Laffey Re-Opens to Public

Following a three-year overhaul of its once-deteriorating hull, the USS Laffey partially re-opened to the public Sunday.

The 68-year-old Navy gunship nearly sank in Charleston Harbor three years ago when divers discovered the ship’s hull was infiltrated by salt water and was at risk for sinking.

The ship returned to Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum in January after $9 million in repairs. It cost another $1.1 million to tow the ship to a new birth at Patriots Point.

“We are thrilled this historic ship is back at Patriots Point where she belongs,” said Executive Director Mac Burdette. “We are grateful for the public’s patience throughout this process and look forward to welcoming everyone back aboard ‘The Ship That Would Not Die.’”

Due to ongoing repairs and improvements to tour routes throughout the ship, the LAFFEY will reopen in phases, according to a Patriots Point news release. The first phase that will be complete by March 11 will provide public access to the main deck and above, including: the Post Office, Barber Shop, History Channel Theater Room, Repair Locker, Sick Bay, Galley, Captain’s In Port Cabin, Chart Room, Radar Room, Radio Room, Bridge and Pilot House, Cross Torpedo Deck, Aft to Mount 53 and Brow. 

Later phases will include the Laffey History Exhibit, DASH Exhibit, 02 Deck, Steam Line, Crew’s Mess, Scullery, IC Shack, Wardroom, 02 Level, CIC Renovation and Torpedo Storage.  It is anticipated that the Laffey will be completely open to the public by mid-April – in time for the LAFFEY Homecoming Ceremony on April 13.

The USS Laffey was commissioned February 8, 1944. The ship supported the D-Day landings at Normandy and participated in the U.S. offensive against Japan. While operating off Okinawa in 1945, LAFFEY was attacked by 22 Japanese bombers and kamikaze aircraft.

Five kamikazes and three bombs struck her, and two bombs scored near misses to kill 31 and wound 71 of the 336-man crew. The Laffey shot down nearly half of the attacking aircraft and saved the damaged ship.

The ships stand at this battle earned her the nickname: “The Ship That Would Not Die.” Laffey, the only surviving Sumner-class destroyer in North America, was added to the Patriots Point fleet in 1981, and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986.