During World War II and Korea, I was on many U.S. Navy ships. Each had its own traditions and history. Oldtimers believe ships are called “she” because those who serve aboard always retain abiding love for the memories. Many historic Navy ships can be visited across the United States and around the world. The Historic Naval Ships Assocation and its helpful website provides a great guide to all the ships and a good starting point for travelers wanting to visit naval history first-hand. Here are my choices for the top five historic naval ships that can visited in the U.S.:
The aircraft carrier USS Midway and its museum are moored in San Diego Harbor. She rests there, proud of service in war and peace from 1945 to 1992. I visited recently and found her full of fond memories of my Korean War service aboard her sister ship, the USS Oriskany (CV-34). With the San Diego city skyline as background, on her flight deck are 25 aircraft, including WWII dive bombers and Gulf War F-18 jets. Below on the hangar deck are aircraft displays offering simulated flights and other visitor experiences.
USS Constitution – Boston, MA
The USS Constitution and accompanying museum are tourist attractions in Boston Harbor. Launched in 1794, she saw action against Barbary Pirates and other campaigns. This year are ceremonies celebrating the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. Then, the USS Constitution earned her nickname of Old Ironsides in victories against British ships. She’s the oldest still-serving ship in the U.S. Navy administered by a Navy crew.
The only time I’ve been aboard a submarine was in WWII traveling from Manila to another Philippine Island. Since that experience, I’ve admired submariners for their bravery and skills. A submarine from that era is a museum at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. Visiting the restored USS Pampanito brought back many wartime memories.
USS Hornet – Alameda, CA
Another super-carrier, the USS Hornet is docked in Alameda across the bay from San Francisco. The ship saw action in World War II and also picked up the Apollo 11 astronauts after splashdown in 1969. The ship, now a museum, hosts a “living ship day” each month, staffed with volunteers who perform the duties of naval crewman. The ship also hosts a family live-aboard overnight experience a few times each year, a great experience for kids.
USS Arizona– Honolulu, HI
One of my most heartfelt visits was to the USS Arizona at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Park, commonly known as the Pearl Harbor Memorial in Honolulu, Hawaii. Located beneath a museum, she sits just below the water line, where she sank after the December 7, 1941, Japanese attack. Even after 70 years, visitors can still see oil bubbles slowly escaping through her stacks to the surface. Inside the museum, there are artifacts and a plaque with names of the 1,177 crewmen who died in the attack.
You can follow travel writer Ted Sherman on Twitter @travel4seniors and check out his blog travel4seniors.com.
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