Museum Advocacy Day | We Need Your Help USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2026-09-23 | Museum Advocacy Day | We Need Your Help
Project 661: USS Kidd in dry dock USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-10-04 | USS KIDD (DD-661) has been in drydock for over a year now getting some much-needed repairs, but her time there is almost finished! Ship Superintendent Tim NesSmith joins James from All American Travels to give a recap about what's been done, and what remains to be done to ensure this historic WWII vessel will live on for generations to come!There's still a need for funding to finish restoration of equipment not being restored by the shipyard, and to keep the lights on back home at the museum. Let's make KIDD better than the bare minimum! Click here to donate to the USS KIDD: https://www.usskidd.com/product/donat...The USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-funded state agency that receives no regular state or federal funding. We appreciate your support!Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/usskidd661?...For USS KIDD merch: usskidd.com/museum-storeCheck out our other social media: https://linktr.ee/usskidd661
Talk Like A Pirate with the USS KIDD USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-09-20 | I'm still away at the spa in drydock, but it's International Talk Like A Pirate Day! Slide up to the capstan and add YOUR best pirate speak to the circle. The Pirate of the Pacific demands it! ☠️☠️☠️ ... Oh, and give a like or a laugh to my team back in Baton Rouge. They ... ... tried? ... ... ... ARRRRRRR!!!The USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-funded state agency that receives no regular state or federal funding. We appreciate your support!Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/usskidd661 For USS KIDD merch: usskidd.com/museum-storeCheck out our other social media: https://linktr.ee/usskidd661
Roarin On The River Fundraiser - Interview with Roland Toups & Les Nicholson USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-09-12 | Roarin' On The River VI is an evening of fabulous food and fun with world-renowned, award-winning, Culinary Hall of Fame member Chef John Folse at his beautiful and scenic White Oak Estate & Gardens. Located just 20 minutes from downtown Baton Rouge, White Oak offers 22 acres of lush foliage, gardens, and lakes. The house is modeled after traditional homes of Louisiana’s River Road. Outdoors there is a New Orleans-style courtyard featuring a fireplace, decorative fountain, and Louisiana foliage. The large, outdoor pavilion is complete with a Spanish-style fountain and three magnificent open-hearth fireplaces for roasting fish or traditional cochon de laits. Completing the patio area is White Oak’s kitchen, a design patterned after Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop in New Orleans’ historic French Quarter. Wonderful aromas tantalize guests as they stroll through the vegetable and herb gardens, pepper patch, quaint orchard and along the stone path leading to the lake.USS KIDD (DD-661) is the only surviving destroyer in the world that remains in her World War II configuration and is a National Historic Landmark. The vessel is recognized as one of the most authentic ship restorations in existence by the Historic Naval Ships Association, a worldwide organization whose fleet consists of 188 unique and timeless vessels belonging to thirteen member nations spanning five continents. She held the lead role in the 2020 Apple-TV+ feature film Greyhound, starring Tom Hanks, Elisabeth Shue, Stephen Graham, Rob Morgan, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, and Tom Brittany. KIDD has been educating the public and serving as a resource for Louisiana teachers and students since opening in 1983 on the Baton Rouge riverfront. Youth groups from across the southeastern United States routinely travel to Baton Rouge to spend the night in her bunks and explore her historic decks. Like most museums, she is an economic generator for the city and state, drawing in visitors from around the world.The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the 2025 Patriot Award to Mr. Roland Toups.Mr. Toups is Executive Chairman Emeritus of Turner Industries, succeeded by his son, which employees over 20,000 people. An active community leader, he serves as chairman for several local organizations including the Louisiana Board of Regents, Our Lady of the Lake Hospital, the Baton Rouge Rotary Club, the Louisiana Chemical Association, and United Way. Mr. Toups served in the U.S. Air Force from 1960-64, working as an engineer in the U.S. Space Program & Defense System’s Atlas missile project and was stationed for a time at Cape Canaveral, Florida. Originally developed for purposes of national defense during the Cold War, the missile system was also used as the primary launch vehicle for NASA’s Project Mercury space program. In addition to receiving the Air Force Commendation Medal for his military service, Mr. Toups has received a number of recognitions for his community involvement including Volunteer Activist by The Emerge Center (1986), the Catholic High School Hall of Fame (1987), the Golden Deeds award of the Inter-Civic Council of Greater Baton Rouge (1989), the LSU College of Engineering Hall of Distinction (2004-05), the Business Hall of Fame of the Baton Rouge Business Report (2007), and the Engineering Hall of Fame at his alma mater Georgia Tech (2022).The Patriot Award is the highest honor that the Foundation can bestow upon an individual. It honors individuals who exemplify outstanding leadership, service, and dedication to veterans and their community, reflecting the values of patriotism, courage, and commitment. Previous recipients include Richard F. Manship (2019), Richard A. Lipsey (2020), Hans J. Sternberg (2022), Harry J. “Skip” Philips (2023), and Louisiana State Senator Franklin J. Foil (2024).THERE'S STILL A NEED FOR FUNDING to finish restoration of equipment not being restored by the shipyard, and to keep the lights on back home at the museum. Let's make KIDD better than the bare minimum! Click here to donate to the USS KIDD: usskidd.com/product/donationsThe USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-funded state agency that receives no regular state or federal funding. We appreciate your support!Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/@usskidd661For USS KIDD merch: usskidd.com/museum-storeCheck out our other social media: https://linktr.ee/usskidd661
