Typically, we have three work parties aboard ship each year: Fall, Winter, and Spring.
All work party crewmembers must be USS Laffey Association members and be at least 18 years of age. Bunks, hearty meals, parking, and access to Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum are all provided free of charge. There are 28 male-only bunks on the Laffey.
We spend a good deal of time repairing corroded areas with new metal and paint. In addition, we fix electrical and plumbing issues, as well as improve and maintain the museum displays aboard the ship.
Work parties provide a meaningful experience preserving history, are a great opportunity to see the many ship compartments which are typically closed to the public and provide an opportunity to meet visitors to the ship. Often multiple Association family members attend together to create a working vacation. If you have an interest in helping us out during the upcoming Fall Work Party in October, please email Mike by late September at President@Laffey.org.
Jim and I have collected an extensive list of projects that we would all like to see addressed in the coming years. For each project, it is my goal to do our best to anticipate the manpower, tools, supplies, permits and financing required so that when our crews show up, we can put everyone to work and keep you busy while you give of your time, energy, and finances to join us. If you can attend a work party, please do your best to commit to specific dates when you will be aboard to eat, sleep and work, then email those commitments to me at least a week prior to the work party.
Thank you for all the work so many of you have put in over the years to preserve the USS Laffey for America’s citizens.