Field Day Program

 

 

What's A Field Day?

 

A field day is a working weekend aboard a destroyer that is now a museum ship. For many, it is like a chance to go back in time. All types of volunteer labor are welcomed but electricians, welders, plumbers, carpenters, etc., are especially needed. You can also clean, paint, or do any of the other numerous tasks that always need to be done. Participants bunk aboard ship for the duration of the field day and meals are provided by the museum.

 

Tin Can Sailors, Inc. sponsors field days aboard various destroyers in the Historic Fleet. This invaluable program not only helps these ships in terms of maintenance and upkeep, but also provides an opportunity for veterans and civilians alike to lend a hand in preserving history and to join together for a weekend to socialize with one another.

 

Do I Have To Be a Navy Veteran To Participate?

 

No. We have had field day attendees representing almost every branch of the Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Only the Coast Guard remains unrepresented among our attendees. But you really don't even need military experience to attend. Just ask Michael McGee of Davie, Florida, who has been attending since 1997. Mike works as a policeman and builds scale ship models in his spare time.

 

 

For Reports on Previous Field Days, Choose One of the Selections Below

 

 

 

 

The Field Days offer the opportunity for the younger generations to experience the lifestyle of their veteran fathers and grandfathers.

Nathan Hendrickson (left) and destroyer veteran

Bruce Kittredge face off with dueling paintbrushes

in the aft fireroom of the USS KIDD

during a Field Day event.

A newly discovered aspect of the field days, in fact, is the opportunity for children of Navy veterans to come aboard and experience firsthand the rigors of shipboard life that their fathers had to endure. They all walk away with a better understanding of what their fathers went through during World War II and Korea. Even the younger generations have become involved, with grandchildren now accompanying our veterans aboard ship for the weekend.

For safety purposes, however, the minimum age for youth on the field days is age nine (9). Also, all youth must be accompanied by and work with an adult on a 1-1 basis for appropriate supervision.

 

Are The Field Days Just For Guys?

 

Absolutely not! A WAVE delivered the KIDD to the Navy back in 1943 and women working at Hunter's Point Naval Shipyard in 1945 helped restore the pirate to the forward smokestack. We have several women who are field day regulars who help in the restoration. The field days are for everyone!

 

What Do I Need To Bring?

 

  • Sleeping bag, pillow, and blankets

  • Work clothes (or dungarees) and gloves

  • Toiletries (soap, towels, toothpaste, etc.)

  • Tools (will be kept in safe, locked area)

 

 

I Live Too Far Away To Drive ... Can I Fly In?

 

Certainly!  The Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport is located just 15 minutes north of the KIDD and is serviced by Delta, Continental, Northwest, and American Eagle airlines.  Also, among the car rental

Flying into town? Call ahead and let us know if you need a ride.

agencies on-site are Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty.  Or, if you are not planning to travel on your own while you're in town, call ahead and one of our staff would be happy to pick you up at the airport.

 

How Do I Sign Up?

 

Check on the Special Events Calendar for the dates of the next scheduled Field Day aboard the KIDD.

 

Then, simply Click Here to download a registration form (Adobe Acrobat format).  Print it out, fill it out, and mail it in to the address shown with your check made out to "USS KIDD Designated Fund."  Please mark "Field Day Registration" in the notation section of your check.  All monies go toward providing meals for participants during the field day.  Any leftover funds are used to further support this much-needed program.

 

**Copyright 1997-2006 by Louisiana Naval War Memorial Commission**