USS Laffey (DD-724)

[WEGL12]

Since today is December 7 (and to honor the men and women that played an important role in our country’s history), I decided to upload pictures of the USS Laffey (DD- 724). This decommissioned destroy normally is moored at Patriots Point Naval Museum in Charleston, South Carolina. Last December, the ship’s hull started to fail and the ship began taking on water. As the leaks worsened, it was determined that the ship either had to be repaired or sunk as an artificial reef. The decision was made to place the ship in dry-dock and completely repair the hull. These pictures were taken in late August when the ship was moved up the Charleston river. A few pictures show the poor shape of the hull. I am not sure of the final number but as of March the ship had nearly 100 holes and cracks in the hull. The ship is scheduled to return to its mooring next year. I had the opportunity to work on the ship when the problem first started and I can say that the pictures display the ship’s hull in better condition than it‘s actual condition. However, I am glad that the decision was made to save the ship rather than sink her. I have spoken with many of the sailors that served onboard the USS Laffey and I can tell that this ship is very important in their lives still today. Growing up in Charleston, I know that visiting the USS Laffey and the USS Yorktown gave me a sense of determination to become a Naval officer. Hopefully, museums like Patriots Point have an impact on other people lives like it did on mine. I hope everyone enjoys the pictures.

 

[jollygreen07]

My grandpa served in USS BARTON (DD-722) one of LAFFEY's sister ships. I got to tour this ship several times during my time as a cadet there. I'm very glad to see that they are restoring her. It really helped me connect with him and brought some of his stories to life for me. Thanks for posting this.

 

[Owen]

Great photos! Thanks for posting them. It reminds
me of the hull restoration project on the USS Alabama
in the '90s. Same problem; different approach. God
bless Patriots Point for stepping up to save her. I un-
derstand Yorktown now has some similar problems.

The story of the Laffey is amazing and well known. If
anyone wants to read a similar tale Google "USS Evans
and USS Hadley". Afterfighting off hundreds of kamikazes
and downing 22 of them, both ships were left dead in the
water, burning, and unable to continue the fight.

They were rescued by Marine Corsairs (VMF-323 &
VMF-451) from Okinawa who took care of the remaining
japanese. GO NAVY AIR!!!

 

[WEGL12]

Update on the Laffey

Just to update the Laffey situation for those who are interested. All hull repairs were completed by late December and the ship was removed from dry-dock in mid January. Currently the ship is located on the old Navy base in North Charleston (pier November I believe). Plans are currently in progress to bring the ship back to Patriots Point but financial problems have delayed the move until the winter of 2011. The shipyard completely refitted the ship with a new hull rather than plating over the previous one. The new hull should ensure that the ship last another 20 to 30 years without major problems. Members of the Patriot Point staff are currently repairing the topside of the ship to prevent rain water leaks. This includes sections of the bridge and the smoke stacks. The bases of the stacks were rusting away and had several holes close to an inch in width by six to twelve inches in length. After all the repairs are completed the entire ship will be painted and wait its return to Patriots Point. One interesting fact, the ship is currently moored at November pier. Records were found that indicate that the ship was moored at this same pier in 1965 or 1966. I found it interesting that the ship is in the same location as it once was while in service.

With regards to the Yorktown situation. Several compartments in the forward section of the ship developed leaks. These leaks caused the water to fill certain compartments up to the 5th deck. Many rumors developed in January and February about the Navy forcing Patriots Point to repair the entire hull of the aircraft carrier. To my knowledge there is very little truth behind these rumors and most were made up by the media. As of March most of the leaks have been repaired and the compartments are being restored. Another project currently in progress is the removal of all the fuel oil onboard the ship. Most of the fuel tanks were drained by the Navy during decommissioning. However, many of the tanks had six to twelve inches of oil remaining in the bottom (which adds up when the tanks are 30 by 80 feet). The only reasoning behind the oil removal is to prevent an environmental hazard should the tanks leak into the river.

I also attached a picture of the restoration of an H-3 Sea King. This is the department I currently work in and I enjoy restoration project of the different historical aircraft. The last project was the F-4J and we are currently working on the A-7. If you notice the H-3 missing three blades, it’s because a strong thunderstorm (possible tornado?) broke them off last summer. These have been replaced and we are currently repairing the fiberglass damage. Hope everyone enjoys the pictures and the information.

 

[goopscoop]

Thanks for posting the pics and update. I've visited Patriot's Point a couple of times and consider it to be tops on my short list of favorite historical sites. Classy people in charge there ensuring the legacy of these great ships will continue to inspire for decades to come. Bravo Zulu!