On 17 September, Jacksonville Naval Museum's Captain Greg Allen presented at the Historic Naval Ship Association (HNSA) Annual Symposium in San Diego, offering attendees an in-depth look at the USS Orleck’s storied past and the journey to its new home in Jacksonville. His presentation began with a brief history of the USS Orleck (DD-886), a Gearing-class destroyer with an impressive service record that includes World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Captain Greg then transitioned to the events leading up to the Orleck's arrival in Jacksonville, a monumental effort involving the community and...

The USS Orleck, known for its storied past as a Navy destroyer, has not only faced battles at sea but also weathered the forces of nature. As Hurricane Helene approaches, we must temporarily close the ship for the safety of our visitors and staff, marking another chapter in the vessel’s long-standing history with inclement weather. This is not the first time the USS Orleck has been forced to close due to a storm. Since its relocation to Jacksonville, the ship has braved numerous weather challenges. During the active Atlantic hurricane seasons, closures and necessary precautions are a reality...

Looking for a memorable day in downtown Jacksonville? Start with a tour of the USS Orleck Naval Museum, where you can dive into the ship’s rich history and explore interactive exhibits like the Mount 52 Experience. Afterward, there’s plenty to see and do nearby. Here’s a guide to make the most of your day. Dining Delights in Downtown Jax: After touring the Orleck, grab lunch at Bellwether, a local favorite known for its fresh takes on American cuisine. If you’re in the mood for a drink, head to Manifest Distilling just around the corner. This craft distillery specializes in small-batch...

On September 13th at 1300, the USS Orleck will host a special ceremony to honor the courageous actions of Lieutenant Joseph Orleck, after whom the warship is named. This heartfelt tribute will be led by Retired Captain Greg Allen and will commemorate the day LT Orleck made the ultimate sacrifice in his brave efforts to save his warship on September 9th, 1943. The ceremony will begin with the reading of eyewitness accounts, detailing the events surrounding that fateful day. These poignant words will bring to life the bravery, dedication, and leadership displayed by LT Orleck in the face of...

The Mount 52 Experience, located on the fantail of the USS Orleck, offers a unique opportunity to step into history and feel what it was like aboard the “Grey Ghost of the Vietnam Coast.” This immersive exhibit at the Jacksonville Naval Museum is designed to bring the USS Orleck to life through a multi-sensory, multi-media, and multi-generational journey. Visitors are transported back in time to October 28, 1968, during a critical mission off the coast of Vietnam. The exhibit combines video with synchronized lighting, sound, and vibration effects to recreate the intensity of a naval...

Jacksonville’s annual 904 Day celebration is fast approaching, and this year’s event will take place aboard the historic USS Orleck. This special day is dedicated to celebrating the unique culture, history, and community spirit of Jacksonville, and it’s an event that locals look forward to each year. 904 Day, named after Jacksonville’s area code, is celebrated on September 4th (9/04). It has become a beloved tradition for residents to honor everything that makes Jacksonville special. The day serves as a reflection of the city’s vibrant arts scene, beautiful beaches, thriving sports culture,...

Joseph Orleck, born on June 22, 1906, in Columbus, Ohio, was the son of Russian immigrants Maximilian and Rebecca Orleck. In 1924, following his father's death, Orleck enlisted in the United States Navy, beginning a distinguished fourteen-year career. Orleck rose through the naval ranks, starting as Boatswain in 1933, advancing to Ensign in 1942, Lieutenant (Junior Grade) in 1943, and finally Lieutenant later that year. He served aboard several ships, including the USS Louisville and the USS Quincy. His heroism was most evident during his time on the USS Raven in World War II. On December...

The USS Orleck has assumed its rightful place as a haven for education in 2024 with the opening of the SSTEAM-H (Seamanship – Science – Technology – Engineering – Arts – Mathematics – History) program. STEAM education commonly utilizes hands-on, inquiry-based learning activities that allow students to explore real-world problems and apply scientific and mathematical principles to find solutions. It aims to cultivate a deeper understanding of these subjects and to inspire students to pursue careers in STEAM fields, which are increasingly important in today's economy. STEAM education may also...

The USS Orleck earned the nickname "The Grey Ghost" during her service in the Vietnam War. The moniker was bestowed upon the warship due to her stealthy and effective operations in the waters of Vietnam. Orleck was also known as the “Top Gun” of Vietnam, where she fired more than 11,000 rounds of support for ground forces and netted an astonishing 14 battle stars throughout the war. These prestigious awards make the USS Orleck the most decorated post-World War II ship ever built. The nickname "The Grey Ghost" carries a certain mystique, evoking images of a ship that seemed to appear and...

Embarking on a journey through the vast ocean of naval terminology can feel like navigating uncharted waters. For landlubbers and seasoned sailors alike, the lexicon of naval warships can seem daunting. Fear not, for we're about to decode some of the most common terms used aboard these vessels, including the majestic USS Orleck herself! Let's start with the basics. A warship is often referred to as a "vessel" or "craft." When it comes to size, naval vessels are classified based on their displacement, which is the weight of water they displace when fully loaded. The mighty aircraft carriers...