Roarin On The River Fundraiser - Live at White Oak Estate & Gardens USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-09-12 | Roarin' On The River VI is an evening of fabulous food and fun with world-renowned, award-winning, Culinary Hall of Fame member Chef John Folse at his beautiful and scenic White Oak Estate & Gardens. Located just 20 minutes from downtown Baton Rouge, White Oak offers 22 acres of lush foliage, gardens, and lakes. The house is modeled after traditional homes of Louisiana’s River Road. Outdoors there is a New Orleans-style courtyard featuring a fireplace, decorative fountain, and Louisiana foliage. The large, outdoor pavilion is complete with a Spanish-style fountain and three magnificent open-hearth fireplaces for roasting fish or traditional cochon de laits. Completing the patio area is White Oak’s kitchen, a design patterned after Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop in New Orleans’ historic French Quarter. Wonderful aromas tantalize guests as they stroll through the vegetable and herb gardens, pepper patch, quaint orchard and along the stone path leading to the lake.USS KIDD (DD-661) is the only surviving destroyer in the world that remains in her World War II configuration and is a National Historic Landmark. The vessel is recognized as one of the most authentic ship restorations in existence by the Historic Naval Ships Association, a worldwide organization whose fleet consists of 188 unique and timeless vessels belonging to thirteen member nations spanning five continents. She held the lead role in the 2020 Apple-TV+ feature film Greyhound, starring Tom Hanks, Elisabeth Shue, Stephen Graham, Rob Morgan, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, and Tom Brittany. KIDD has been educating the public and serving as a resource for Louisiana teachers and students since opening in 1983 on the Baton Rouge riverfront. Youth groups from across the southeastern United States routinely travel to Baton Rouge to spend the night in her bunks and explore her historic decks. Like most museums, she is an economic generator for the city and state, drawing in visitors from around the world.The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the 2025 Patriot Award to Mr. Roland Toups.Mr. Toups is Executive Chairman Emeritus of Turner Industries, succeeded by his son, which employees over 20,000 people. An active community leader, he serves as chairman for several local organizations including the Louisiana Board of Regents, Our Lady of the Lake Hospital, the Baton Rouge Rotary Club, the Louisiana Chemical Association, and United Way. Mr. Toups served in the U.S. Air Force from 1960-64, working as an engineer in the U.S. Space Program & Defense System’s Atlas missile project and was stationed for a time at Cape Canaveral, Florida. Originally developed for purposes of national defense during the Cold War, the missile system was also used as the primary launch vehicle for NASA’s Project Mercury space program. In addition to receiving the Air Force Commendation Medal for his military service, Mr. Toups has received a number of recognitions for his community involvement including Volunteer Activist by The Emerge Center (1986), the Catholic High School Hall of Fame (1987), the Golden Deeds award of the Inter-Civic Council of Greater Baton Rouge (1989), the LSU College of Engineering Hall of Distinction (2004-05), the Business Hall of Fame of the Baton Rouge Business Report (2007), and the Engineering Hall of Fame at his alma mater Georgia Tech (2022).The Patriot Award is the highest honor that the Foundation can bestow upon an individual. It honors individuals who exemplify outstanding leadership, service, and dedication to veterans and their community, reflecting the values of patriotism, courage, and commitment. Previous recipients include Richard F. Manship (2019), Richard A. Lipsey (2020), Hans J. Sternberg (2022), Harry J. “Skip” Philips (2023), and Louisiana State Senator Franklin J. Foil (2024).THERE'S STILL A NEED FOR FUNDING to finish restoration of equipment not being restored by the shipyard, and to keep the lights on back home at the museum. Let's make KIDD better than the bare minimum! Click here to donate to the USS KIDD: https://www.usskidd.com/product/donat...The USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-funded state agency that receives no regular state or federal funding. We appreciate your support!Support us on Patreon: / usskidd661 For USS KIDD merch: usskidd.com/museum-storeCheck out our other social media: https://linktr.ee/usskidd661
Structural Repairs: World War II Destroyer Enters Final Weeks of Drydock Part 2 USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-08-31 | WWII Fletcher-class destroyer USS KIDD (DD-661) has been away from her home in Baton Rouge for over a year now having hull work done in drydock at Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors in Houma, LA. Now, she's entering the home stretch. We have achieved our fundraising goals for the hull repair and are extending the drydock period for a few more weeks to accomplish the most that we can. In Part Two of this two-part video, Ship Superintendent Tim NesSmith takes you on a deep dive into the bowels of the ship to see the discoveries made by our structural survey in September 2024 and what repair work remains to be done and why it's so important.00:00 Intro01:17 Ammunition Magazines 04:46 Fuel Oil / Ballast Tanks06:49 Aft Fireroom beneath the Boilers 11:36 Interior View of Port Side Cradle Touchpoint Repairs & Reinforcement 14:14 Forward & Aft Engineroom Preventive Maintenance via Eagle Scout Projects 15:26 Possible Causes for Frame & Longitudinal Deterioration21:50 Forward Fireroom beneath the Boilers - Site of 1st and Largest Leak25:21 Outro28:23 Blooper (Tim's Dr. McCoy moment)THERE'S STILL A NEED FOR FUNDING to finish restoration of equipment not being restored by the shipyard, and to keep the lights on back home at the museum. Let's make KIDD better than the bare minimum! Click here to donate to the USS KIDD: usskidd.com/product/donationsThe USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-funded state agency that receives no regular state or federal funding. We appreciate your support!Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/usskidd661For USS KIDD merch: usskidd.com/museum-storeCheck out our other social media: https://linktr.ee/usskidd661
