Buffalo Seeks Proposals for Ship Repairs

The city of Buffalo is taking significant steps to repair the USS The Sullivans and USS Croaker, having issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the necessary work, with submissions due by January 17, 2024. The ships will be moved to a dry dock in Erie, Pennsylvania, as local options proved too expensive, with costs for a dry dock in Buffalo estimated between $60 to $80 million. Since the USS The Sullivans began taking on water in April 2022, temporary repairs have been made, but a comprehensive plan is needed to replace the deteriorating steel and ensure the ships' preservation. The $21 million raised through the Save The Sullivans campaign will help fund the repairs, but the overall costs remain uncertain. The process requires careful planning, including dredging the Buffalo River, which cannot start until after the spawning season in July. This initiative highlights the importance of maintaining maritime heritage while addressing national security concerns regarding naval capabilities.