Staying the Course
On April 15th, 1945, the USS Laffey (DD-724) was assigned to help repel an air attack just 30 miles north of Okinawa, Japan. During the attack, thirteen Japanese aircraft were downed. The following day, April 16th, fifty Japanese planes were launched into battle. Badly damaged by four bombs, six kamikaze crashes, and strafing fire, the USS Laffey continued to fight. Despite losing 32 sailors and 71 wounded, the brave men in Gun Mount 53 repelled the enemy fighters, buying time to save the ship. Visit the Mount 53 exhibit to catch a glimpse of what it took to survive this event.
In Search Of More Adventure?
Tour
Learn what life was like for sailors during World War II, Vietnam, and the recovery of the Apollo 8 space capsule while touring areas of the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown that are off-limits to the...
Additional $18 ticket purchase required.
Experience
An American Heroine: From WWII to Vietnam The USS Yorktown (CV-10) was the tenth aircraft carrier to serve in the United States Navy. Under construction as Bon Homme Richard, this new Essex-class...
Included with admission.
Experience
Feel the USS Yorktown roar and watch the Engine Room come alive with interactive kiosks. Discover what it was like for a technician during WWII in our exciting, new Engine Room Experience.
Included with admission.
Experience
"The Ship That Would Not Die" The USS Laffey (DD-724) is the most decorated World War II era Destroyer still in existence. Commissioned at Bath Iron Works, ME in February of 1944, the Laffey was soon...
Included with admission.