Hurricanes and Museum Ships USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-08-30 | Hurricanes are a way of life on the U.S. Gulf Coast and East coast. Museum ships in the coastal areas have to be prepared in the event of an approaching storm. Tim NesSmith of the USS KIDD Veterans Museum and Matt McCluney of Battleship Memorial Park (Home to USS ALABAMA) join James from All American Travels to discuss how hurricanes affect museum ships.USS KIDD is currently away from Baton Rouge in drydock for hull work. There's still a need for funding to finish restoration of equipment not being restored by the shipyard, and to keep the lights on back home at the museum. Let's make KIDD better than the bare minimum! Click here to donate to the USS KIDD: usskidd.com/product/donationsThe USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-funded state agency that receives no regular state or federal funding. We appreciate your support!Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/c/usskidd661?redirect=trueFor USS KIDD merch: usskidd.com/museum-storeCheck out our other social media: https://linktr.ee/usskidd661
Hull Repairs: World War II Destroyer Enters Final Weeks of Drydock Part 1 USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-08-07 | WWII Fletcher-class destroyer USS KIDD (DD-661) has been away from her home in Baton Rouge for over a year now having hull work done in drydock at Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors in Houma, LA. Now, she's entering the home stretch. We have achieved our fundraising goals for the hull repair and are extending the drydock period for a few more weeks to accomplish the most that we can. In Part One of this two-part video, Ship Superintendent Tim NesSmith walks you through a list of work items remaining to be done and why they're important.00:00 Intro01:30 Sea Chests 04:14 Rivet Lines & Overlaps05:44 Electrical Hook-Up07:15 Deckhouse Wasted Metal Repairs10:18 Expansion Joint Repairs13:38 Air Compressor Modification16:26 Support Framing Beneath Mount 4517:43 Tank Access Ladders18:47 Decking Repairs in the Reefer Deck22:31 Outro / Stay Tuned for Part 2 23:47 BlooperTHERE'S STILL A NEED FOR FUNDING to finish restoration of equipment not being restored by the shipyard, and to keep the lights on back home at the museum. Let's make KIDD better than the bare minimum! Click here to donate to the USS KIDD: usskidd.com/product/donationsThe USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-funded state agency that receives no regular state or federal funding. We appreciate your support!Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/usskidd661For USS KIDD merch: usskidd.com/museum-storeCheck out our other social media: https://linktr.ee/usskidd661
Collisions with Museum Ships USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-08-02 | Alert! Alert! The USS MIDWAY Museum was recently struck by another vessel. Has a museum ship ever been struck before by another vessel? If so, how many times has this happened? Join Tim NesSmith of the USS KIDD Veterans Museum and James from All American Travels as they dive into this hard-hitting topic!USS KIDD is currently away from Baton Rouge in drydock for hull work. There's still a need for funding to finish restoration of equipment not being restored by the shipyard, and to keep the lights on back home at the museum. Let's make KIDD better than the bare minimum! Click here to donate to the USS KIDD: usskidd.com/product/donationsThe USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-funded state agency that receives no regular state or federal funding. We appreciate your support!Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/c/usskidd661?redirect=trueFor USS KIDD merch: usskidd.com/museum-storeCheck out our other social media: https://linktr.ee/usskidd661
WWII Destroyer cleaning product cure-all? USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-07-25 | WWII Destroyer cleaning product cure-all? Or snake oil? You make the call.Click here to donate to the USS KIDD: usskidd.com/support-our-missionThe USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-funded state agency that receives no regular state or federal funding. We appreciate your support!For USS KIDD merch: usskidd.com/museum-store
Giving Birth on a Rollercoaster in the Rain at Night | High Seas History USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-07-17 | The sea be a harsh and unforgiving mistress. Can the KIDD crew--and friends--dispense a wee bit of historical knowledge whilst enduring the worst that the briny deep has to throw at them? Let's find out!This episode stars Matt McCluney, Associate Curator for Operations of Battleship Memorial Park, coming to you from the decks of Battleship ALABAMA (BB-60) in Mobile, AL, NY, USA. Also starring Molly Bahlinger, Social Media Coordinator for USS KIDD Veterans Museum.The USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-funded state agency that receives no regular state or federal funding. We appreciate your support!To support this channel & USS KIDD Veterans Museum:usskidd.com/product/donationsFor USS KIDD merch:usskidd.com/museum-storeFor learning resources from USS KIDD:usskidd.com/for-teachersFor our KIDD Bitts video series for Students & Teachers:youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKkghO7WCFIHAJvgJ3LlZNbmj9x0Jh_TQ&si=jz6Y7lcsTboIOWxx To support Battleship ALABAMA:store.ussalabama.com/Donations.aspxFor learning resources from Battleship ALABAMA:ussalabama.com/education/#EdResources
Washing Down a WWII Fighter Plane Replica USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-06-29 | #BehindTheScenes - Enjoy this 32x speed video of the first 45 minutes of our washdown of the P-40 Warhawk replica "Joy" from earlier this month. The total job time that day was 3.50 hours. He had to come back a few days later to catch the starboard side vertical & horizontal stabilizers, elevator, and rudder, which required a taller ladder due to the way the bird is suspended.
