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US Navy Museum Ships

The map below shows you the locations of most of the US Navy museum ships in the United States. These ships include warships, submarines, liberty ships etc. - basically all the ships that once played a role in the US Navy and that are now preserved and open to the public. Normally, the ships are maintained by private organisations and veterans and volunteers. You can click on a mark on the map to get more information about the ship(s) located there. You can also zoom in and out and scroll the map to take a closer look at a ship. All texts on this page reflect my own opinions and do not necessarily have to correspond with your experiences aboard the listed museum ships.

California

Connecticut

District of Columbia

Hawaii

Massachsetts

North Carolina

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New York

Pennsylvania

South Carolina

Texas

Virginia

Washington

California

• USS HORNET (CV 12)



• Description:
  
  Located at the former Naval Air Station Alameda, Calif., the USS HORNET is one of two aircraft carriers preserved as museum on the US west coast. Donated to the Aircraft Carrier HORNET Foundation on May 26, 1998, the ship was subsequently opened to the public. Unfortunately, Alameda is located a bit off the touristic areas and so the HORNET does not really get the attention she deserves. Many San Francisco tourists probably don't even know about the carrier. That's sad because the HORNET is well-preserved by her dedicated staff and definitely worth a visit. A lot of spaces are accessible and free guided tours are offered. The aircraft collection aboard is not very extensive but includes A-4, F-4, F-8, F-14, S-3, SH-2, SH-3 etc. Additionally, a number of theme exhibitions (e.g. Apollo 11) add to the interesting atmosphere aboard. Another must-see aboard is the ship's store which sometimes offers highlights like authentic aircraft tailhooks or USS HORNET planks. Free parking is available directly at the museum but the HORNET can also be reached from San Francisco with public transportation (BART and bus).



• Address:
  
  USS Hornet Museum, 707 W Hornet Ave, Alameda, Calif. 94501

• USS MIDWAY (CV 41)



• Description:
  
  Located directly in downtown San Diego, Calif., the USS MIDWAY is (at least in my opinion) the best aircraft carrier museum in the United States. The MIDWAY is among the most-visited museum ships in the USA and one can easily spend several hours on board. The museum has a large collection of nicely restored aircraft. Many spaces below deck are accessible and can be explored on guided and self-guided tours. Dummies are used to demonstrate how sailors worked and lived aboard the carrier. Docents explain procedures and operations throughout the MIDWAY and if you like to take a break you can visit the fantail cafe or take some rest on the flight deck enjoying the great view of the active carriers at Naval Air Station North Island. Additionally, all Navy ships departing or arriving at Naval Base San Diego are passing the MIDWAY which can be interesting as well. The San Diego harbor cruises are starting nearby and the San Diego Maritime Museum is also just a few minutes away.



• Address:
  
  USS Midway Museum, 910 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, Calif., 92101

• USS DOLPHIN (AGSS 555)



• Description:
  
  Donated in 2008, USS DOLPHIN is one of the newest ships in the collection of the San Diego Maritime Museum. The museum has a number of ships open to the public and DOLPHIN is one of two submarines. The other sub is a Russian submarine. DOLPHIN is clean and in pretty good condition and it's hard to imagine that this boat almost sunk in May 2002 after she had to be abandoned after a fire and flooding.



• Address:
  
  Maritime Museum of San Diego, 1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, Calif., 92101

• SS JEREMIAH O'BRIEN



• Description:
  
  SS JEREMIAH O'BRIEN is one of the many Liberty Ships built during World War II. After the war, she was mothballed in Suisun Bay, Calif., and remained there until 1979, when she headed to San Francisco (under her own power!) to be opened as a museum. Today, she is located at Pier 45 at San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf where she is kept in a fully functional condition. Her volunteer crew regularly sails the JEREMIAH O'BRIEN in San Francisco Bay and off the US west coast. One of the highlights of the ship's museum career was in 1994, when the O'BRIEN set sail for Great Britain and France for the 50th D-Day anniversary, returning to the place where she saw action 50 years earlier. As mentioned, the ship is maintained in a good condition and a number of seats are available on the main deck to allow visitors to rest and enjoy the nice view of San Francisco Bay. Considering the relatively expensive admission of $10 I was a bit disappointed that the ship's store was not open during my visit.



