USS Kidd
The renowned World War II destroyer USS Kidd, commonly known as the “Pirate of the Pacific,” has been preserved as a museum ship in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The ship was named after Rear Admiral Isaac Kidd, who was killed in the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese. During World War II, the USS Kidd played a crucial part in the Pacific Theater, and it is now a major tourist attraction for people from all over the world.
The USS Kidd was commissioned on April 23, 1943, after being launched on February 28, 1943. It was the second ship of the Fletcher class, which was one of the most successful and widely utilized destroyer classes of World War Two.
The USS Kidd participated in some of the most significant conflicts in the Pacific theater, such as the Battle of the Philippines, the Battle of Leyte Gulf, and the Battle of Okinawa. The ship also participated in the March 1945 rescue of the sailors of the USS Franklin, which had been severely damaged by a Japanese air strike. In recognition of its service in the Pacific, the USS Kidd was awarded twelve battle stars.
The USS Kidd was decommissioned and held in reserve following World War II until 1961 when it was resurrected and modified into a guided missile destroyer. The ship served in this capacity for a number of years until its decommissioning in 1981. The USS Kidd was donated to the state of Louisiana in 1982 and opened in Baton Rouge as a museum ship.
Via a variety of exhibitions and displays, visitors can now tour the USS Kidd and learn about its history. Visitors can explore the ship’s many compartments, including the engine room, the bridge, and the living quarters, which display original equipment and memorabilia from the ship’s service in World War Two.
The Destroyer Escort Sailors Monument, which was inaugurated in 1988, is one of the most popular attractions on the USS Kidd. A bronze statue of a sailor standing on the ship’s bow commemorates the tens of thousands of sailors who fought on destroyer escorts during World War Two.
Also, the USS Kidd provides numerous educational events for school groups and other organizations. These events include of guided tours, hands-on activities, and museum staff and volunteer talks. The museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the USS Kidd and its involvement in World War II and teaching the public about the sacrifices made by American sailors during the conflict.
In addition to being a museum ship, the USS Kidd is an important Baton Rouge landmark. The ship is located on the Mississippi River shoreline and is visible from a number of city locations. The USS Kidd is a renowned Baton Rouge attraction that serves as a memorial of the sacrifices made by American servicemen and women during World War II.
The USS Kidd is a significant part of American military history and a famous tourist destination in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The ship’s participation in World War II and subsequent preservation as a museum ship are a testimony to the valor and sacrifice of American sailors during the conflict. Visitors to the USS Kidd can learn about the ship’s history and the US Navy’s history, as well as pay homage to those who served aboard.