Kildee Introduces Bill to Preserve Historic Naval Ships

FLINT-Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-08) today introduced new legislation to help preserve historic U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships, like the USS Edson, which houses the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum in Bay City.

The Save Our Ships Act would establish a new Historical Naval Ship Preservation Grant Program, providing $5 million a year to help museums repair, maintain, and upkeep historic ships and submarines. Funding could also be used to expand educational opportunities at museums and memorials, like introducing students to naval shipbuilding.

"As the son of a U.S. Navy veteran, I know our naval vessels, like the USS Edson in Bay City, are a vital part of our history," said Congressman Kildee. "This bill would provide facilities like the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum the resources they need to ensure historic ships continue to inspire and educate Michiganders for years to come."

Congressman Kildee introduced the bill alongside Representatives Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Troy Carter (LA-02), Ed Case (HI-01), Barbara Lee (CA-12), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Tim Kennedy (NY-26), Don Bacon (NE-02), and Jen Kiggans (VA-02).

"Bay Veterans Foundation is proud to partner with the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum in a variety of community outreach activities. The USS Edson is an important tourist destination, as well as an excellent opportunity to expand education efforts throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region," said Keith Markstrom, President of the Bay Veterans Foundation.

"Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum, home of USS Edson, is very appreciative of Congressman Kildee's efforts in sponsoring this legislation vital to the preservation of our national treasures so that today's visitors and future generations may learn of and honor the service and sacrifice of past generations. Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum, proudly partnered with Bay Veterans Foundation, strives to give back not only to our local communities but to the Great Lakes Bay Region in providing a unique, educational experience while honoring those who have defended our nation's freedom and independence," said Jason Stewart, President of the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum.

"The Historic Naval Ships Association supports this legislation to bring needed funding to decommissioned museum ships. HNSA member ships saw action in nearly every American war but now are at a crossroads where the funding required to maintain these critical maritime heritage assets, educational resources, recruiting tools, and career development platforms is more than their organizations can handle alone. The sinking of USS The Sullivans in April 2022 and the loss or scrapping of other museum ships in recent years have led many of our member warships to start major hull maintenance projects. Still, there is not enough funding to support the maintenance of all our irreplaceable ships. We're grateful to this legislation's sponsors for advocating to maintain these pieces of living history,"said Ryan Szimanski, Executive Director of the Historic Naval Ships Association.

Michigan's Eighth District is home to the USS Edson, which houses the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum in Bay City. Commissioned in 1958, the USS Edson served for 30 years and 10 deployments to Vietnam before arriving in mid-Michigan in 2012.