Meet The USS Orleck DD-886


- Named after Lieutenant Joseph Orleck, Commanding Officer of USS Nauset , killed in action on 9 September, 1943 during World War II, & posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.
- Gearing Class Destroyer, keel laid in 1944, launched on 12 May ‘45, & Commissioned 15 September, 1945.
- The “Top Gun” of Vietnam, fired 11,000+ rounds earning the nickname ”Grey Ghost of the Vietnam Coast” & netting an astonishing 14 battle stars throughout the war.
- In the Korean War become the charter member of the “Train Busters Club” and received 4 battle stars during the war.
- Received updates to original hull frame that included: ASROC (Anti Submarine Rocket launcher) & DASH (Drone Anti Submarine Helicopter system).
- Awards included: Navy Unit Commendation, Battle ‘E’, China Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal, National Defense Medal (multiple awards), Korean Service Medal (multiple awards), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (multiple awards), Vietnam Service Medal (multiple awards), Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, United Nations Service Medal, & Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
18 Battle Stars

Korean War
Cold War
Vietnam War
FLORIDA’S FIRST NAVAL WARSHIP MUSEUM
MISSION
The mission of Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association (JHNSA) is to acquire the funds necessary to provide an interactive warship museum of naval military history and military heritage for visitors worldwide, to educate in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Math plus History (STEM+H), and to inspire future generations of heroes and patriots.
VISION
The Vision of the JHNSA, through the Jacksonville Naval Museum (JNM), is to operate a world class collection of naval artifacts that represents the rich naval heritage of the United States, city of Jacksonville, and surrounding areas. The JNM could include, but not limited to; aircraft, ships, submarines, and a building to contain naval and maritime artifacts, exhibits, and other historic documents.
With our Mission and Vision in mind, our three main ethos are: Honor, Inspire, and Service.
HONOR
Honor Past Generations: We will honor those currently serving and we will never forget what those from our past have done and will strive to the best of our ability to honor them through ceremonies, visuals, and related historical exhibits.
INSPIRE
Inspire Future Generations: We will provide educational benefit to younger generations to include, but not limited to the following subject areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and History. Through these lessons we will inspire patriotism by reflecting on the heroics of past generations.
SERVICE
Serve the Community: We will be ambassadors of our community supporting the city to make it a better place to live for all people and give back however and whenever we can.
This public-private partnership needs your help in a number of ways:
Volunteers to assist with fund-raising efforts
Volunteers to support our Visitor’s Center at The Jacksonville Landing
Volunteers, particularly Navy veterans, to help maintain and restore the ship when it arrives
Volunteers to staff and operate the ship and Visitor’s Center
Donations of ship’s equipment or other useful supplies
LATEST NEWS
USS Adams Museum Update
Unfortunately, the United States Navy has reversed course and determined the ex USS CHARLES F ADAMS (DDG-2) will not be donated to the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association (“JHNSA”) as a museum in Jacksonville, but instead will be scrapped. This decision...
From the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association
For immediate release: Unfortunately, the United States Navy has reversed course and determined the ex USS CHARLES F ADAMS (DDG-2) will not be donated to the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association (“JHNSA”) as a museum in Jacksonville, but instead will be...
Salute To Veterans Celebration At The Jacksonville Landing
November 10th, 11th and 12th In the Jacksonville Landing Unit 119 In keeping with our Salute 2 Vets 5K Race 9 (and thanks again to all who made this race so special this year), our Visitor Center is also holding a Salute to Veterans Model Show in the Landing Unit #119...