The only destroyer preserved in its original World War II configuration

Wars & Conflicts · Published 17 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: While most warships are modernized into unrecognizable giants, the USS Kidd remains a frozen moment in 1945. As a National Historic Landmark, it serves as a rare physical bridge to the past, preserving not just steel and engines, but the specific social and military realities of the mid-20th century.

Launched in 1943 and commissioned in April of that year, the USS Kidd (DD-661) was a Fletcher-class destroyer named in honor of Rear Admiral Isaac C. Kidd, the first American admiral killed in action during World War II. The ship saw intense combat across the Pacific, from the Gilbert Islands to the Philippines, and later served in the Korean War. It was eventually decommissioned in 1964 and later became a museum ship in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1982.

What distinguishes the Kidd from other preserved vessels is its authenticity. While other Fletcher-class ships were modernized, the Kidd was restored to its August 1945 configuration. This includes the removal of Cold War-era modifications to interpret the segregated sleeping spaces for African American and minority crew members that existed prior to 1948. It also features a unique mooring system in the Mississippi River designed to adapt to annual water level changes of up to 40 feet, allowing the hull to be visible when the river is low.

The ship's preservation is a significant undertaking of both historical and economic value. In 2023 and 2025, the Louisiana legislature approved approximately $14 million to fund drydocking and repairs. These efforts ensure the vessel remains a functional educational tool, capable of presenting a precise look at 1940s naval life, including its original armament and the 'dazzle' camouflage used during the war.

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