The USS Orleck — Jacksonville's future floating naval museum — is headed to town.
The ship was to be towed out of Port Arthur, Texas, on Thursday after restoration work. It will head toward the Florida Keys and then Jacksonville in a journey expected to take 10 to 12 days.
The World War II era destroyer was floated out for a five-hour trial on Feb. 24. The 77-year-old ship floated perfectly with no reported leaks, according to the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association, which is bringing the Orleck to Jacksonville.
The rehab has extended the ship's life expectancy to 15 years, five years longer than originally estimated. This was accomplished in part by adding doubler plates — steel plates welded over all underwater hull openings and several spots where the hull was thin.
A special marine protection paint compound was applied in several layers to create an impenetrable, watertight hull, the association said.
All of the work added to the cost, which was estimated at $1.3 million before the COVID-19 pandemic. That increased to $1.8 million as labor and materials increased in price. Additionally, Hurricane Laura caused at least $250,000 in damage while the ship served as a museum in Louisiana in 2020.
The total cost of the project is now estimated at $2.05 million, plus the cost of the tow by Smith Maritime of Green Cove Springs and work to prepare its Shipyards site.
The museum association is accepting donations here. The association announced that VyStar Credit Union will be the museum's official credit union.
VyStar was founded at Naval Air Station Jacksonville in 1952 to serve military members and their families. "We remain deeply committed to supporting these brave men and women," VyStar President and CEO Brian Wolfburg said in a news release. "Once completed, the museum will be a defining piece of the Jacksonville skyline and will provide educational opportunities to residents and visitors of all ages."
Justin Weakland, vice president of the museum association, said six reunion groups are already scheduled to visit the museum. The ship will spark more visits downtown and help revitalize the area, he said.
The Jacksonville Naval Museum will feature what the association calls "the U.S. Navy Cold War Experience," paying tribute to generations of veterans and serving as a gathering place for naval associations, crew reunions and military conventions. The goal is to open the ship in June to help celebrate the city's bicentennial.
The Orleck's service covered the Korean, Vietnam and Cold War periods. Known as the "Grey Ghost of the Vietnam Coast," the Orleck is the most decorated post-World War II ship ever built and was awarded 18 battle stars, according to the museum association.
