Repairs, New Programs are Coming for the USS Kidd

One of the most unique ships to ever be a part of the U.S. Navy is getting a $11 million repair to help it extend its life. The USS Kidd (DD-661) is usually in Baton Rouge, LA. Now it is in Houma receiving repairs as the museum works to create new programs and attractions for visitors while everyone awaits its return.

The History of the USS Kidd (DD-661)

The USS Kidd is a Fletcher-class destroyer that began its service during World War II. It also provided military muscle during the Korean War and the Cold War. Named after Rear Admiral Isaac C. Kidd, who died during Pearl Harbor while defending the USS Arizona, the USS Kidd provided plenty of help in the Pacific Theater. This includes fighting to defend and invade multiple islands throughout the area. Most notably, during the Battle of Okinawa, the ship survived a kamikaze attack. However, 38 crew members were killed as a result. The ship was fixed and recommissioned in 1951 where the USS Kidd would begin supporting and patrolling in the Pacific once more as the Navy put pressure on North Korea during the Korean War. Although the Cold War didn’t generally involve direct conflicts with the United States, there were still military operations that the Navy did support. The USS Kidd was a part of such operations until its decommissioning in 1964. Today, it serves as a museum ship calling Baton Rouge home.

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What Navy Ship Can Fly the Jolly Roger?

The USS Kidd is the only ship that can fly the Jolly Roger in the U.S. Navy—sort of. You see, technically, multiple ships have, and will, be considered a USS Kidd. So, each of these ships is granted the honor of doing so. The reason for this comes down to the ship’s maiden voyage as it entered New York Harbor on its way to deliver supplies to the Brooklyn Naval Shipyards. Cdr. Allan B. Roby decided to hoist the iconic skull and crossbones on high while moving through and TIME magazine snapped a photo. In the publication, TIME mentioned that this was the first time in a century since the New York Harbor had the Jolly Roger flying. The crew of the USS Kidd loved it and decided to idolize Captain Kidd, a famous pirate from New York, making him the ship’s mascot. Mrs. Kidd had approved the nickname and worked to gain permission through official channels within the Navy to paint a stack with a pirate and fly the Jolly Roger. The rest as they say is history. The only part of the Navy’s fleet to fly the infamous pirate flag remains the USS Kidd.

Rejuvenation for the USS Kidd