Bilge Diving on a WWII Destroyer USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-06-24 | "I feel like I just finished a 17-round sudden-death overtime tiebreaker in a limbo contest."-- Ship Superintendent Tim NesSmith, USS KIDD (DD-661)Quoted recently after filming in the bilge beneath the boilers in the Aft Fireroom#TightSpace #crawlspace #fireroom #engineering #watertender #boilerman #boilertechnician #SteamPropulsion #heat #humidity #sweaty #USSKIDD #MuseumShip #HistoricShip #destroyer #museum #education #learningisfun
USS Kidd in World of Warships USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-06-14 | ATTENTION: GAMERS!!! USS KIDD (DD-661) is a playable ship in the video game World of Warships. But just how accurate is the digital KIDD in this game? What (if anything) can we learn about how the ship looked and performed in real life based on the game? James from All American Travels hosts Tim NesSmith of the USS KIDD Veterans Museum in examining images and video to evaluate just how accurate KIDD's digital avatar fights! [Note: no live game play will be involved]The USS KIDD is still in drydock at Thoma-Sea Shipyards in Houma, LA. Donations are still needed! Donate today at www.usskidd.com to support this effort, or join the museum's Patreon account for behind-the-scenes information and activities at www.patreon.com/usskidd661. Let's make KIDD better than the bare minimum!
Six Frigates Book Club Review! USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-05-30 | Click here to donate to the USS KIDD: usskidd.com/support-our-missionThe USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-funded state agency that receives no regular state or federal funding. We appreciate your support!For USS KIDD merch: usskidd.com/museum-store
Book Club: Six Frigates by Ian W. Toll USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-05-30 | First installment of our monthly series with Curator Elijah Otto. This month, we discuss "Six Frigates" by Ian W. Toll.Click here to donate to the USS KIDD: usskidd.com/support-our-missionThe USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-funded state agency that receives no regular state or federal funding. We appreciate your support!For USS KIDD merch: usskidd.com/museum-store
Faces of Memorial Day USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-05-26 | Photos of some of Louisiana’s fallen sons & daughters. If you have a loved one lost in combat who was born in Louisiana, contact us. We'd love to have their photos and bio info in our collection. #MemorialDay
Live from the Combat Information Center! USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-05-24 | USS KIDD Ship Superintendent Tim NesSmith joins Sam Medlin of the Fletcher Destroyer Ships channel (@FletcherDestroyerShips) a sit-down interview about the museum, the history, the drydocking, and all things USS KIDD. Join us at 7:00 p.m. CST.
USS Kidd Kamikaze Attack Flag Discovered + Bonus Footage of New Exhibit! USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-05-07 | Join our Patreon:patreon.com/usskidd661Linktree:https://linktr.ee/usskidd661Click here to donate to the USS KIDD: usskidd.com/support-our-missionThe USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-funded state agency that receives no regular state or federal funding. We appreciate your support!For USS KIDD merch: usskidd.com/museum-store
Mississippi River nears flood zone at USS KIDD berth USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-05-06 | One year ago, the USS KIDD (DD-661) moved to her drydock and the river was at the bare minimum level needed to clear the cradle. This year, however, the river is very high. KIDD would have been floating out free of any obstructions. Click here to donate to the USS KIDD: usskidd.com/support-our-missionThe USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-funded state agency that receives no regular state or federal funding. We appreciate your support!For USS KIDD merch: usskidd.com/museum-store
WWII Warships Journey to Drydock - Timelapse Footage USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-05-01 | One year ago today, USS KIDD (DD-661) started her three-day journey to receive drydock repairs. In her 289-mile journey, she traveled down the Mississippi River, across the Gulf of America, and up the Houma Navigation Canal. This video contains unseen timelapse footage, showing her journey in its entirety. Click here to donate to the USS KIDD: usskidd.com/support-our-missionThe USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-funded state agency that receives no regular state or federal funding. We appreciate your support!For USS KIDD merch: usskidd.com/museum-store
WWII Warships Historic Move│USS KIDD Departs for Drydock USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-04-26 | The prep is now over and the USS KIDD sails for the first time in 42 years. This unseen footage was taken exactly one year ago today. After four days of uncertainty, the USS KIDD finally started her journey to the Thoma-Sea shipyard in Houma, Louisiana. Click here to donate to the USS KIDD: usskidd.com/support-our-missionThe USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-funded state agency that receives no regular state or federal funding. We appreciate your support!For USS KIDD merch: usskidd.com/museum-store00:00 Intro01:01 Cutting docking collars02:16 Waiting for the final collar to be cut02:52 View of the whole operation03:54 Cutting the final collar to free the ship06:09 Pushing KIDD away from dolphins08:04 Backing up to clear the mooring dolphins11:54 Moving into the channel13:24 Floating down river (backwards)16:42 Under I-10 bridge20:12 Blowing horn22:50 Docking at McKinney's shipyard
Patching Leaks and Removing the Gangway Before USS KIDDs Big Move │DAY 4 of Departure Prep USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-04-25 | It is the fourth and final day of prep before the USS KIDD (DD-661) departed from her cradle. This is a behind-the-scenes look at the preparations that took place exactly one year ago to the day. Join us tomorrow for USS KIDD's historic move.Click here to donate to the USS KIDD: usskidd.com/support-our-missionThe USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-funded state agency that receives no regular state or federal funding. We appreciate your support!For USS KIDD merch: usskidd.com/museum-store00:00 Intro00:34 Overview of last day prep00:57 Year-long restoration to get here00:19 River limitations02:49 Cutting off equipment from fantail03:29 Cutting water line under gangway05:05 Empty compartments05:29 Interview with a diver08:07 T&T Salvage setting pumps08:58 Close-up look at leak in engineering space09:23 U.S. Coast Guard inspects the 75kw generator10:36 Update from Tim15:02 Gangway removal
