USS Laffey, Preserved destroyer in Mount Pleasant, United States

The USS Laffey is an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer launched in 1943 and commissioned in February 1944. Its grey hull carries the white number "4" near the bow, and two rounded 5-inch gun turrets sit forward. A tall lattice mast topped with radar antennas rises amidships, with a single funnel and boxy deckhouses aft.

Laid down at Bath Iron Works in June 1943 and commissioned on 8 February 1944, Laffey first fought at Utah Beach on D-Day, 6 June 1944. On 16 April 1945, at radar picket station 1 north of Okinawa, she withstood an attack by some 50 Japanese aircraft: four bombs hit and six kamikaze planes struck the ship, killing 32 and wounding 71, yet she stayed afloat.

The ship is nicknamed "The Ship That Would Not Die" after surviving the 16 April 1945 kamikaze assault off Okinawa, when six kamikaze aircraft hit her and four bombs struck but she stayed afloat. The name is still used by Navy veterans. Visitors can walk the crew quarters and the battle station where Commander Frederick Becton refused to abandon ship.

Visitors can explore different parts of the ship independently, with some sections like the engine rooms accessible through metal stairways. The ship is located in a harbor area with other historic vessels, where operating hours can vary, so check ahead before visiting.

On 16 April 1945 the ship was hit by four bombs and struck by six kamikaze aircraft; 32 crew were killed and 71 wounded, yet she stayed afloat. Commander Frederick Becton refused to abandon ship, and the destroyer was later repaired at Todd Shipyards in Tacoma before returning to service.