USS Orleck prepares for trip to Jacksonville
Naval history to be docked along Downtown waterfront
The most decorated post-World War II ship, the USS Orleck, could be open for tours in Downtown Jacksonville by March.
The Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association took ownership of the Orleck in January from a nonprofit in Lake Charles, La., where it has been a museum ship.
The ship was towed to Texas where it was put in drydock for inspection, repairs and maintenance, including cleaning and reinforcing the hull and painting the interior.
“It was a big moment when we moved ship from Louisiana to Texas,” said Daniel Bean, president of the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association. “We held our breath until we passed the ultrasonic tests. But the Orleck is sound, and we just have to wait until it gets pretty.”
Bean said the Orleck will probably be ready for the journey from Port Arthur, Texas, to Jacksonville in late February or early March. The tow should take 10 to 12 days.
The ship will be docked west of the Berkman Marina. Because of the proximity to the Berkman II, which is awaiting demolition, Bean said the association has contingency plans for an alternate berthing until the Berkman is demolished.
The Orleck is expected to open the top tier to the public about a month after it arrives. Internal access to the ship will have to wait until summer.
Bean said they plan to make space available for meetings, parties and overnight stays. They also are planning to have interactive events like laser tag
The museum will focus on the “U.S. Navy Cold War Experience.”
Bean, veterans and other supporters have been trying for eight years to open a naval museum in a naval ship for 12 years.
Early efforts focused on the USS Adams, but the U.S. Navy decided to scrap the guided missile cruiser three years ago. The Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association turned its attention to the Orleck, a Gearing-class destroyer that served in the Navy from 1945 to 1982. It was a Turkish naval ship from 1982 to 2000 and then was a museum ship in Texas and Louisiana.
The ship is named for Lt. Joe Orleck, who went down with his ship during World War II. It served in Korea, Vietnam wars and during the Cold War. The Orleck became known as the “Grey Ghost of the Vietnam Coast” and fired 11,000 rounds in support of ground troops.
Over the years, the Orleck received 14 battle stars and dozens of awards.
The City Council unanimously approved a 10-year development agreement with the association. Plans call for a ticket office, restrooms and a gift shop. A walkway over the Riverwalk will be constructed for access to the ship.
The city plans to have a park at the site, which Bean thinks could become a veterans park.
“The city has the ultimate say,” Bean said. “We have advocated for veterans park with the memorial wall. We don’t think a parking lot is an appropriate site for the wall. A serene setting on water is more appropriate.”
It might also be an appropriate site for the first responder memorials, he said.
The project is expected to cost $2.5 million, though costs have been rising since the project was launched 12 years ago, Bean said.
“Many people have come forward to donate and offer help. It’s really gratifying. Every dollar and hour is going to make it that much better.
To donate or volunteer go to www.jaxnavalmuseum.org.
By Lilla Ross
Resident Community News
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