Located in the heart of downtown Baton Rouge, the USS KIDD is the centerpiece of the Louisiana Veterans Memorial, one of only three sites in the country where a Fletcher-class warship—known for its hardiness and weapon-power—stands in testament to the men and women of the American armed forces.
These days, military enthusiasts of all shapes and sizes can tour the vessel exactly as she appeared in her glory days, exploring over fifty inner spaces of the seasoned ship. After all, the USS KIDD always proved formidable across several dimensions, whether clashing with submarines, aircraft, or enemy vessels on the surface. Her legacy in battle would eventually carry the “Pirate of the Pacific”—nicknamed for being the only U.S. naval vessel in history allowed to fly the Jolly Roger flag of piracy—safely through both World War II and the Korean War.
Celebrated for the gallantry of its captains, the KIDD was one of several carriers present during the kamikaze attack on the USS Franklin in March 1995—an event that would result in the greatest loss of life ever suffered by the U.S. Navy. Unfortunately, the KIDD would soon rack up a death toll of her own at the hands of a Japanese suicide bomber, suffering the deaths of thirty-eight men (and the wounding of fifty-five others) off the coast of Okinawa on April 11, 1945.
After earning twelve battle stars during more than twenty years of service, the USS KIDD was decommissioned in 1964 and campaigns were launched to see her named a war memorial. In 1983, the KIDD opened to the public, thanks in part to the efforts of Harold Monning, who had served aboard her during World War II.
After touring the KIDD, be sure to stop by other exhibits in the adjoining Veterans Memorial Museum for a chance to see a P-40 aircraft, over forty ship models, a full-scale replica of the gun deck of Old Ironsides, and the eternal flame of the Louisiana Memorial Plaza, a tribute to Vietnam Veterans.
The KIDD is open daily 9 am–5 pm and is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Visitors are encouraged to allow approximately one and a half hours for touring. $8 for ages thirteen and older; $7 for seniors; $6 for active military with ID; $5 for ages five–twelve; and free for ages four and under.
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305 South River Road • (225) 342-1942
Hours: daily from 9 am–5 pm (closed some holidays) Visitors are encouraged to allow approximately one and a half hours for touring.
Cost: $8 for ages thirteen and older; $7 for seniors; $6 for active military with ID; $5 for ages five–twelve; and free for ages four and under.
