USS Orleck Naval Museum

My original listing for this museum managed to evaporate- I have been invested in this ship coming to Jacksonville thanks to my father-in-law for more than a decade! I watched her come into town, toasted with a couple of board members the morning she arrived & enjoyed festivities while docked in front of the Hyatt. I loved watching the the holiday boat parade from the bow with friends. I have roamed the ship with my grandson strapped to me. Explored with my father-i-l and hubby numerous times & John even signed up to become a docent! I recently enjoyed a bourbon and whiskey event aboard her. Now that she is at her permanent location, I am excited for the museum to have a full store & permanent bathrooms. And more excited for future events and offerings for group (scout) tours! Great volunteers & wonderful staff running things!

A fantastic experience, highly encourage a visit to experience the destroyer and the history surrounding it.

I had the pleasure of touring the USS Orleck today. I'm thankful it was cloudy as it kept the temperature down which made the tour more pleasant. There were several volunteers on board providing a wealth of information! Throughout the tour I had to climb and descend narrow and steep stairs while holding on to a metal railing. Be sure to wear appropriate shoes. Adults pay $15. They offered military and senior citizen discounts.The ship was engaged in many battles and was even sold to Turkey, where it continued to be used as a battleship until it returned to the US and became a museum. It first returned to Texas, then went to Louisiana and now is docked in Jacksonville.We were able to see most areas of the ship, which was pretty cool! From the communications and sonar rooms, to the Captains quarters, mess hall and barbershop. It's like a mini city on water. I highly recommend checking out this historic vessel!

Didn't get a chance to explore the museum. Visited the ticket window and the rude, unkept guy manning the desk said it was a private party and slammed the window. It was advertised as open to the public on their social media posts so not sure why he was so unhelpful with answering questions. A far cry from the experience we've had with other famous ships in Boston and Baltimore.

We picked a rainy day to visit the ship. The retired sailors that greeted us were wonderful. We learned quite a bit. Everyone should visit places like this often to remind themselves just what our armed forces have endured for our freedom.

Went on the USS Orleck for an after hour New Years Eve Party. It looked amazing at night and it is a museum. The event was posted on FB and Event Calendar with very limited information about anything until we were handed a waver as we waited in a very long line, that basically said not to wear high heals. People were laughing and used fake names on the stupid waver. They made us wait over an hour to get on the ship because of the lack of organization. Overall it was extremely disappointing because of the the lack of bathroom facilities, portability nasty toilets in the dark. No where to sit down, people on top of each other, no places to socialize. No food trucks. The only thing they mentioned was dance music which was rave sounding and extremely loud and obnoxious. Several people were dressed up and couldn't walk up the steep stairs after a few drinks. It was very dangerous. We sat in our parked car for the last hour to see the fireworks which were amazing. Never go to this event or pay that much money to sit in your own car. I'm calling them on Tuesday to get my money back.

Very interesting facts and experience and a wonderful tour through ship id recommend it to anyone

Disappointed. Joined the Orleck for their New Years Eve party. So, I'm sure this might be a nice museum by day, but it's not a great party venue. So here's the positives: it was a beautiful evening and the views were great. The event was supposed to open at 8, but around 8:30, some guys walked around and handed out liability waivers for us to sign. At that point, I estimate the line was over 300 people, extending from the river all the way to Bay Street. Everyone in line was laughing at the dysfunctional organization. Two guys were checking tickets and wristbands at a single point of entry. I'm sure some people waited over an hour and a half to get onboard. Once onboard, the "music" and atmosphere was annoying and more like a rave. We really expected something a little more upscale and classy. Three different Dj's were playing essentially the same music, and it was all obnoxiously loud. No champagne, hats, or party favors btw. Long lines at the bar, card readers didn't work, very few snack options...the best thing was a pretzel truck parked outside the gate. Seems like it was intended as more of a cash grab than a party. I originally wanted the VIP tickets, but after seeing the vip experience, I'm glad I didn't waste any more money. My only concern is I hope most of the money is actually going to the museum.