The Mighty USS Orleck

As I arrived at the USS Orleck Naval Museum, I was impressed with the mammoth size of the destroyer ship. Built in 1945 and named after Joseph Orlick, it served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars It was retired and brought to Lake Charles in 2010. The ship tells an interesting story in itself and the museum does an excellent job of relating the story of the sailors who served on it. The shows off the destroyer's captain's cabin, engine room, crew quarters, and galley. I was also surprised to see a number of jet aircraft on the deck, including a McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II naval interceptor. Visitors can take a self-guided tour or join a guided one to gain a better understanding of this powerful vessel. The curators on board provide many historical facts about battles the destroyer fought and its role in naval operations. In Louisiana, this experience is truly unique and a must-see for history buffs.