BUFFALO, NY (WKBW) — New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $10 million donation for the repair and restoration of the USS The Sullivans and the USS Croaker at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park.
The governor’s office said the ships were built to last about 20 years and remained intact beyond their expected useful life.
In April 2022, the USS The Sullivans, a decommissioned Fletcher-class destroyer of the US Navy, began sinking.
When the ship began to sink, emergency measures were taken and dozens of holes were plugged. Temporary repairs were made to stabilize The Sullivans and it was determined that long-term repairs were needed.
In addition to the long-term repairs to the Sullivans, long-term repairs to the USS Croaker are also required.
The governor’s office said the total cost to restore the two ships will be about $21 million. The current plan for restoration and repair calls for them to be moved to a dry dock on Lake Erie in September 2025 for repairs and then returned to the Port of Buffalo in spring 2026.
Hochul’s $10 million pledge comes in addition to $7.5 million secured by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, $1 million from the City of Buffalo, $1 million from Erie County, $1 million from Senator Sean Ryan and $500,000 from Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes.
“These ships symbolize the courage, dedication and sacrifice of every man and woman who has ever worn a U.S. military uniform. There is no better way to honor them than by preserving these ships. Today, thanks to the generous support of Governor Hochul, we will begin implementing the plan to make the necessary repairs to their hulls and carry out that mission.”
– President and CEO of the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, Paul J. Marzello Sr.
