One of the best ship tours I’ve taken is aboard the USS Turner Joy. It is an active museum ship and memorial, maintained by the Bremerton (Washington) Historic Ships Association (BHSA).
The first time we toured this retired Navy destroyer, we had one of our grandsons with us. Viewing the ship through the eyes of youth was a very special experience. Watching as he expressed a youthful enthusiasm and awe of Naval history held special meaning for us. Walking the decks and seeing first hand this important piece of history had great meaning for all of us.
We have toured the USS Turner Joy several times since then, and every time, see and learn more about her and the history she represents. The Turner Joy is an active educational museum that emphasizes the maritime heritage and history of Puget Sound.
Construction and Specifications
For those of you who are interested in the building details of the USS Turner Joy, here are the ship construction and specifications listed on the ship’s Website:
Class: Forrest Sherman Destroyer
Built at: Puget Sound Bridge & Dredging Company, Seattle, Washington
Keel laid: September 30, 1957
Launched: May 5, 1958
Commissioned: August 3, 1959
Length: 418.3 feet (127.5 meters)
Beam: 45.3 feet (13.8 meters)
Draft: 22 feet (6.7 meters)
Displacement: 2,800 tons; approx. 4,000 tons full load
Propulsion system: four-1200 lb. boilers; two steam turbines; two shafts
Propellers: two
Speed: 32+ knots
Armament: Three 5-inch/54 caliber guns and two Mark 32 torpedo launchers that carry 6 Mark 46 torpedoes each.
Aircraft: None
Crew: 17 officers, 275 enlisted
Decommissioned: November 22, 1982
The History
The USS Turner Joy (DD-951) is named in honor of Adm. Charles Turner Joy, USN (1895-1956) who served a long and distinguished career in the U. S. Navy. Turner Joy’s distinctive service included a double-duty role as flagship for Destroyer Squadron 13 and Destroyer Division 131 with several tours in the Pacific. But probably the vessel’s most well-known place in history was her participation in the Gulf of Tonkin incident which escalated the United States involvement in the Vietnam War is probably the most notable. Go here for a complete detail of the history of USS Turner Joy.
General Tour Hours:
March 1 to September 30: Open 10AM to 5PM; 7 days a week.
October 1 to February 28: Open 10AM – 4PM; Only Fridays – Saturdays – Sundays.
Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
General Admission:
Adults $10
Seniors (62+) $8
Children (5-12) $6
Under 5 Free
Active Military (with ID) Free
Tin Can Sailors Member Free
AAA Discounts
Other Activities:
The Bremerton Historic Ships Association (BHSA) offers ship reunions, memorial services, enlistment/re-enlistment/retirement ceremonies and group overnight events. To find out how to schedule the ship site for one of these events, go here.
The Association also organizes public celebrations for national holidays, especially military-related holidays, as well as participating in certain local and regional events Armed Forces’ Day, 4th of July, Blackberry Festival, Veterans’ Day and a special Halloween treat for the kids. For a complete schedule, go here.
Plan a Trip to the USS Turner Joy: It’s Worth the Effort!
Plan a visit now to tour this remarkable historic Destroyer. The USS TURNER JOY is located on the Bremerton Boardwalk, 300 Washington Beach Avenue, Bremerton, WA. Here is the link to their Website.
From Seattle and points north and east, it is an easy ride from the Seattle ferry terminal to the Bremerton Ferry terminal. You can find the the Settle-Bremerton Ferry Schedule here. If you are traveling from Washington State point south, the fastest route is over the Narrows Bridge from Tacoma. Points west, take the Hood Canal Bridge and travel on state hwy 3 to the Bremerton exit.
Sources:
Bremerton Historic Ships Association: USS Turner Joy
Washington State Ferry Schedules
