U.S.S. Kidd and Nautical Center, Baton Rouge (must see)

The USS Kidd is a Fletcher-class destroyer used in World War II, most notably during the Battle of Okinawa. Now, it serves as a museum ship boarded by visitors. It is part of the Nautical Center, which includes the Naval Veterans Memorial and the Veterans Museum.

The USS Kidd rests on dry-dock in the Mississippi River. The ship has been preserved to reflect its appearance and function from August 1945. It is the only Fletcher-class museum ship that has stayed true to its World War II form. The destroyer was named a National Historic Landmark in 1986.

Visitors to the museum will see aircraft and equipment used during World War II. They can hear stories from veterans while they learn from the past. As the exhibits are often changing, patrons may have a different experience each time they visit.

One of the permanent exhibits is a walkthrough exhibit of the gun deck of Old Ironsides. One of the most recent additions to the museum is an exhibition of marine graffiti from the 1960s.

Along with exhibits, the ship, and Nautical Center have a regular celebration and remembrance ceremonies. Each April 11th, a remembrance ceremony honors the date that a kamikaze pilot tore through the destroyer's hull, killing 38 crew members and injuring another 55.

The USS Kidd and Nautical Center are open daily from 9 AM to 3:30 PM. They are closed on some national holidays and for private events. Those who want to ensure a visit to the USS Kidd should contact the Nautical Center in advance to inquire about any unlisted closures.