A family of four walking on a bridge away from the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier.
A family of four walking on a bridge away from the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier.
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Bringing Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum to life

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In today’s world, guests to Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum want to learn about the history of our fleet and the artifacts on display in exciting and engaging ways.  To this end, we have created interactive exhibits like the Apollo 8 exhibit on the USS Yorktown and the Mount 53 Experience on the USS Laffey that truly bring history to life.  Additionally, the Vietnam Experience exhibit that opened in November 2014 features a 100-speaker surround sound system and recreated sights that transport the visitor to a U.S. support base in the Vietnam War.

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The new indoor/outdoor dining area is located in Hangar Bay III on the USS Yorktown.[/caption]

A new indoor/outdoor dining area was recently completed in Hangar Bay III.  In the coming year, the snack bar will be moved next to this area and the B-25D Mitchell will be brought down from the ceiling and become part of a new exhibit.  Work has also begun on the new arrival experience plan at the nearby main entrance of the USS Yorktown.

More improvements and upgrades are planned for the coming year. In the Vietnam Experience, plans are underway to continue with Phase II of the exhibit.  Plans for this phase focus on an enhanced entrance experience and a greater explanation of the Vietnam War in a broader sense.  A "quonset hut" will be constructed as an entrance facility to provide a place for guests to watch a brief video on the Vietnam War as they enter.  It will also provide a covered space for any artifacts that cannot be displayed outdoors.

As Executive Director Mac Burdette explained: “Our efforts here are based on two simple words: educate and honor. We think what we have done so far is doing that, but to really interpret the war in Vietnam and to honor the veterans that served, we need this facility.”

For more on Phase II of the Vietnam Experience, watch this video:

Another exhibit enhancement planned for the coming year is the Combat Information Center (CIC) on the USS Laffey.  Work has already begun to make this an exhibit where guests can feel like a sailor in the days of war, relying on the information provided through the machines and instruments in the CIC.

Check out this video for more on the USS Laffey CIC project currently underway:

Additional projects coming soon are enhancements to the CIC and Engine Rooms of the USS Yorktown and the USS Laffey and a new interactive welcome experience as guests enter the USS Yorktown.  Stay tuned for future updates on these exciting projects!