JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The city's Waterways Commission voted unanimously last week to approve the request by the Downtown Development Authority to oversee the development and licensing agreement to operate the USS Adams Museum at the Shipyards Property.
The proposal will next go before the City Council Finance Committee and a full City Council vote expected on August 12.
Recommended Videos
"This vote is a big step that assures the USS Adams Museum will have a legal home in Downtown Jacksonville," said Joe Snowberger, commodore and CEO of the USS Adams Museum. "We are grateful to our city and county leaders for their vision in approving this vital project. Now, they and we, are turning to the whole community to thank them for their support and to ask those who have yet to support this project to come aboard and help us 'Bring Home the Adams!'"
The former USS Charles F. Adams (DDG-2) is the last surviving ship of the Adams Class guided missile destroyers; a class of warship that revolutionized naval warfare. The vision to display the Adams as a naval warship museum began with the sailors who served in these warships, but it has now become the vision of thousands of residents of the Jacksonville area. The vision sees a lasting and fitting memorial established to honor all veterans, to grow tourism and provide hands-on educational programs for youth.
Mayor Alvin Brown and other city, state and national leaders have all given the stamp of approval to the project. The Navy will release the ship once final funding is secured. At that time, the warship will be restored prior to coming home to Jacksonville. The USS Charles F. Adams Naval Warship Museum is expected to open to the public in early 2015.