On March 19, 1945, the USS Franklin (CV-13) was hit by two Japanese bombs, igniting aircraft that were armed, triggering a gasoline vapor explosion that devastated the Hangar Bay and killing more than 800 sailors and wounding nearly 500.

On Friday, May 17, the surviving crewmembers of the USS Franklin (CV-13) gathered for their final reunion at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum.

The USS Franklin participated in Pacific Theater operations during WWII and was in service from 1944-1945.  She is, perhaps, best known for an attack that took place on March 19, 1945, when two Japanese bombs struck the ship shortly before dawn.  The bombs hit at the heart of the ship – igniting aircraft that were armed and triggering a gasoline vapor explosion that devastated the Hangar Bay.  A recent count by a Franklin historian and researcher raised the total to over 800 killed and nearly 500 wounded.

Following this attack, the USS Franklin earned the designation as the most heavily damaged U.S. aircraft carrier to survive WWII.  Today, she and her crew remain the most decorated in Navy history – earning two Medals of Honor, 19 Navy Crosses, 22 Silver Stars, and 1,100 Purple Hearts.

On May 17, 21 of the remaining crewmembers of the USS Franklin – all WWII veterans – gathered with their families for one last time aboard the USS Yorktown.  In honor of this historic reunion, Patriots Point hosted a series of events and educational programs throughout the day to allow the public an opportunity to speak with and hear from these heroes.

“We were delighted to welcome the USS Franklin’s decorated and heroic crew to Patriots Point for their final reunion,” said Patriots Point Executive Director Mac Burdette. “WWII veterans are the heart and soul of the “Greatest Generation” and these men set the standard. We were honored to host a full day of events and programs to honor their service – and to give our visitors a chance to meet these brave men who served.”

The morning began with a very special welcome for the veterans. Approximately 75 active duty Navy Sailors from the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command joined Coast Guardsmen from Coast Guard Sector Charleston to line the pier and render a special salute.  The Franklin veterans were then escorted down the pier by Medal of Honor recipient MG James E. Livingston and Joint Base Charleston Deputy Commander CAPT Tom Bailey.

The Franklin veterans then participated in a memorial service to honor their crewmembers who passed away during the Japanese attack on March 19, as well as those who have passed since that time.  Following the program’s conclusion, the veterans took part in a special educational symposium, where they shared their personal experiences from WWII.

Their visit to Patriots Point concluded with a private lunch aboard the USS Yorktown and tour of ‘The Fighting Lady,’ an Essex-Class carrier like their own ship.

• View a photo gallery from this event.
• Watch coverage on NBC Nightly News.

The Shaw Group began their work aboard the USS Yorktown in October of last year. Working closely with staff from Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, their team accessed and surveyed 428 vessel tanks/compartments aboard the ship, as well as other non-structural tanks and systems.

Following the six-week survey, The Shaw Group found that 129 tanks contain petroleum residues, amounting to approximately 160,000 gallons of petroleum and 1.6 million gallons of impacted waters and all radiological devices are low-level, posing no immediate risk. Additionally, the study found few instances of polychlorinated biphenyl compounds (PCBs), and noted that their presence is expected in 70-year-old ships.

The study confirmed that the museum could need to spend as much as $4.4 million for remediation prior to conducting structural repairs to the Yorktown.

“This is a great first step toward the long-term restoration of the USS Yorktown,” said Patriots Point Executive Director Mac Burdette.  “We’re glad to be able to report that The Shaw Group has found that none of the materials we’re talking about are in a location that could be harmful to our visitors.”

“If we use due diligence as we begin our restoration work, there is no risk to our employees and no imminent threat to the environment,” he continued. “Having said all that, it can’t sit there forever.  We have had some preliminary discussions with Senator Graham and Senator Scott about how we might approach the United States Navy for assistance and mitigation.”

“There are many war ships that came out of the ‘mothball fleet’ to become museums during the 1970s,” Burdette added, noting that many of these museums are now facing similar challenges as related to the removal or mitigation of contaminants.  “We absolutely intend to share the results of this study with other naval museums throughout the nation.”

Funding will be used to climate control the Exhibit Hall and Theater in order to create an environment that can safely exhibit additional artifacts, extend the life expectancy of equipment in the theater and make these areas more comfortable for guests.  In addition, funding will be used to upgrade the museum experience in the USS Laffey’s aft gun turret by adding interactive elements – ultimately bringing her to life and enhancing the public’s understanding of destroyers and the lives of those who served aboard them.

