MUSKOGEE, OK — October 19, 2026. The effort to preserve and relocate the USS Batfish (SS-310) continues, with approximately $6 million allocated toward moving the historic World War II submarine, according to Ronnie Chandler, vice chair of the War Memorial Park trustee board.

Chandler, who says he has lived in Muskogee since 1996, shared an update explaining that trustees are working daily to get the Batfish moved.

"I've been in Muskogee since 1996. I am vice chair of the war memorial park trustee board. I just want to let everyone know we are working diligently and daily on getting the Batfish moved," Chandler wrote.

According to Chandler, the board participated in a conference call with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) last week.

He said an in-person meeting with FEMA, Oklahoma Emergency Management and their respective departments is scheduled in Muskogee next week.

Chandler also reported that those agencies had told the board they would do all they could to help with the move.

Approximately $6 million is allocated, Chandler said, but additional funding still needs to be found.

The precise funding breakdown, amount of the remaining shortfall and relocation date have not yet been announced in his update.

The USS Batfish was commissioned in 1943 and completed seven World War II combat patrols in the Pacific.

During a remarkable period of approximately 76 hours in February 1945, Batfish sank three Japanese submarines.

After its Navy service, the submarine was brought to Muskogee in 1972 and became a centerpiece of War Memorial Park.

Generations of families, school groups and veterans visited the submarine to learn about the sailors and the conditions in which they served.

Historic Arkansas River flooding in 2019 displaced the vessel and led to its closure for public tours.

The ongoing plan is to relocate Batfish to Three Forks Harbor in the Muskogee area, where it can be preserved as part of a new museum setting.

In 2025, Oklahoma lawmakers approved $4 million in state funds for the relocation effort, an earlier announcement distinct from the approximately $6 million total Chandler is now reporting.

The War Memorial Park and Museum also began moving exhibits into temporary quarters near Three Forks Harbor in 2025.

Those developments mark progress, but the physical submarine relocation has not been confirmed as completed.

Batfish remains an important reminder of American naval history and a familiar Muskogee landmark.

Preservation could allow future generations to learn from the submarine and honor those who served aboard her.

Chandler encouraged people who would like to support the effort to donate through Oklahoma War Memorial Park's official website.

He said he would share further information as it becomes available.

Muskogee Community Buzz will follow next week's emergency-management discussions and seek answers about funding needs, the move's timeline and eventual reopening.

Image caption: AI-generated illustration depicting the USS Batfish alongside the harbor dock. Created using reference photographs provided by Three Forks Media. This is a conceptual illustration, not an actual photograph of the submarine at this location.

Readers can find donation information at the official Oklahoma War Memorial Park website: www.oklahomawarmemorialpark.org.