Like many octogenarians, the USS Orleck (DD-886) has a rich and colorful life history and remains filled with vitality and fabulous plans for the future.
On Saturday, Oct. 11, the Orleck celebrated its 80th birthday, as well as the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy, with the Run Up for Heroes 5K, hosted by Helping Hands for Heroes. Three hundred and fifty runners participated in the race, raising funds for the Florida-based nonprofit that fights veteran homelessness through transitional housing
and wrap-around services.
In the cool, clear dawn, the Orleck stood watch as a diverse and eager group of runners gathered at the starting line. A Naval Honor Guard carrying the American flag and the flag of the U.S. Navy stood at attention during the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America and the singing of the national anthem.
Retired Navy Veteran Graham Gorden and his grandchildren, Holden and Ally Brock, were on hand to run the race, planning to tour the Orleck’s Naval Warship Museum after they came across the finish line.
“Their dad is in the Navy,” Gorden said, proudly gesturing toward Holden and Ally. “We’re a Navy family.”
A ‘More Robust’ Future
Today, between 2,000 and 5,000 people visit the Orleck monthly, and more than 1,000 volunteers account for the efficiency exhibited by its current “crew.”
Vietnam-era Navy Veteran Lt. William H. Harrell is the founder and board chair of the Veterans Museum and a member of the Orleck Advisory Board. He envisions an even more robust future for the warship museum, as it leads the way to activating the Downtown riverfront.
He shared hope that the City of Jacksonville will continue to recognize, support and revere the ship as a lasting testament to Jacksonville’s naval history and to the brave men and women who serve in our military, while also expressing concerns that current construction plans appear to reduce parking access and visitation prospects for the ship.
“As the City lays out the plans for our parks, particularly the Shipyards West Park, we seek and envision a broad riverwalk that connects all of us to the outstanding points of waterfront interest for visitors and residents of Jacksonville,” said Harrell. “These plans are in need of careful public and political leadership scrutiny before construction starts.”
As to the birthday and anniversary celebrations for the Orleck and the U.S. Navy, retired Navy Captain and President of the USS Orleck/Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association Daniel Bean stated, “We are blessed to be able to share the Navy’s most decorated warship since World War II with the City of Jacksonville. Her 80 years of existence cover a span of time that saw the United States establish its dominance as the World’s greatest Navy and ensure that it maintains that position for the next 250 years.”
A History of the USS Orleck
Jacksonville is the third-largest Navy town in the nation, and the Orleck, which has hosted approximately 90,000 visitors since 2022, is America’s most decorated warship since World War II.
Located at the Navy Pier, the ship was first launched in 1945. It was named after Lt. Joseph Orleck.
One of 98 gearing-class destroyers, the Orleck distinguished itself in both Vietnam and Korea, becoming known as the “Gray Ghost of the Vietnam Coast” and, in Korea, being the charter member of the “Train-Busters Club.” These, as well as other historic achievements such as the Russian Submarine Encounter, are well-documented in the naval museum with engaging videos and even a hologram.
The Orleck was transferred to the Turkish Navy in the early 1980s and remained on active duty with Turkey until 2000, before being converted into a naval museum in Orange, Texas, where it was initially built.
In 2005, Hurricane Rita hit the destroyer, causing considerable damage. Once repaired, it was transferred to Lake Charles, Louisiana, where it was docked until 2022.
After that, the intrepid destroyer became the focus of the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association, thanks to the tireless efforts of many, particularly Bean and long-time Downtown Jacksonville and military advocate Jim Webb, among others.
“Many city riverfronts are built around warships,” said Bean, citing Baltimore Harbor, which is home to WW-II era Liberty ship S.S. John W. Brown.
Approximately 534 Victory ships–the larger, faster successor to the Liberty ships–were built during WWII, primarily in 1944 and ‘45, many of them built right here at Jacksonville’s St. Johns River Shipbuilding Company. Memorabilia and a model of one such Victory Ship–the SS James H. Courts–can be found on the lower deck of the Jacksonville Naval Museum.
Several board members of the nonprofit ownership group were present in the officer’s wardroom for the ship’s anniversary celebration, including Harrell, Bean, Webb and Ship Manager Captain James F. Fossa (USN, Ret.).
Harrell pointed out two pin-filled maps on the bulkhead of the wardroom, with pins indicating the homes of the museum’s many visitors during the past three years. As the men sat at the wardroom table, where officers once shared meals and, on occasion, where emergency at-sea surgeries were performed, they discussed the long and impressive history of the ship and why it is such a treasure for the City of Jacksonville and the State of Florida.
Fossa discussed the overnights that area Sea Cadets have had the privilege of experiencing, as well as the private events available aboard the ship. He added that several of the regular volunteers are dedicated high school students who are earning community hours for their college resumés.
“We were determined to bring the Orleck here for three main reasons,” said Bean. “One, to enhance our Downtown with an authentic piece of history; two, to educate our civilian friends about military service–especially the youth; and three, to honor our U.S. Navy, the best in the world.”
Bean was the honoree for the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Navy on Monday, Oct. 13.
“Since its founding in 1775, the world’s greatest Navy has been more than a maritime force,” said Bean. “It’s been a symbol of American resolve.” Bean noted that from the earliest days of the Continental Navy to the global operations of today’s fleet, America’s sailors have stood watch over freedom, facing storms, conflict and uncertainty in order to protect “the ideals that we hold sacred as a nation.”