• Address:
  
  SS Jeremiah O'Brien, Pier 45, Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, Calif., 94133

• SS LANE VICTORY



• Description:
  
  SS LANE VICTORY is one of the Liberty Ships built during World War II and served during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The ship was laid up in Suisun Bay, Calif., for many years until she was donated as a museum. Today, the LANE VICTORY is maintained by volunteers of the US Merchant Marine Veterans of World War II and is kept in great condition. Her propulsion system is fully functional and the LANE VICTORY regularly conducts cruises off Los Angeles. There's a comprehensive exhibition about the US Merchant Marine on board.



• Address:
  
  SS Lane Victory, Berth 94, San Pedro, Calif., 90733-0629

• USS LCS(L) 102



• Description:
  
  LCS(L) 102 is preserved at the former Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, Calif. She is the last remaining vessel of 130 Landing Craft Support (Large) built during World War II. In 1949, all remaining ships of this type were redesignated Landing Ship Support Large (LSSL). Decommissioned after World War II, LCS(L) 102 was transferred to Japan in 1953. Returned in 1966, she was transferred to Thailand the same year and entered service as NAKHA (LSSL 751). In 2007, the decommissioned NAKHA was transported back to the United States and donated to the National Association of USS LCS(L) 1-130. Normally, the ship is only open to the public on weekends when volunteers are there to work aboard the ship. They gladly show you the ship and answer questions. LCS(L) 102 is a beautiful little ship and it's hard to imagine that during World War II more than 60 sailors lived and worked aboard her.



• Address:
  
  Waterfront Ave., Vallejo, Calif., 94592

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Connecticut

• USS NAUTILUS (SSN 571)



• Description:
  
  The USS NAUTILUS Museum is maintained by the US Navy and is part of the Submarine Force Museum in Groton, Ct. On display are also a few midget submarines and the sail of USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (SSBN 598). Admission is free and the museum is a must-see for anyone interested in US submarine history. The NAUTILUS is located outside the museum building and a free audio tour is available for the visitors. Unfortunately, the aft half of the NAUTILUS (which includes the propulsion system) is not open to the public. According to museum personnel the reason is that this section is still classified.



• Address:
  
  Submarine Force Museum, 1 Crystal Lake Road, Groton, Conn. 06340

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District of Columbia

• USS BARRY (DD 933)



• Description:
  
  USS BARRY is preserved at the Washington Navy Yard and is maintained by the US Navy. She is in pretty good shape and admission is free. Sometimes, parts of the ship are closed to the public due to official events and ceremonies on board. For the ship itself it's good to be maintained by the Navy because this way she receives the required funding to keep her in good condition. On the other side a disadvantage is that the personnel on board are US Navy sailors who might not have the personal connection to the ship compared to all the volunteers aboard other museum ships who kind of love their ships. During my visit aboard the BARRY the mentioned sailors appeared to be quite bored and listless and the "Don't tread on me" flag on the bow was hoisted the wrong way up (which can be seen in the photo tour linked below).



• Address:
  
  USS Barry, 707 Riverside Drive, S.E., Washington Navy Yard, DC. 20374-5038

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Hawaii

• USS MISSOURI (BB 63)



• Description:
  
  USS MISSOURI is preserved at Naval Station Pearl Harbor. Tickets for the MISSOURI are available at the USS ARIZONA Memorial Visitor Center and from there, a shuttle bus takes you to the battleship. You can either tour the ship on your own or you participate in a guided tour which costs up to $25 extra which is probably one of the most expensive tours on any US Navy museum ship. Nevertheless, the MISSOURI is an interesting ship in great condition at a perfect location. From her decks you can watch the activities at the Naval Base and after your visit you can stop at the ship's store or the diner which are both located on the pier where the MISSOURI is sitting. The ship is definitely a must-see when you are on a multi-day stay on the island of Oahu, Hi.



• Address:
  
  USS Arizona Memorial Visitor Center , 1 Arizona Memorial Place, Honolulu, HI. 96818-3145

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Massachusetts

• USS CONSTITUTION and USS CASSIN YOUNG (DD 793)



• Description:
  
  USS CONSTITUTION - the oldest commissioned warship afloat - is maintained by the US Navy and has an actual US Navy Crew on board that periodically sails the ship. Admission is free and visitors have a clear an airport-like security check before being able to go on board. USS CASSIN YOUNG is located directly next to the CONSTITUTION and is maintained by the National Park Service. When I was there, she was dry-docked and not open to the public so I'm not able to further comment on her.



