In the United States, over 100 Navy ships exist. The best opportunity for a tourist interested in visiting a ship is to find a retired ship. Retired Navy ships exist in almost every state and are found in many port cities throughout the United States. Ships are found in historical, science or museum districts in most port cities.
The USS Wisconsin BB-64 is located in Norfolk Virginia at the Nauticus science center. The ship is one of many famous Iowa class ships from World War II. It has seen action in every war up to the Desert Storm (excluding Vietnam). After Desert Storm the ship was retired. Self guided tours are open on the two upper decks and the main deck. See what life on a ship is like firsthand while walking the same hallways and decks of our nations veterans. As of 2010, admission for an adult is $11.95, a child 4 to 12 is $9.50, and anyone under 3 years is free.
Nauticus
One Waterside Drive
Norfolk, VA 23510
757-664-1000 ext. 43144
nauticus.org
The SS American Victory is located in Tampa Florida. It was built in 1945 and has seen action in every war until it was deactivated in 1969 during the Vietnam. The ship carried many troops and supplies as a charter ship and warship during its active duty. The American Victory Organization offers docent (guided tours) or self guided tours of this historical ship. Educational, group and youth tours exist; enjoy interactive on-board activities and learn the history of the ship and of the servicemen it housed during its active tenure. Take a tour on the main deck and on the second deck. As of 2010, adult admission is $10, $5 for kids 4 to 12 and free for children under 3.
American Victory Ship Mariners Memorial Museum
705 Channelside Drive
Tampa, FL 33602
813-228-8766
americanvictory.org
The USS Hornet is located in the San Francisco at the Aircraft Carrier Hornet Museum. The Hornet is a national and state historical landmark of the United States. The Hornet is the eighth ship of that name in U.S. navy with history back to 1775. The ship played a vital role in WWII by eliminating over 1,400 Japanese airplanes and ships weighing well over a million tons. The ship is inactive but performs a live show every third Saturday of the month. Tours and exhibits of the ship include the navigational bridge, flight deck, hangar and second deck. As of 2010, adult admission cost $15, and a child ages 5 to 17 is $6; kids under 4 get in free.
USS Hornet Museum
PO Box 460
Alameda, CA 94501
510-521-8448
uss-hornet.org
