Cavalla in the News

USS CAVALLA SS-244

CAVALLA IN THE NEWS

Houston Chronicle

Published May 20, 2003

Memorial Day festivities planned at restored submarine

By The Associated Press
(5/20/03 - GALVESTON) — Gulf coast residents are getting a glimpse inside a World War II submarine, its restoration almost complete more than a half-century after service in the Pacific theater, with the help of some knowledgeable tour guides.

After a Memorial Day ceremony at the USS Cavalla, former submariners will lead visitors through the submarine on display at Seawolf Park on Pelican Island.

Exterior restoration of the submarine, the only remaining one in the world to have sunk an aircraft carrier, is nearly finished. After that, submarine veterans who for the past few years have rescued the craft from years of neglect will turn their attention to the sub's interior.

Monday's ceremony will honor those who helped defeat the Japanese Navy in World War II. It will include presentations from a historian and representatives from all branches of the armed services, said John McMichael, chief of the boat.

"What we are trying to do here is get the submarine restored to the point it looks as good on the inside as it does outside," McMichael told The Galveston County Daily News in Tuesday's online edition.

The Cavalla Historical Foundation also plans to restore the USS Stewart, a destroyer escort next to the sub, and link the two ships with a museum and gift shop. The work was estimated to cost in excess of $2 million. The foundation recently received a $250,000 grant from the Burke Family Charitable Trust.

The Cavalla sank the Japanese aircraft carrier Shokaku during World War II.

(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)