The interactive elements that will be added to the Laffey will focus on a day in the ship’s history – April 16, 1945 – when the destroyer was attacked by 22 Japanese bombers and kamikaze (suicide) aircraft within a span of 80 minutes. The aft gun turret was directly hit by two Japanese planes, killing six enlisted men.  In total, 31 men were killed and 71 injured of the 336-man crew during this attack.

“Destroyers – also known as ‘Tin Cans’ – played an integral role during World War II,” said Patriots Point Executive Director Mac Burdette. “No combat ship was more versatile or as fast; and they were used for a number of missions, including surface action against enemy ships and shore bombardments, anti-submarine warfare, and radar picket duty – like the Laffey’s assignment on the day she was attacked.  Thanks to the generosity of the Tin Can Sailors, Inc., we will be able to tell this story in a way that is authentic, engaging, and meaningful for future generations.”

The plan for the redesigned gun turret experience aboard the USS Laffey is as follows:

The USS Laffey, pictured in 1945, following the Japanese attacks

Guests would enter the turret and find a video monitor mounted between the two guns. Lights will fade and the video will begin, telling a little about the USS Laffey and the gun mount where they are currently standing. The video would then transform into a reenactment of the battle that took place in April 1945; including sounds of the Japanese aircraft attacking the ship, bombs exploding and the Laffey’s guns firing back  This experience would intensify as the floor vibrates with each explosion and the lights flicker.  The climactic moment of the video would be the sound of a Japanese aircraft diving into the turret and a massive explosion. At this point, everything would go silent and the video would resume, showing images of the turret after the attack, setting a somber and reverent tone for the men who lost their lives in the turret that day.

Work on the aforementioned upgrades is already underway and is estimated to be completed in early May.  During this time, the USS Laffey will remain open to the public.

See you tonight!

On Tuesday, more than 2,320 paid visitors toured the museum, with the museum collecting $35,483 in admission sales and $12,045 in the gift shop. By comparison, an average day in April last year saw more than 998 paid visitors touring the museum and a total revenue of $22,770.

“We believe these single-day successes will translate into a record spring that will carry over into the summer,” said Patriots Point Development Authority (PPDA) Board Chairman Ray Chandler.

Patriots Point Executive Director Mac Burdette released the following statement:

“We’re thrilled to see these numbers and it goes to show that our efforts are working.  We attribute our success to several factors:

• With the support of the PPDA Board, we have developed an effective marketing program, targeting new markets in unique ways. Working in tandem with the Rawle Murdy Agency, our Marketing Department is implementing a comprehensive, strategic marketing plan that is effectively increasing audiences’ awareness of our museum.

• Success breeds success.  We’re working hard each day to improve our product – just like any other business.  We’re developing innovative new ways to experience history aboard our fleet of ships and we’re bringing history to life.  We are introducing new tours, hosting exciting events and working hard to remain in the public view in a positive way.

• We’re made stronger by our partners in the Charleston tourism industry. The Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is doing an outstanding job of promoting the Lowcountry. As the “Top City in the U.S.” for the second year in a row, there are many reasons that people visit us.  The diversity of attractions and activities found in Charleston is evidence that the tourism economy isn’t based on any one thing. We are pleased to be a part of the greater Charleston experience.

• Economic recovery. The numbers posted yesterday are indicative of hopeful signs of recovery.  We wouldn’t have dreamed of seeing these numbers five years ago and they’re part of a growing positive trend that we hope will continue.

With the marked increase in attendance in revenue, we’re on track to achieve the goals set forth in our Three Year Business Plan, and to develop a new museum experience, with an additional 40,000 tickets sold annually by 2016.”

Light It Up Blue is a unique global initiative that kicks-off Autism Awareness Month.  In support of World Autism Awareness, ‘The Fighting Lady’ will remain blue throughout the month of April.

“Patriots Point is proud to support this important initiative, which shines light a disability that affects millions of people around the world and 1 of every 88 children in the United   States,” said Patriots Point Executive Director Mac Burdette. “Although there is no medical detection or cure for autism, early diagnosis and intervention can improve outcomes. We’re proud to do our part to help raise awareness.”

Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders – autism spectrum disorders – caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences.  According to Autism Speaks, an international autism science and advocacy organization, a new case of autism is diagnosed every 15 minutes – making it the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.  In fact, more children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined.

Col. Williams will be assigned to IJC Afghanistan (International Security Assistance Force Joint Command) at Camp Stone in Western Afghanistan. Camp Stone is adjacent to Camp Zafar – headquarters of the Afghan National Army (ANA) 207th ANA Corps.