Behind the Scenes: Powering a WWII Destroyer for Dead Ship Tow │DAY 3 of Departure Prep USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-04-24 | Enjoy this behind-the-scenes footage from one year ago, today, as the USS KIDD (DD-661) was being prepared for departure. This is day 3 of departure prep. Tomorrow will be the final day of preparations before the targeted departure date. Click here to donate to the USS KIDD: usskidd.com/support-our-missionThe USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-funded state agency that receives no regular state or federal funding. We appreciate your support!For USS KIDD merch: usskidd.com/museum-store00:00 Intro00:13 River too low for ship extraction00:24 Divers shaving the rudder00:55 Last day the ship is open to the public01:22 Pumping out water from ballast tanks03:25 Curatorial team removing all artifacts04:12 Electrical preparations for the dead ship tow04:44 Restoring the ship's electrical system05:25 Powering the anchor windlass06:06 Divers are finished cutting the rudder07:48 WWII veteran visited KIDD08:06 Photos from the day
TITANIC with Parks Stephenson USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-04-23 | USS KIDD Veterans Museum Executive Director Parks Stephenson joins James from All American Travels to discuss TITANIC. A deep-sea diver, historian, and TITANIC expert, Parks has studied every facet of TITANIC for decades now, from survivor testimony to even diving to the wreck itself twice. Additionally, Parks was involved in a survey of the wreck of TITANIC's White Star Lines sistership HMHS BRITANNIC. In 2021 and 2022 respectively, he developed the search plans that resulted in the discovery of the wrecks of USS JOHNSTON (DD-557) and USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS (DE-413) and actually dove on the JOHNSTON wreck. His research into JOHNSTON prior to the expedition led him Baton Rouge and the USS KIDD, the only museum destroyer in the world restored to her World War II configuration, where he took his current position in October 2022.
The Race to Repair an 80-Year-Old Warship│DAY 2 of USS KIDDs Departure Prep USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-04-23 | On this day, 22 April 2024, preparations intensified, but we were running out of time to extract the USS KIDD from her cradle before the river went down.This marks the second day of major preparations leading up to the USS KIDD's departure.Click here to donate to the USS KIDD: usskidd.com/support-our-missionThe USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-funded state agency that receives no regular state or federal funding. We appreciate your support!For USS KIDD merch: usskidd.com/museum-store00:00 Overview of DAY 201:19 Outlook on departure - river levels02:32 Barge docking alongside USS KIDD04:16 Loading pumps onto KIDD05:39 Pumping out water from ballast tanks06:38 Curatorial team removing artifacts07:48 Ship technicians inspecting shore connections08:08 Way ahead from Executive Director Parks Stephenson
UNSEEN FOOTAGE: Testing the Anchor Windlass of WWII Destroyer│DAY 1 of USS KIDDs Departure Prep USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-04-22 | It has been one year since the USS KIDD was extracted from her cradle in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. 21 April 2024 was the first day of major alterations to be towed to the shipyard for drydock restorations. This video contains UNSEEN FOOTAGE of these preparations. 00:00 Intro00:28 Divers from Budwine & Associates00:45 Moving the paint barge01:51 Divers cutting the rudder 03:45 River levels04:46 Testing the anchor windlass05:03 Lowering anchor06:07 Anchor enters water06:33 Recalling anchorClick here to donate to the USS KIDD: usskidd.com/support-our-missionThe USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-funded state agency that receives no regular state or federal funding. We appreciate your support!For USS KIDD merch: usskidd.com/museum-store
Historians in a Car Getting a Drydocked Warship USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-04-19 | In this behind-the-scenes video, we crammed five historians in a car and headed to USS KIDD's drydock. This is the bull session of a car ride down to Houma, Louisiana, a 2-hour drive from Baton Rouge. We're joined by @BuffaloNavalPark and @HistoryX Be sure to subscribe to their channels!Click here to donate to the USS KIDD: usskidd.com/support-our-missionThe USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-funded state agency that receives no regular state or federal funding. We appreciate your support!For USS KIDD merch: usskidd.com/museum-store
History TV: Museum Ship Meet-Up USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-04-18 | Shane Stephenson from the Buffalo Naval Park and Ken Stano from History X on YouTube recently paid a visit to Houma, LA, to see USS KIDD (DD-661) in dry dock. James from All American Travels talks with them about their takeaways from the trip, and Tim NesSmith from the USS KIDD Veterans Museum joins in as well!Check out James, Shane, and Ken on their own respective channels:All American Travels: @allamericantravels Buffalo Naval Park: @BuffaloNavalPark History X: @HistoryX There's still a need for donations! Let's make KIDD better than the bare minimum. Donate at:usskidd.com/product/donations.Buffalo Naval Park is working to bring USS THE SULLIVANS (DD-537) and USS CROAKER (SS-246) to drydock soon. Donate at: buffalonavalpark.org/support-us/donate
Segregation Aboard a WWII Destroyer USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-04-17 | Ship Superintendent Tim NesSmith gives a tour of the newly restored space where the stewards berthed during WWII. Guests Shane Stephenson of @BuffaloNavalPark and Ken Stano of @HistoryX get a firsthand look at the work being done in Drydock.Click here to donate to the USS KIDD: usskidd.com/support-our-missionThe USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-funded state agency that receives no regular state or federal funding. We appreciate your support!Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/c/usskidd661?redirect=trueFor USS KIDD merch: usskidd.com/museum-store00:00 Intro00:26 Explaining the Restoration01:26 Hatch & Dumbwaiter Conversion02:52 Stewards' Berthing Compartment08:13 Dumbwaiter Shaft Removed10:54 Stewards' Mess16:15 Call to Action
