The USS Orleck (DD-886) was laid down in 1944 and first saw combat in Korea in 1951. Named for Navy Cross recipient (posthumously), Lt. Joseph Orleck, this Gearing-class destroyer earned the nicknames “train buster of Korea” after taking out 2 military transport trains and ”Grey Ghost of the Vietnam Coast” after firing over 11 thousand rounds and was awarded an astonishing 14 battle stars throughout the Vietnam war. After serving the US faithfully for almost 40 years, she was transferred to the Turkish Navy where she served for another 18 years. Signs of her Turkish service can still be seen today.

The Orleck became a museum ship in 2000. After failing to secure the USS Adams as a downtown cornerstone, the City of Jacksonville welcomed the Orleck in March 2022. She now calls Jacksonville’s North Bank home and opened her doors to the public in October 2022.

The Orleck had some impressive firepower and technology for its time. It was originally outfitted with three twin 5-in guns (only 2 remain today). This no doubt helped it earn its nickname.

Just imagine the engineering that went into equipment like the Mk 1 Fire Control Computer.

In addition to the 5-in guns, the Orleck also carried torpedos, ASROC, anti-aircraft guns, depth charges, and even a drone to help find enemy submarines!

It was interesting to see that some of the same gear that I used or worked on (like the SPA-25 radar repeater) were used on the Orleck as well. Walking the passageways of this mighty warrior brought back a lot of memories. Even the smells were the same.

If you ever find yourself in downtown Jacksonville with about an hour to kill, this is an affordable way to remember our military men and women.