The TCG Gayret is one of the few surviving Fletcher-class destroyers, which were the backbone of Allied naval forces during World War II.
The ship was transferred to Turkey under the Security Assistance Program in 1973.
The destroyer served during the Cyprus Peace Operation in 1974.
The vessel retains its original five-inch dual-purpose guns, which were revolutionary for their time.
The hull design reflects the specific 'long hull' configuration common to late-war Fletcher-class ships.
The ship functioned as a training platform for naval cadets throughout its final years of service.
The Gayret Gemi Museum is a decommissioned Fletcher-class destroyer, the TCG Gayret (D-352), permanently docked as a museum ship in the Gulf of İzmit. Originally built by the United States Navy as the USS Eversole (DD-789) in 1946, it served the Turkish Naval Forces from 1973 until its retirement in 1995. Visitors can tour the vessel's internal compartments, including the bridge, engine room, and crew quarters. The museum serves as an educational site highlighting 20th-century naval history and Turkish maritime heritage. It is operated by the Turkish Naval Forces Command as part of the Deniz Müzeleri network. The ship remains in its original configuration, preserving authentic radar, sonar, and weaponry systems.
The main deck near the aft gun turrets offers the best perspective of the ship's length and the Gulf of İzmit background.
Wear flat, rubber-soled shoes as the ship features steep ladders and metal grating flooring.
Avoid visiting with large backpacks, as navigating the narrow internal passages is difficult.
Bring a light jacket, as the lower decks remain significantly cooler than the ambient air temperature.
Do not attempt to access cordoned-off mechanical spaces or crew areas restricted by safety chains.
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays; always check local naval museum notices as schedules may be affected by maintenance or weather conditions.
Avoid touching sensitive control panels and naval equipment; maintain a quiet demeanor in crew quarters.