Over the course of his 12-month deployment, Col. Williams will serve as U.S. legal mentor to the 207th ANA Corps Staff Judge Advocate – focusing on rule of law and military justice issues. He expressed his hope that this work will strengthen the foundation for credibility regarding the Afghan National Army’s ability to follow the rule of law and to zealously prosecute offenders.   “I have greatly enjoyed my interactions with Afghans,” Col. Williams said. “I think there is a misconception in the United States that the people don’t want us there; but the Afghan people I’ve dealt with on a one-one-one basis have always been very happy that the coalition was present and helping to establish and maintain security.”

“They are very generous, warm and gregarious people and that story hasn’t always been told,” he added, noting that Afghanistan has been in a constant state of warfare since 1979, when the Soviets rolled in. “This has been the longest period of relative stability since before 1979. Afghans are very appreciative of efforts and sacrifices made by members of the coalition… and I am really looking forward to working with them again.”

In addition to his duties on the PPDA Board, Col. Williams serves as a member of the South Carolina Army National Guard and is the Senior Legal Counsel for the South Carolina Legislative Council. This is his third tour to Afghanistan. He deployed previously in 2007 and 2009.

About the Patriots Point Development Authority Board

The Patriots Point Development Authority (PPDA) Board, in conjunction with the Patriots Point Executive Director, is responsible for the long-term planning and day-to-day management of the agency, including the museum and all of its ancillary services. This includes stewardship of over 350 acres of property on Charleston Harbor, much of which is currently under lease for a golf course, a hotel, and a collegiate athletic complex.

The PPDA Board is made up of nine members. Selection of three members of the Board, including its chairman, is at the discretion of the governor; four appointed members are legislatively mandated, appointed by a combination of the Speaker of the House, Senate Pro Tem and Senate Finance Chairman; one member is appointed by The Adjutant General; and the Mayor of the Town of Mount Pleasant serves as an ex-officio member. This Board meets regularly to approve strategic planning initiatives, revisions to development plans and contracts, long-term leases, etc.

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt christens the USS Yorktown in April 1943.

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The nation’s oldest aircraft carrier museum, the USS Yorktown (CV-10) is turning 70 and Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is inviting everyone to join in on the celebration. On Sunday, April 14, Patriots Point will host a ‘Tribute to the Yorktown,’ complete with a full day of activities, programs and fun for the whole family!Throughout the day, the museum will provide visitors with a unique opportunity to walk in the steps of the men who served aboard this historic ship.  An expanded Open Cockpit Sunday will provide access to even more aircraft on display and living history programs will give visitors a chance to meet and interact with sailors who served aboard the ship.  At 2 p.m., the Charleston Community Band will perform in Hangar Bay III aboard the USS Yorktown, along with several musical groups throughout the day. These special programs are free with purchase of regular admission.At 7 p.m. that evening, the party will kick off with performances by Charleston jazz icons Lonnie Hamilton, III and Ann Caldwell, followed by a very special USO-style show presented by Brad and Jennifer Moranz. Food and beverages will be available for purchase and guests can dance under the stars to music from WWII. Tickets for this special evening are $20 and can be purchased at the Patriots Point ticket office, or online.  (There is a small convenience fee for tickets purchased online.) Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

“For seventy years, the USS Yorktown has left an indelible mark on all those who walk her decks,” said Patriots Point Executive Director Mac Burdette. “She turned boys into men during times of war and peace. Ordinary citizens became heroes and courage was an everyday occurrence.  Today, she leaves visitors today with a greater appreciation for, and understanding of, the sacrifices of those who came before them.”

“Our celebration will honor ‘The Fighting Lady’s’ platinum anniversary by bringing her to life through educational and living history programs, as well as unforgettable musical performances that evening,” Burdette continued. “The USS Yorktown is more than just a Lowcountry landmark, she’s a national treasure. We hope everyone will join us on April 14 to celebrate her seventy years of service to our country.”

About the USS Yorktown

The USS Yorktown (CV -10) was one of 24 Essex-class carriers built during World War II for the United States Navy. Built in just 16.5 months, Yorktown was commissioned on April 15, 1943. Named after the American Revolutionary War’s Battle of Yorktown, she is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to bear the name.  Initially named Bon Homme Richard, she was renamed Yorktown while under construction to commemorate the USS Yorktown (CV-5), which was sunk during the epic Battle of Midway in June 1942. Like its namesake, the USS Yorktown (CV-10) was sponsored by Eleanor Roosevelt.

The Yorktown was modified twice at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (SCB-27A 1951-53 and SCB-125 in 1955).  Yorktown’s service spanned three decades and included participation in WWII and the Vietnam War. The ship also recovered the Apollo 8 astronauts and capsule in December, 1968. In 1974, the Navy approved the donation of the Yorktown to Patriots Point and the ship was towed from Bayonne, NJ to Mount Pleasant, SC to become the nation’s first aircraft carrier museum.