Navy Destroyer Damage Control Axe USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-04-14 | Over on our Patreon, we have been showcasing some of our staff’s archival favorites. This week, we are allowing the public a look at museum curator, Elijah Otto’s, pick of an axe from the damage control locker of the ship. Along with some insights and an up-close look of this artifact, we hear why Elijah picked this piece specifically. If you want to support us at a deeper level and gain access to behind-the-scenes footage, our book club coming out this week, our community Discord, walkthroughs of the museum and ship, as well as ask questions that will get you direct answers from our museum staff, we encourage you to join our Patreon. By doing so, you help keep our non-profit museum afloat while the KIDD is in dry dock. Sound off in the comments below if you have any questions, and we hope to see you over on our Patreon! patreon.com/usskidd661Click here to donate to the USS KIDD: usskidd.com/support-our-missionThe USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-funded state agency that receives no regular state or federal funding. We appreciate your support!For USS KIDD merch: usskidd.com/museum-store
Historians React to WWII Destroyer Out of Water USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-04-12 | What do historians have to say about drydocked WWII destroyer USS KIDD (DD-661)?Experience the USS KIDD through fresh eyes in this week's episode! We're joined by Ken Stano of @HistoryX and Shane Stephenson of @BuffaloNavalPark. Ken is the creator of YouTube channel @HistoryX on which he tells the rare and forgotten stories of WWII. Shane is the Curator of Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, where the USS THE SULLIVANS (DD-537) is docked. THE SULLIVANS is a sister ship of KIDD and is slated for drydock later this year. 00:00 Introduction00:25 Dazzle Paint Scheme01:16 Cold War Sonar Dome02:29 First Reaction to High & Dry03:18 Shane Stephenson, USS THE SULLIVANS04:17 Anchors and Chains04:58 Up-close Look05:58 Hull Repair06:46 Under the Keel07:35 Main Deck - Louvers08:16 Walking & Talking09:20 KIDD vs. THE SULLIVANS10:27 Alligator Spotted off Port Bow!10:39 Heading BelowdecksIf you like this video, kindly destroy that like button. If not, let us know what you think in the comments below. Click here to donate to the USS KIDD: usskidd.com/support-our-missionThe USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-funded state agency that receives no regular state or federal funding. We appreciate your support!For USS KIDD merch: usskidd.com/museum-store
Museum Remembrance Ceremony - 80th Anniversary of Kamikaze Attack on USS KIDD USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-04-12 | A remembrance ceremony will be held at the USS KIDD Veterans Museum on Friday, April 11th, which will be the 80th anniversary of the day when a kamikaze aircraft crashed into the destroyer during World War II.Click here to donate to the USS KIDD: usskidd.com/support-our-missionThe USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-funded state agency that receives no regular state or federal funding. We appreciate your support!For USS KIDD merch: usskidd.com/museum-store
Shipboard Remembrance Ceremony - 80th Anniversary of Kamikaze Attack USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-04-12 | A remembrance ceremony was held on the USS KIDD on Friday, April 11th. This was the 80th anniversary of the day when a kamikaze aircraft crashed into the destroyer during World War II.Click here to donate to the USS KIDD: usskidd.com/support-our-missionThe USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-funded state agency that receives no regular state or federal funding. We appreciate your support!For USS KIDD merch: usskidd.com/museum-store
Brand New Deck on Drydocked WWII Destroyer | #12 USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-04-02 | On today's dry dock update, we head back to Houma, Louisiana, where the USS KIDD is continuing her overhaul. Ship Superintendent Tim NesSmith takes us on a tour around the newly completed decking, newly fiberglassed propeller shafts, as well as educates us on how to fabricate snaking for the railings. Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/usskidd661Click here to donate to the USS KIDD: usskidd.com/support-our-missionThe USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-funded state agency that receives no regular state or federal funding. We appreciate your support!For USS KIDD merch: usskidd.com/museum-store00:00 Behind the Scenes00:30 Introduction01:24 Bow Deck Replacement02:32 Midships04:44 How to Fabricate Snaking10:32 Fiberglassing Propeller Shafts 11:27 Support us on Patreon 12:39 Behind the Scenes
Case of the Mondays #BTS #archives #shorts #history USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-04-01 | What do you do when you can't fit your 3XL exhibit case down the stairs or in elevator? You go the long way around. For the USS KIDD Veterans Museum that means down the Mississippi River levee and up the sidewalk. It's about a half-mile round trip 🙃 #museumproblems #nonprofit #curator Click here to donate to the USS KIDD: usskidd.com/support-our-missionThe USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-funded state agency that receives no regular state or federal funding. We appreciate your support!For USS KIDD merch: usskidd.com/museum-storeMusic credit: uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/bloomersLicense code: R3LEAXDTPKFVVXMP
USS KIDD Drydock Debrief with@BuffaloNavalPark and @HistoryX USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-03-28 | A quick live to let you guys know what we've been up to here at the ship yard! With @BuffaloNavalPark and @HistoryX Check out Shane Stephenson and Ken Stano on their channelsBuffalo Naval Park: youtube.com/@BuffaloNavalPark History X: youtube.com/@HistoryX🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 streamyard.com/pal/d/6059417501171712
Engine Room Graffiti │Interviewing the Culprit USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-03-26 | During the shipyard's interior structural survey we found this graffiti in a crawl space of the aft engine room. A TINY TINY crawl space that has likely gone unvisited since KIDD's time in service. After searching the crew roster, we found a man named Frank R. Tuss, a Cold War crew member aboard KIDD. Thanks to the help of Tin Can Sailors, Inc., The National Association of Destroyer Veterans we got a call from Mr. Tuss and he told us the whole story. After which, he graciously agreed to share his story with you all. Click here to donate to the USS KIDD: usskidd.com/support-our-missionThe USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-funded state agency that receives no regular state or federal funding. We appreciate your support!For USS KIDD merch: usskidd.com/museum-store
