A Hypothetical Naval Battle on Lake Michigan: Wisconsin vs Michigan
Imagine the scene on the tranquil waters of Lake Michigan, two great states engaged in a naval battle that would be far from tranquil. Both Wisconsin and Michigan are well-known for their rich history and natural resources, but neither has an active navy. However, this thought experiment can be quite entertaining as we explore the scenario.
The Forces of Michigan
On the Michigan side, we find a well-matched fleet. The USS Silversides, a museum submarine from the Gato class, is a formidable opponent. Commissioned in 1941, the USS Silversides came equipped with 6 forward and 4 aft torpedo tubes, capable of launching a total of 24 torpedoes. Its arsenal also includes a 4-inch deck gun, along with a few 40mm and 20mm machine guns, making it a significant threat to any fleet. Admiral Mark Williams of Michigan’s naval forces has ordered the USS Silversides to be in top fighting condition, ready for action.
However, the USS Silversides is not alone. Just a few miles away in Muskegon, there’s the LST-393, a tank landing ship built in 1943. Though the LST-393 was originally equipped with twin 40mm and 6 20mm guns, it currently lacks active weaponry. If restored, it could easily become one of the largest ships in the hypothetical battle, providing a strong defensive and offensive presence.
Supporting this fleet are several civilian vessels that could be pressed into service. The SS Valley Camp from Sault St Marie, the SS Milwaukee Clipper, and the SS City of Milwaukee, along with a trio of Coast Guard ships, offer additional assets. While not capable of independent combat, these ships can be equipped with guns and used to bolster the Great Lakes fleet.
The Forces of Wisconsin
The Wisconsin side has a slightly smaller but more versatile fleet. The only actual naval vessels available to Wisconsin are the USS Cobia in Manitowoc. With its 3-inch gun, the USS Cobia matches up well with the USS Silversides in terms of firepower. This submarine is equipped to both dive and surface, providing the flexibility needed for this complex scenario.
Besides the USS Cobia, Wisconsin could effectively commandeer the Edward Ryerson, a bulk freighter. Currently stored in Superior, Wisconsin, this 700-foot-long vessel could be a major addition to the fleet with proper outfitting. However, the real potential for Wisconsin lies in its shipyards.
Three major shipyards in Wisconsin, including Marinette Marine (which builds Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ships for the U.S. Navy), Superior Shipbuilding, and Great Lakes Shipbuilding, provide the technological advantage. These shipyards could be used to construct new, advanced combatants, giving Wisconsin a significant edge in both numbers and technology.
Potential Scenarios and Strategies
The strategic advantage would largely depend on which state could build and equip its fleet faster. If Wisconsin could hold out long enough, it would likely have a numerical and technological advantage. However, in the short term, Michigan’s existing assets would provide a formidable challenge.
A plausible scenario could see Wisconsin building up its numbers in Lake Superior before initiating a naval invasion on the locks at Sault St. Marie. This would allow the fleet to join forces with ground troops, effectively taking control of the Upper Peninsula. The possibility of such a move adds another layer of complexity to the hypothetical conflict.
Rapid deployment of new ships from Wisconsin’s shipyards and the potential to focus ground forces on the Upper Peninsula could tip the scales in its favor over time. However, the initial naval engagement would likely hinge on the effectiveness of the existing vessels, particularly the USS Silversides and the USS Cobia.
Conclusion
While the waters of Lake Michigan would never actually see such a conflict, the strategic and technological considerations make this thought experiment both intriguing and educational. Both Wisconsin and Michigan have the resources and expertise to build a formidable naval fleet, and the outcome would depend on a combination of existing assets, shipbuilding capabilities, and strategic planning.