On April 15 and 16, Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum will host two days of special programming to honor the legacy of the USS Laffey (DD-724), famously known as “The Ship That Would Not Die.” Visitors will have a rare opportunity to experience life aboard the historic vessel through immersive living history demonstrations, engaging presentations, and a moving memorial ceremony.
Day 1: “Live Like a Sailor” Day | Tuesday, April 15
Patriots Point will unveil a new exhibit aboard the Laffey that highlights the ship’s harrowing experience during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II—an attack that earned the destroyer its enduring nickname. The exhibit will feature artifacts from the attack and provide insights into the ship’s resilience.
Visitors will also step into the shoes of the sailors who served aboard the Laffey during her more than 30 years of active duty. Former crew members will share stories and personal reflections, while historical interpreters demonstrate daily routines and duties that defined life at sea.
To further engage visitors—especially younger guests and warship enthusiasts—the museum will host a LEGO challenge. Guests are invited to bring their own Laffey LEGO replicas to compete for the title of best design. Patriots Point has also partnered with master builder Sam Singewald, who will showcase his large-scale LEGO model of the USS Laffey. Competition details are available at www.patriotspoint.org/events/
Day 2: Memorial Ceremony & Special Presentations | Wednesday, April 16
April 16, 2025, marks the 80th anniversary of the infamous kamikaze attack on the USS Laffey during the Battle of Okinawa. Thirty-two crew members lost their lives in the assault, which involved 22 Japanese aircraft. The ship was struck by seven bomb-laden kamikaze planes and four direct bomb hits.
Despite the overwhelming odds, the Laffey’s crew fought back heroically, shooting down 11 enemy planes and preventing the destroyer from being sunk. Their bravery secured the Laffey's place in history as “The Ship That Would Not Die.”
“Patriots Point is honored to be the home of the highly decorated and storied National Historic Landmark USS Laffey. For the 80th Anniversary of the Okinawa attack, we invite everyone to join us for two days of immersive history and honoring the heroic actions of the ship and her crew”.
A memorial ceremony will be held at 10:00 a.m. on the fantail of the Laffey, followed at 1:00 p.m. by a presentation from Dr. Kyle Sinisi, History Professor at The Citadel. His talk will explore the strategic importance of the Pacific Theater and the Battle of Okinawa.
In the afternoon, guided tours will be offered of the areas on the ship that were damaged during the attack, providing visitors with a powerful and up-close look at the damage and the crew’s incredible efforts to save their ship.
At 2:00 PM, Lt. Col. James Smith, Patriots Point Development Authority Board member and grandson of USS Laffey Okinawa veteran, will give a presentation on the kamikaze attacks endured by the Laffey. Signage marking the impact sites will accompany his discussion throughout the ship.
Admission Details
All events on April 15 and 16 are included with general admission to Patriots Point. Guests who plan to attend both days may purchase a special two-day pass, available online at www.patriotspoint.org or in person at the museum’s ticketing office.
