The National Association of Destroyer Veterans, aka, the Tin Can Sailors held its annual meeting for the Southeast in Jacksonville, Fla., with a special presentation. Capt (Ret) Bob Whitkop of the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association (JHNSA) and Masterchief (Ret) Pat Stroud spoke with the group regarding the efforts of the JHNSA to bring the ex-USS “Charlie Deuce” back to Jacksonville as the Adams Class Naval Ship Museum, a historic museum ship and entertainment venue on the St Johns River in Downtown Jacksonville.
The Adams, currently berthed at the Philadelphia Inactive Ship Facility, would be towed to Jacksonville, refurbished and opened for tours, re-unions, retirements, social meetings and other events. Whitkop stressed the importance of preserving Naval history, particularly with this First Ship of its Class and a true representation of Naval Power during the Cold War. The USS Adams served around the globe from Vietnam to the Mediterranean and was home-ported near Jacksonville at Mayport Naval Station for most of Adams’ service life. Bringing Home the Adams is a vital part of preserving our Naval History and in particular the role of Destroyers in the Cold War. There are no other Naval Ship Museums in Florida or Georgia.
“Tin can sailor” is a term used to refer to sailors who served aboard destroyers. Destroyers were known as “tin cans” as they were traditionally built with very thin hull plates keeping them light and fast for their mission. There are approximately 25,000 Tin Can Sailors across the country including some who never served aboard destroyers or even in the Navy, but find the connection to preserving this important piece of Navy and U. S. history worth their membership and support.
The JHNSA needs your help so join the effort by visiting the web site at www.adams2jax.org and commit you support, dollars, and even your time to Bring Adams Home……come on down and help chip some paint!