-era radio shack to operational status.

With the dry docking scheduled for September 2025, the museum is aiming to raise $1.5 million for essential repairs. The museum received a $500,000 Save America’s Treasures grant in September 2022 as well as a $100,000 pledge from the City of Manitowoc to support the project. Although over $930,000 has been raised to date, an additional $570,000 is needed to reach the fundraising goal. This funding will support critical maintenance and preservation work while in dry dock including, a hull cleaning and inspection, replacement of the torpedo tube gaskets to ensure watertight integrity, and repairs to wasted metal.

"This dry docking is not only about maintenance; it’s about safeguarding a piece of history. Each restoration project we undertake with USS Cobia brings us closer to ensuring that the stories of the men who served aboard this submarine are never forgotten." - Karen Duvalle, Submarine Curator at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum

"USS Cobia has been an integral part of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum for decades, and this dry docking project underscores our ongoing dedication to preserving her history. We are excited to work with Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding to ensure that Cobia remains a shining example of maritime history for future generations to explore and learn from." - Kevin Cullen, Executive Director at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum.

“Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding is honored and proud to be partnering with the Wisconsin Maritime Museum for this project. Drydocking USS Cobia and being able to perform work on such a storied piece of history is an incredible opportunity for us to show our craftsmanship, expertise, and dedication to preserving one of the 6 remaining vessels of Gato class. We are excited to have USS Cobia in the yard starting in September, and even more excited to get her back to Manitowoc, fixed up and fresh for everyone to enjoy for years to come.” - Statement provided by Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding

As USS Cobia prepares for this next chapter, it serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served aboard this vessel during WWII. For those interested in supporting the project or learning more about the restoration, the museum’s website and social media pages will provide regular updates as the dry docking date approaches and throughout the dry dock process. Keep an eye on these channels for the latest news on the project, and consider joining the effort to preserve this iconic piece of naval history.