JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The USS Orleck faced yet another delay, pushing its soft opening to next week. The destroyer was expected to welcome visitors Wednesday, but electrical issues pushed the date.
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“We were really hoping to be open this week, but with any other large project there were a couple snags,” Jim Webb said. He’s the Executive Director of the Jacksonville Naval Museum. Webb said electrical contractors are working on some power issues, but next Wednesday it should be good to go.
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While the soft opening didn’t happen as planned, one man was able to still hop on board.
Bosun mate Schwartz served on the USS Orleck in the 70′s during the Vietnam War. He drove from Mobile, Alabama with his daughter to see the ship.
“It just really made me proud when a gentleman said that yeah I served on this ship,” Webb said. “[He said] I celebrated my 18th birthday in the navy on this ship.”
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Due to the long journey Schwartz made, the crew welcomed him on board turning disappointment into a dream come true.
Other families will be able to get the same experience next Wednesday, May 24. The hours of operation are 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. for weekdays. It will stay open later for Memorial Day Weekend, but Webb didn’t specify a time.
The plan is to make the area the ‘museum district’ with the fire museum already on the property and the eventual plans for MOSH to relocate.
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You can visit the Jacksonville Naval Museum.
