The ship participated in the first U.S. air strikes against North Vietnam during the Gulf of Tonkin incident.
The vessel is 418 feet long with a beam of 45 feet.
It was powered by four 1,200 psi boilers that allowed for a top speed of over 32 knots.
The ship’s armament originally included three 5-inch/54 caliber Mark 42 gun mounts.
It was decommissioned in 1982 after 23 years of active service.
The ship was specifically chosen for preservation due to its historical significance in the Vietnam conflict.
The bridge contains original navigational equipment and radar consoles from the 1960s.
The USS Turner Joy (DD-951) is a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer permanently moored as a museum ship in Bremerton, Washington. Commissioned in 1959, the vessel played a pivotal role in the 1964 Gulf of Tonkin incident. Visitors can explore multiple levels of the ship, including the engine room, bridge, and gun mounts. The museum is operated by the Bremerton Historic Ships Association. It serves as a memorial to the U.S. Navy sailors who served during the Cold War and the Vietnam War era. The ship remains in its original configuration, allowing for an authentic look at 1960s naval engineering and living conditions.
The fantail of the ship offers a clear view of the Bremerton waterfront and the Puget Sound skyline.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe rubber-soled shoes as the ship features steep ladders and uneven metal grating.
Bring a light jacket, as the interior steel compartments remain cool even during summer months.
Check the ship's official website for any unannounced closures due to maintenance or weather conditions.
Attempting to tour the ship with strollers or large backpacks, as the companionways are too narrow and steep.
Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day; hours may vary seasonally.
Avoid running on the metal decks; refrain from touching sensitive navigational instruments and historical displays.
