USS The Sullivans (DD-537) is a 79-year old Fletcher-Class destroyer that saw action in World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War. Now a major attraction at The Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, it is in need of permanent repairs to her hull.

USS The Sullivans is named in honor of the five Sullivan brothers who, serving together on the light cruiser USS Juneau, were all killed in action on its sinking around November 13, 1942. The ship was christened by the fallen brothers’ mother, Alleta Sullivan, and is a National Historic Landmark. It holds a special place in our nation’s military history and a special place on the Buffalo Waterfront.

Decades of harsh weather in Buffalo, NY have taken a toll on the ship. The severely weakened hull was again compromised below the waterline and the ship began taking on water on 14 April 2022 towards the stern of the ship.

The Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park began extensive repair work in June 2021 to the hull but paused work during the winter months when the water temperature was too cold to work.  Through the Save the Sullivans campaign, the Park successfully raised the $1,000,000 dollars needed for hull repairs prior to this latest hull breach.

The Naval Park has re-started the Save the Sullivans Campaign placing out an urgent call for support to pay for the costs associated with righting the ship.

Contributions can be made securely below or mailed to The Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, ATTN: SAVE THE SULLIVANS, One Naval Park Cove, Buffalo, NY 14202 or by contacting the Naval Park directly at 716-847-1773.