MUSKOGEE, OK (KJRH) — When the USS Batfish floated from its resting spot on May 23, those at Muskogee War Memorial Park weren’t sure how it would settle when the floodwaters receded. They’ve now determined it’s going to take $1.5 million to secure it.
The USS Batfish now sits 12 feet uphill, out of its hole in which it used to rest. The gangway, which stuck out directly from the stern, is twisted and unusable.
After the water receded, engineers found it’s actually in a good resting spot, but it’s going to take 120 semi loads of dirt to secure the 1,500-ton sub. In all, it’s going to cost 1.5 million dollars, which the park will receive help with paying, but they still have to pick up $150,000 of that total.
They say the community has come together to help, by fundraising online and buying dozens of shirts from their 'flood store', but there’s still a long road ahead before the new spot is secure.
"With the new position we have, you can see right where the bow was," Park Director Brent Trout said, looking on the bright side from the bow of the sub. "You actually have a better view, you can see what’s now - I guess - part of the river.”
Muskogee War Memorial Park is now reopened, but there's no timeline on how long it will take for the USS Batfish to be tourable again.
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