• Address:
  
  USS Constitution, Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown, Mass., 02129

• USS SALEM (CA 139)



• Description:
  
  The USS SALEM is located in Quincy, Mass. - the city where she was built. The SALEM is also the only preserved heavy cruiser in the United States. She spent many years laid up in the mothball fleet until she was donated as a museum in 1994. When visiting the SALEM you might easily think that she's still laid up in the reserve fleet. Her exterior condition is not the best but this is not necessarily a bad thing. She's a veteran ship and that's the way she looks. There's a lot of rust, old paint and damaged planking. But like many old ships, the SALEM is in much better shape when getting below decks. Many compartments have been renovated and are open to the public.



• Address:
  
  USS Salem, 739 Washington Street, Quincy, Mass. 02169

• USS MASSACHUSETTS (BB 59), USS JOSEPH P. KENNEDY, JR. (DD 850), USS LIONFISH (SS 298), and USNS Hiddensee



• Description:
  
  Battleship Cove is a great place to spend the day. Four museum ships, two PT boats and a part of the bow of USS FALL RIVER (CA 131) are on display. All ships can be toured and the MASSACHUSETTS has a diner offering a wide range of snacks and drinks. My favorit ship was the JOSEPH P. KENNEDY, JR., mainly because of a crew member who showed us around - also to places that are normally closed. He told us that most of the equipment on board is still functional starting with the radio equipment and ending with a diesel engine. If needed, the destroyer would be able to produce its own power. USS MASSACHUSETTS and the LIONFISH are also interesting and it's worth touring them. USNS HIDDENSEE is a Soviet-built TARANTUL I - class corvette originally used by the East German Navy. After Germany's reunification she briefly served in the German Navy before transferred to the US Navy for testing. The ship impressed the US Navy in many ways because initially, the Navy didn't believe that the Gatling guns on board the HIDDENSEE actually had a caliber of 30mm and that the ship was able to travel at speeds in excess of 50 knots (in perfect conditions). Since 1996, the HIDDENSEE is at Battleship Cove.



• Address:
  
  Battleship Cove, 5 Water Street, Fall River, Mass., 02721

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North Carolina

• USS NORTH CAROLINA (BB 55)



• Description:
  
  Opened to the public in 1962, the NORTH CAROLINA is one of the oldest US Navy museum ships in the United States. The ship is located in Wilmington, NC., and is in pretty good shape. You can explore almost the entire ship and informative texts and explanations can be found in all compartments. An extensive ship's store is part of the museum and free parking is available.



• Address:
  
  USS North Carolina, 1 Battleship Road, Wilmington, NC 28401

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New Hampshire

• USS ALBACORE (AGSS 569)



• Description:
  
  Unlike most other museum ships in the United States, the ALBACORE is preserved on land which allows visitors to take a closer look at the experimental design of the submarine. The self-guided tour starts at the bow and ends at the stern and takes you through all the sub's compartments. The visitor center offers an additional submarine exhibition and a nice ship's store. Free parking is available directly at the museum.



• Address:
  
  Albacore Park, 600 Market Street, Portsmouth, NH. 03801

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New Jersey

• USS NEW JERSEY (BB 62)



• Description:
  
  The USS NEW JERSEY is preserved on the Delaware River just opposite of Penn's Landing, Philadelphia. When visiting the ship by car you can park at a nearby parking garage. From there, it's a short walk to the museum. In spring and summer there's also a water shuttle from Penn's Landing. The museum offers guided and self-guided tours of the NEW JERSEY. When taking the self-guided tour you won't see all the places that are shown during one of the guided tours which might be seen as a negative aspect because not everybody wants to pay the extra dollars for the guided tour. When I visited the ship I took the so-called Fire Power Tour and it was worth the extra money. One of the highlights of the tour was the visit in the Combat Information Center with a simulated Tomahawk missile launch.



