USS Orek opens to visitors Wednesday after Hurricane Ian delay

jacksonville, florida – USS Orleck, the centerpiece of the Jacksonville Naval Museum, opens to the public Wednesday after a week-long delay caused by Hurricane Ian.

The ship has been docked on the North Bank since March and will remain there for now, but it is not the floating museum’s permanent home.

Daniel Biehn, president of the Jacksonville Naval Museum, said plans were underway to move Orek to a shipyard, also known as “Pier 1.”

For the time being, when people come to the ship, they can take a guided or self-guided tour to get a glimpse of what it was like to serve on the USS Orleck.

The ship has been in service for almost 80 years and is the most decorated ship since World War II, having fought in the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Cold War.

Bean said it took 12 years to get Orek to the city.

“We’re always working on that. Remember, it’s a warship. And the experience is as positive as possible. There will be spaces that you can’t put in. Not the whole ship will be open.” No, but we want to make it as fun as possible,” Bean said.

As the ship moves, it shares space with the Fire Museum, the same area that once housed Berkman II Plaza. Bean said Orek could move within the next six months.

“We also need to make that area accessible. I think the city did a really great job getting the Fire Museum ready. is about four to five weeks,” Bean said.

USS Orek is named after Lieutenant Joseph Orek, who went missing during an attack in the Gulf of Salerno in 1943.

His nephew Bob said the ship had a lot of value.

“She was one of the main players in the United States Navy,” said Bob Orek at the pre-opening ceremony. “She was someone who really wanted to serve the country and protect our freedom.”

You can visit from 9am. Visiting is free, but donations of $15 per adult and $10 per child are encouraged.

The ship is open for visits:

• Wednesday to Friday 9am to 3pm

• Saturday 9am to 4pm

• Sunday 10am-4pm