Fabricating Ammo Racks for Drydocked WWII Destroyer│#11 USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-03-21 | The 40mm guns have a long history on the USS KIDD (DD-661). After WWII the 40mm guns and gun tubs were removed, replaced by Hedgehogs. They were returned to the USS KIDD after she became a museum ship in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. All that's missing are the ammo racks that lines the gun tubs; adding this detail would bring the KIDD even closer to her August 1945 configuration. Joining us in this video is Black Sheep Fabrications, who we hope to partner with for this restoration project. Join our Patreon for bonus content! patreon.com/usskidd661Click here to donate to the USS KIDD: usskidd.com/support-our-missionThe USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-funded state agency that receives no regular state or federal funding. We appreciate your support!For USS KIDD merch: usskidd.com/museum-store
Dry Docking Our Whaleboats│Small Boat Preservation │#10 USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-03-15 | While USS KIDD (DD-661) is having a spa day in Drydock #6 at Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors in Houma, Louisiana, her 40mm guns are off in Houston being restored by the Battleship TEXAS team. Her searchlights, torpedo directors, 20mm guns, and more are being repainted and restored at the "KIDD Cave" in Baton Rouge. This episode, we're talking about the whaleboats: where they came from, where they've gone, who's taking care of them, and the challenges of making them better than the bare minumum.00:00 Welcome to Dulac Shipyard01:14 Origin of the whaleboats01:58 Captain's gig03:13 Why sandblasting?04:10 Crew's whaleboat04:50 Difficulties with restoration07:02 Construction of the boats08:07 Rear frame08:33 More RUDDERS?!11:23 Differences between the boats12:42 Stefan's restoration philosophy15:21 Inspecting the engines16:28 Whaleboat rides?17:06 Closing thoughtsClick here to donate to the USS KIDD: usskidd.com/support-our-missionThe USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-funded state agency that receives no regular state or federal funding. We appreciate your support!For USS KIDD merch: usskidd.com/museum-store
How Heavy are the Anchors on a WWII Destroyer? #navy #history #WWII #shorts USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-03-12 | How long are the anchor chains? USS KIDD's anchors and chains have been blasted and painted, ready to return to the ship. She still has a ways to go, so they'll stay on the drydock floor for now. Subscribe for more content like this!Click here to donate to the USS KIDD: usskidd.com/support-our-missionThe USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-funded state agency that receives no regular state or federal funding. We appreciate your support!
Deck Replacement Tour from Fantail to Bow│#9│Drydocked WWII Destroyer USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-03-09 | This tour includes all deck replacement areas along the USS KIDD (DD-661) during this drydock period. Ship Superintendent Tim NesSmith explains the reason for the severe rusting and hull degradation of this WWII destroyer. An up-close look at the new dazzle paint scheme is featured as he goes from point A to point B.Click here to donate to the USS KIDD: usskidd.com/support-our-missionThe USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-funded state agency that receives no regular state or federal funding. We appreciate your support!For USS KIDD merch: usskidd.com/museum-store00:00 Cause of Rust Blooms01:36 Fantail Replacement Process03:00 Depth Charge Racks Museum Modification04:42 Snaking for Railings05:25 Re-decking Extension07:11 [Paint Scheme to Midships]07:47 Plate Replacement on O-1 Level08:44 [Paint Scheme to Bow]09:17 Deck Replacement on Bow10:44 Support the USS KIDD11:12 First Reactions to Newly Painted KIDD13:50 The End...for real this time
Polishing the Props of WWII Destroyer USS KIDD│#8 USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-02-28 | Polishing props, testing welds, painting the anchor, and fabricating louvers. Ship Superintendent Tim NesSmith walks around the hull to tell what's new in drydock. This is Update #9 in the drydocking of the USS KIDD (DD-661.)Click here to donate to the USS KIDD: usskidd.com/support-our-missionThe USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-funded state agency that receives no regular state or federal funding. We appreciate your support!For USS KIDD merch: usskidd.com/museum-store#history #navy #drydock #shipyard #wwii #destroyer #museum #nonprofit #usskidd #ship #worldofwarships #warship #vessel #propeller #anchor #welding #shipbuilding #steel #sea
Museum Money: Where Does It REALLY Come From? USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-02-26 | Are your tax dollars going to the KIDD's drydocking? If not, how does the USS KIDD Veterans Museum, a "non-funded state agency" get its funding? Are we working on the cradle while the ship is in the yard?We're answering all your questions on this Museum Advocacy Day. Click here to donate to the USS KIDD: usskidd.com/support-our-missionThe USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-funded state agency that receives no regular state or federal funding. We appreciate your support!For USS KIDD merch: usskidd.com/museum-store
Painting Dazzle Camouflage on our WWII Destroyer│#7 USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-02-23 | In this video Ship Superintendent Tim NesSmith touches on the history of Dazzle camouflage and it's application to the USS KIDD (DD-661).USS KIDD is returning to the Dazzle paint scheme she adorned in 1944. It's technically not correct for our 1945 target date of interpretation, but we're using this opportunity as a method of teaching about different camouflage tactics.Click here to donate to the USS KIDD: usskidd.com/support-our-missionThe USS KIDD Veterans Museum is a non-funded state agency that receives no regular state or federal funding. We appreciate your support!For USS KIDD merch: usskidd.com/museum-store
Hitchhiking on a WWII Destroyer #navy #drydock #birds #shorts USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-02-18 | Fletcher-class destroyer USS KIDD (DD-661) returned to sea for the first time in 42 years. It was a three-day journey down the Mississippi River, across the Gulf of America, and up the Houma Navigational Canal. She is now drydocked at Thoma-Sea Shipyard undergoing a major overhaul. Ship Superintendent Tim NesSmith was fortunate to ride aboard the KIDD for the entire journey and documented some amazing sights. If you like content like this subscribe to our channel!
