USS KIDD (DD-661) Virtual Tour

USS KIDD (DD-661) as she appeared in May, 1945, departing Hunters Point Naval Shipyard near San Francisco.

Setting the Mood

"It is August 01, 1945, Hunter's Point Naval Shipyard, San Francisco. The KIDD is just completing repairs following the April 11 kamikaze hit that killed thirty-eight of her crew off of Okinawa. It is the days before television, plastic, OSHA, and warning labels on everything. It is back when personal safety was a matter of alertness and common sense.

The KIDD is a 1945 ship, so exercise caution as you visit. It is six days before the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Most of the crew are ashore enjoying their last stateside liberty. The remainder are readying the ship for the war's final campaign--the invasion of Japan. Over 350 ships were sunk or damaged at Okinawa, and rumor has it that the invasion of Japan will make Okinawa look like a Sunday picnic. . . ."

Welcome to the USS KIDD (DD-661) Virtual Tour

This tour is like that which you would take should you ever visit the ship in Baton Rouge and takes you through all parts of the ship presently open to the public (and a few places not accessible to the public). To maintain her historical integrity, we have made very few changes to the ship for public access. She is almost exactly as you would have found her in August of 1945.

Along the way, we'll also attempt to convey some of the history and feeling of life aboard a U.S. naval destroyer during World War II. So salute the colors, watch your step, keep your head low, and get ready. The tour is about to begin.

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