The Costly Salvage Operation: Is It Worth Recovering the USS Harder?

 

The Costly Salvage Operation: Is It Worth Recovering the USS Harder?

The USS Harder (SS-257) was a United States Navy Gato-class submarine that sank on May 24, 1945, during the final stages of World War II. The submarine was lost in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 150 miles off the coast of Taiwan, while conducting a mission to intercept and destroy Japanese naval vessels. The wreckage of the USS Harder has remained on the ocean floor for over 75 years, and its recovery is a topic of ongoing debate.

The Arguments For Recovery

There are several reasons why some experts believe it's worth recovering the USS Harder:

1. Historical Significance: The USS Harder was a significant asset in the war against Japan, and its recovery would provide valuable insights into the submarine's design, operations, and fate. This information could be used to improve modern submarine design and operations.
2. Preservation of History: The USS Harder is an important piece of American history, and its recovery would allow for its preservation and display in a museum or memorial. This would provide a tangible connection to the past and serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served on the submarine.
3. Scientific Research: The wreckage of the USS Harder could provide valuable insights into the effects of aging on underwater vessels, as well as the impact of environmental factors such as corrosion and marine life on the ship's structure.

The Arguments Against Recovery

However, there are also several reasons why some experts believe it's not worth recovering the USS Harder:

1. Cost: The cost of recovering the USS Harder is estimated to be in the tens of millions of dollars. This is a significant expense, especially when considering that there are many other historical ships and artifacts that could be recovered with similar funding.
2. Risk: The recovery operation would involve significant risks to those involved, including potential accidents, injuries, or even fatalities. This risk is not worth taking for a ship that is already gone.
3. Priority: There are many other historical sites and artifacts that require attention and preservation. The funds required for the recovery of the USS Harder could be better spent on these other priorities.

Conclusion

The decision to recover the USS Harder is a complex one that requires careful consideration of both the benefits and drawbacks. While there are valid arguments for recovering the ship, including its historical significance and preservation, there are also significant costs and risks involved. Ultimately, it's up to policymakers and historians to weigh these factors and decide whether the recovery of the USS Harder is worth the cost.

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