Rudder Resized to WWII Specs │#6 USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-02-14 | The rudder is finally returning to its WWII specifications, bringing the USS KIDD (DD-661) even closer to her August 1945 target date. This is Update #6 of the USS KIDD's drydocking period. Our rudder has been a popular subject of question and criticism since being raised up in drydock. In this video Ship Superintendent Tim NesSmith talks about how the decision to shave off the bottom led to the return to WWII specifications. What's the difference between the Cold War rudder and WWII rudder, anyway? All that and more...To support this drydocking effort, click here: usskidd.com/product/donationsGet your USS KIDD merch here: usskidd.com/museum-store00:00 Sneak Peek00:25 Cutting the Rudder to get out the Cradle01:51 Why Was the Rudder Enlarged in Cold War?03:33 Rudder Modification in Drydock05:18 Interior of the Rudder, thanks to @Drachinifel 05:56 WWII Rudder Compared to Cold War Rudder07:02 Closing Thoughts07:37 Bonus content: Tim's and Molly's reaction to the rudderShot using @DJI equipment
WWII Tin Can Crew Saves Sailor Art #wwii #history #navy #shorts USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-02-09 | Legend has it: the USS KIDD retained her Kamikaze-damaged forward smokestack. The crew begged and pleaded with the shipyard superintendent, and it was all to save their beloved pirate art. If you like content like this, our channel is for you. Subscribe so you never miss one of our uploads.
Rare Color Footage of WWII Sailor Art │ #wwii #art #navy #shorts USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-02-08 | The origin of this footage is unknown to us, but it was likely captured in 1943 or early-to-mid 1944, based on when different commanding officers allowed the pirate to be painted or not. The pirate on the USS KIDD (DD-661)'s forward smokestack is a depiction of the legendary Captain William Kidd. There is no known relation between the pirate Kidd and the USS KIDD's namesake, RADM Isaac C. Kidd Sr. William Kidd was an iconic figure in the swashbuckling pirate movies in 1940s Hollywood. Whereas Admiral Kidd was the Commanding Officer of Battleship Division 1 during the Attack on Pearl Harbor. He died in the sinking of the USS ARIZONA and received the Medal of Honor for his bravery in the face of grave danger.The first crew of the USS KIDD (DD-661) adopted Captain Kidd as their mascot...after getting permission from Admiral Kidd's widow, Ms. Inez Kidd, of course. She loved the idea of giving these young men, many of whom had not yet turned eighteen, a symbol of bravery to rally behind. Something necessary when heading into a brutal war overseas. Not to mention, Admiral Kidd's nickname at the Naval Academy was "Cap," in reference to the infamous pirate. Cherry on top: Ms. Kidd petitioned the Navy for permission for DD-661 to hoist the Jolly Roger. Other ships have done it, but the USS KIDD is the only ship in U.S. Naval history to have official permission to fly the pirate flag. The current Arleigh-Burke class destroyer USS KIDD (DD-100) carries on that tradition and continues to fly the pirate flag.
Hull Overhaul of WWII Destroyer USS KIDD │#5 USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-02-07 | Update #5 in the USS KIDD (DD-661)'s drydocking period. Hull degradation is the main reason the KIDD is being drydocked, so we're showing you what's going on under the skin. Ship Superintendent Tim NesSmith details all the methods that are being used to restore and preserve the hull. To support this drydocking effort, click here: usskidd.com/product/donationsGet your USS KIDD merch here: usskidd.com/museum-storeReefer video: youtu.be/spCIWYKCQOU?si=aucKsarbBRj4kB5Z00:00 Welcome to Drydock 6 in Thoma-Sea Shipyard00:18 Assessing the Hull - Damage & Thickness02:18 Clad Welding the Divets03:34 Cropping & Renewing the Penetrations 04:41 Cropping & Renewing the Touchpoints07:29 Matching New Steel to Curve of the Hull10:00 Fortifying the Keel 10:53 About the Touchpoints11:51 Replacing Whole Plates13:09 Effects of Saltwater Exposure on Ships15:13 Looking in Reefer Deck 16:40 Wind-Water Line17:20 Closing Thoughts
Curious Markings Uncovered on our WWII Destroyer #aliens #history #drydock #shorts USS KIDD Veterans Museum 2025-02-05 | After blasting the paint away, we discovered strange markings in the bare steel. You can see the overlapping of previous anti-submarine configurations by the weld marks. This is the kind of evidence we look for when tracking various configurations throughout the USS KIDD's history. If you like content like this, our channel is for you. The USS KIDD is currently drydocked; join us for weekly videos documenting KIDD's overhaul progress.
