80th Anniversary Announcement Join us as we honor the courage and sacrifice of the USS Laffey’s crew during one of the fiercest attacks in U.S. naval history. On April 16, 1945—80 years ago this year—the Laffey was struck by 22 Japanese aircraft during the Battle of Okinawa. Seven kamikaze planes and four bombs hit the ship, killing 32 crew members. Against overwhelming odds, the crew fought back, shooting down 11 enemy planes and saving their ship. Their actions earned the USS Laffey the nickname: “The Ship That Would Not Die.”
Patriots Point is proud to be the permanent home of this highly decorated National Historic Landmark. We invite you to join us April 16, 2025, for a day of remembrance, education, and tribute to the ship and her heroic crew.