PANICd#: 1415
| USS The Sullivans is a retired US Navy Fletcher-class destroyer. The ship was named in honor of the five Sullivan brothers, aged 20 to 27, who died when the light cruiser was sunk on 13 November 1942. |
1 Naval Park Cove
Buffalo , NY 14202
Phone: 716.847.1773
Open to the public: Yes
https://buffalonavalpark.org/exhibi...
Lat: 42.877394
Lon: -78.879638
Database Summary:
Demographic Rank: 1
History: 1
Stories: 1
Claims: 10
Evidence: 0
Resources: 3
Retrievals: 1890
Vistor Rating: 0.0
Votes: 0
| Rate this Location <- Get Location Badge Code |
History information is some background and history about the location. This is meant to be a basic summary. Below the history records you will find sources in which you can click on to find out more information. There may be multiple history records per location.
The USS The Sullivans DD57 is a Fletcher-class destroyer built during World War Two and named in honor of the five Sullivan brothers who were all lost aboard the USS Juneau in 1942. Their story became one of the most powerful symbols of sacrifice in American military history. In tribute to their unity and devotion to each other, the ship was given the motto "We Stick Together," reflecting the bond that defined the Sullivan family.
The ship was constructed at the Bethlehem Steel shipyard in San Francisco and launched in 1943. It was quickly commissioned into service as part of the United States Navy and sent into the Pacific Theater, where it would play a role in some of the most intense naval operations of the war. As a Fletcher-class destroyer, it was designed for speed, firepower, and versatility, making it an essential part of fleet operations.
During World War Two, the USS The Sullivans participated in numerous campaigns, including operations in the Pacific against Japanese forces. The ship provided anti-aircraft defense, screened larger vessels, and supported amphibious landings. Its crew endured dangerous combat conditions, including air attacks and long deployments far from home.
After the war, the ship continued to serve during the Korean War, where it once again operated in combat zones, providing naval gunfire support and escorting duties. Over time, advances in naval technology made ships like the Sullivans less central to frontline operations, and they were eventually decommissioned in the 1960s after years of service.
Rather than being scrapped, the USS The Sullivans was preserved as a museum ship in Buffalo, New York, where it now rests as part of the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park. Today it stands as a tribute to the sailors who served aboard her and to the legacy of the Sullivan brothers, whose story continues to resonate with visitors from around the country.
Added by: sdonley on 03/27/2026 DB#:826
Source(s):
Various Sources
Stories are just that. Stories and personal accounts that have been reported about the location.
Over the years, the USS Sullivan has developed a reputation as one of the most haunted museum ships in the United States. Visitors and staff have reported unusual experiences that suggest the presence of unseen forces possibly tied to the ship's long and intense military history. Many believe that the emotional weight of war and the memory of those who served aboard may linger within its steel walls.
One of the most commonly reported phenomena involves footsteps echoing through the ship when no one else is present. Narrow passageways and crew quarters often echo these sounds late in the day after visitors have departed. Staff members have described the sensation of being followed, only to find the space empty when they turn around.
In the engine room and lower decks, people have reported sudden drops in temperature and a heavy oppressive feeling. Some visitors claim they feel uneasy or overwhelmed without any clear explanation. Paranormal investigators who have explored the ship have noted unusual readings on equipment, particularly in areas where crew members once worked long hours under stressful conditions.
Another frequently shared story involves shadowy figures seen moving just out of sight, especially near stairwells and doorways. Witnesses describe brief glimpses of what appear to be sailors in uniform who vanish almost immediately. These sightings often occur in low light conditions, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the ship.
Tales also circulate about objects moving or doors opening and closing independently. Some staff members have reported hearing voices or distant conversations even when the ship is empty. While there is no scientific proof of paranormal activity, these stories have become an enduring part of the ship's legend and contribute to its reputation as a haunted location.
Added by: sdonley on 03/27/2026 DB#:1785
Source(s):
Various Sources
Here are the paranormal claims for this location. These have been found through Internet research, reports from members, or reports from personal interviews. To add a claim, your account must have contributor access or higher.
| Claim# | Claim |
| 4420 | Disembodied footsteps are heard in hallways and crew quarters when no one is present
Added: 03/27/2026 By: sdonley |
| 4421 | Sudden cold spots are reported in engine rooms and lower decks
Added: 03/27/2026 By: sdonley |
| 4422 | Visitors feel watched or followed while exploring the ship
Added: 03/27/2026 By: sdonley |
| 4423 | Shadow figures resembling sailors are seen briefly in passageways
Added: 03/27/2026 By: sdonley |
| 4424 | Doors open and close without explanation
Added: 03/27/2026 By: sdonley |
| 4425 | Unexplained voices or distant conversations are heard in empty areas
Added: 03/27/2026 By: sdonley |
| 4426 | Objects are found moved from their original positions
Added: 03/27/2026 By: sdonley |
| 4427 | Electronic equipment used by investigators shows unusual readings
Added: 03/27/2026 By: sdonley |
| 4428 | Feelings of heaviness or unease are reported in confined spaces
Added: 03/27/2026 By: sdonley |
| 4429 | Apparitions are occasionally reported near stairwells and dark corridors Added: 03/27/2026 By: sdonley |
Paranormal evidence is based on claims that have been reported for this location. There can be several types of evidence; however, we have grouped them based on media type for better organization. Here you will find evidence that are logs, audio, video, or photographic.
To add evidence for a claim, you must submit it to PANICd.com for approval to be entered into the database.
No Evidence Reported Yet!
This is a collection of Internet resources for this location. This section will house links to other websites that contain information related to history, claims, investigations, or even the location's website.
| Buffalo Hauntings, USS The Sullivans DD57 - HauntedHouses.com | Find the haunted USS Sullivans at HauntedHouses.com. |
| Added: 02/16/2015 By: sdonley | |
| Wikipedia Entry | Wikipedia entry for this location. |
| Added: 03/31/2025 By: sdonley | |
| USS The Sullivans no longer sinking, but set for more repairs | The Gazette | The Naval warship named after five Iowa brothers killed together while serving in World War II no longer is sinking after more than $2 million in repairs and cleanup. Now a naval architect will determine if the museum ship must be dry docked for further fixes. |
| Added: 03/31/2025 By: sdonley | |
Please leave a comment about this location. Your comment can pertain to anything you find on our site about the location including: location demographics, history, claims, evidence, resources, or other comments.
If you have additional information about this location, please be sure to contribute.
Leave a comment