15-03-2025
Efforts underway to save Batfish
Several officials and state legislators are joining the War Memorial Park Authority in an effort to save the USS Batfish.
The World War II submarine was anchored at Muskogee War Memorial Park until 2019 when May floods displaced and damaged the vessel.
The authority is leading the effort to relocate and restore the submarine. Because of the damage to the vessel, the authority was forced to close the Batfish to the public.
Authority Chairman James Gulley said in a news release the Batfish is more than a submarine.
'It represents the bravery and sacrifice of those who served our country and protected our freedoms,' Gulley said. 'History may have been made beneath the waves, but its legacy belongs in Oklahoma — and it should remain that way.'
State Sen. Avery Frix, R-District 9, said the submarine is vital to the history of Muskogee and Oklahoma.
'I have talked to people all over the state that have memories of the Batfish,' Frix said. 'I was talking to one person here at the Capitol and he told me about a field trip he went on to the Batfish when he was in the Boy Scouts.'
Frix said funding might need to come from various sources.
'I think it could come from federal funds like FEMA,' he said. 'It could also be achieved from private donations. Maybe there could be some city funds that could be used. I feel the importance to the history of the state is well worth saving.'
Sterling Zearley, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department agreed with Frix on memories of visitors to the submarine.
''Nearly every Oklahoman has a story about the Batfish,' Zearley said. 'It is a tourism asset that has drawn visitors from across the country for decades. This is not just an opportunity to preserve a landmark that connects visitors to history — it's a chance to ensure future generations understand the sacrifices made by service members who helped shape Oklahoma and our nation.'
