True to her wartime name, “The Ship That Would Not Die,” the famous World War II destroyer Laffey will return to life as a museum ship sometime during the week of January 22-27th. The Laffey was moved from Detyen's Shipyard last January to a pier on Shipyard Creek and now her return is in sight! The museum will be closed from Sunday, 22 January, until its tentative reopening on Saturday, 28 January, due to the movement of submarine Clamagore and return of destroyer Laffey.
When she returns next week, there will be many ageing destroyermen from the Laffey Association, Tin Can Sailors and other former sailors who will converge at Patriots Point to welcome her home. One of them from the Laffey Association will be Lee Hunt from James Island, who is one of only about 20 World War II Laffey crew members still alive today. They have been calling the museum daily and making plans to get to South Carolina as they remember their past service. Their service speaks to all Americans of sacrifice, and duty. It is a service that honors our nation as we fight against terrible odds on terrible days, and it is a service that gives us hope for the future of our nation and future generations.
Patriots Point will welcome Laffey back with a special ceremony in early Spring after her return. Indeed, the nation should welcome her back as a living legacy of our dedication to freedom and our veterans.