• Address:
  
  Battleship New Jersey, 100 Clinton Street, Camden, NJ. 08103

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New York

• USS INTREPID (CV 11) and USS GROWLER (SSG 577)



• Description:
  
  The USS INTREPID Sea, Air & Space Museum is advertised as being "the most inspiring adventure in America" but I think that's too exaggerated. Actually, I was disappointed after my visit and I think the museum takes much of its fame from it's prominent location in Manhattan and not from being an outstanding museum. Compared to other aircraft carrier museums less compartments of the INTREPID are open to the public. If you want to see more you need to take a guided tour and pay extra. The displayed aircraft are behind barriers which often prevents you from walking around them. The selection of the exhibited aircraft is also a bit debatable. It appears as if they just tried to get a lot of aircraft instead of looking for airplanes that actually have someting to do with aircraft carriers. Ok, it's called the "Sea, Air & Space Museum" and it's cool to have the Concord, an SR-71, an F-16 or some MiGs in the collection but I think these aircraft don't have a place in an aircraft carrier museum. Last but not least many areas of the ship have been reconstructed for the museum which resulted in the loss of a lot of charm of the original USS INTREPID. The hangar bay for example could also be a hall in any museum and in large areas does no longer feel like the hangar bay of an aircraft carrier.
  
  I can't comment on the USS CLAMAGORE because she was closed due to construction work during my visit.



• Address:
  
  USS Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86, W 46th St and 12th Ave., New York City, NY. 10036-4103

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Pennsylvania

• USS OLYMPIA (C 6) and USS BECUNA (SS 319)



• Description:
  
  USS OLYMPIA and USS BECUNA are part of the Independence Seaport Museum. They are located at Penn's Landing on the Delaware River. While the BECUNA is a typical museum submarine with all areas of the boat accessible, the OLYMPIA is really special. She was the flagship of Commodore George Dewey at the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War in 1898. The more than 115 years old cruiser is from a different era of shipbuilding which becomes evident when touring the ship. Unfortunately, the OLYMPIA is in very urgent need for repairs but the museum is unable to raise the funds. There's still the danger of the ship being scrapped to prevent her from sinking at the pier. However, the museum is trying to save the OLYMPIA by transferring her to another organization able to pay for the ship's overhaul. There are presently applications from the East Coast, Gulf Coast and the West Coast. Scrapping the OLYMPIA would definitely be a great loss and the worst possible solution.



• Address:
  
  Independence Seaport Museum, 211 South Columbus Blvd at Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Penn. 19106-3199

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South Carolina

• USS YORKTOWN (CV 10), USS LAFFEY (DD 724), and USS CLAMAGORE (SS 343)



• Description:
  
  Patriots Point is an interesting place to visit. Among the three US Navy ships they also have a Coast Guard ship and a Vietnam Camp on display. Unfortunately, the museum is fighting against financial problems and the LAFFEY is in urgent need for repairs. When I visited the museum, LAFFEY was not open to the public because of the risk to sink at the pier. YORKTOWN and CLAMAGORE were fully open for tours. There's a comprehensive collection of US Navy aircraft and a snack bar on board the YORKTOWN.



• Address:
  
  Patriots Point, 40 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant, SC. 29464-4377

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Texas

• USS LEXINGTON (CV 16)



• Description:
  
  I have not visited the LEXINGTON so far and so I'm not able to comment on the ship.



• Address:
  
  USS Lexington Museum on the Bay, 2914 N. Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX. 78403

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Virginia

• USS WISCONSIN (BB 64)



• Description:
  
  USS WISCONSIN is preserved in downtown Norfolk, Va., and is part of the Nauticus Museum. When I visited the WISCONSIN she was still under Navy custody and therefore, only outside tours were possible. On December 14, 2009, the ship was finally donated as a museum and since October 2010, also inside tours of the WISCONSIN are possible.



• Address:
  
  Nauticus, 1 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA. 23510

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Washington

• USS TURNER JOY (DD 951)



• Description:
  
  The USS TURNER JOY is preserved in downtown Bremerton, Wash., close to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. The ship is in walking distance from the Seattle ferry landing which makes it easy for Seattle tourists to visit the TURNER JOY. The TURNER JOY is in pretty good shape and it's a pleasure to tour her. Most spaces are open to the public and informative explanations are added to most of the equipment on board. A gift store is located on the pier.



• Address:
  
  USS Turner Joy Museum Ship, 300 Washington Beach Ave., Bremerton, Wash. 98337

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