The USS Kidd, a famed World War II-era destroyer decorated with 12 battle stars, is set to undergo its first overhaul since 1962.
The destroyer’s restoration in Louisiana will cost $11 million, and the project will also include recreating crew quarters to honor African-American service in World War II, Fox 8 reported. Reported Tuesday. (RELATED: USS Arizona Sailor Lewis Conter dies at 102)
The prized vessel served in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans during World War II, taking part in the Battle of Okinawa, but was heavily damaged in a Japanese kamikaze attack that killed 38 crew members, the outlet reported. The vessel also saw action in the Korean War, according to the USS Kidd Veterans Museum website. attention.
According to the museum, Kidd is “the only remaining destroyer in World War II configuration” and was used as a filming location for the 2018 film Greyhound starring Tom Hanks. Kidd earned the nickname “Pirate of the Pacific” for her “daring exploits during World War II.” According to the United States Navy, Kidd earned eight battle stars during World War II and four more during the Korean War. Website.
The ship had sustained damage while on display at the museum and needed repairs, “We could see it was flooded more than it had been in Baton Rouge, so we knew this was the year to come. We needed repairs to fix the leaks.” USS Kidd Veterans Museum Executive Director Parks Stevenson told Fox 8.
Fox 8 shared video of the warship being towed to a dry dock.
According to Fox 8, Thomas Sea Marine Constructors LLC was selected to repair the aging destroyer. “We are thrilled with the care and attention that Thomas Sea Shipyards has put into this ship. The entire staff has a personal investment in this ship and we all feel that it couldn’t be in better hands.” Bill PurvisThomas Sea Marine’s general manager of repairs told the media in a video.
“We’re going to paint it, we’re going to paint it in World War II camouflage, which I think is going to look pretty good,” Stephenson told the outlet in a video.
“Today is the day we have all been waiting for and specifically what I am here for – the USS Kidd is docking today,” the secretary general wrote on Facebook on Tuesday.
The Kidd was “designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986” and is housed in a museum that honors “Louisiana veterans of all branches of the military who have served our nation throughout its history,” according to the museum’s website. The warship is scheduled to return to its role as a public museum in the spring of 2025.
