WELCOME TO THE USS KIDD VETERANS MEMORIAL!

Transcription

1 WELCOME TO THE USS KIDD VETERANS MEMORIAL! The USS KIDD (DD-661) is the centerpiece exhibit of the Veterans Memorial in the heart of downtown Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Located on the Mississippi River, the memorial is open from 9:30am to 3pm Monday thru Friday and 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. The facility is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year s Eve and New Year s Day. The KIDD herself is an excellent example of the famed Fletcher-class destroyers of World War II. She is the only existing destroyer restored to her original World War II era configuration. The KIDD is a designated National Historic Landmark and is ranked as one of the most accurate restorations in a fleet of historic vessels that spans five continents. Visitors touring her decks see over 50 inner spaces, including the officer s wardroom, galley, sickbay, radio central, berthing (sleeping) areas and the ammunition handling rooms. On the main deck, a brass plaque lists the names of the 38 men killed aboard ship when a kamikaze crashed into the KIDD on April 11, In the aft crew quarters, visitors will find a unique museum dedicated to the 175 Fletchers that sailed during World War II, the Korean War and the Cold War. The Veterans Memorial provides exhibits and visitor services including a Gift Shop containing a large selection of Louisiana and military souvenirs. The museum s exhibits reflect many years of American military history. Dozens of one-of-a-kind artifacts mark our collection. Some of the highlights include over 40 ship models, a display on the WAVES, the Louisiana Veterans Hall of Honor, an indoor replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the pilothouse from the riverboat LOUISIANA and a replica of the gun deck of the 17th century frigate USS CONSTITUTION (aka Old Ironsides ). A section of the museum honoring the American Volunteer Group s Flying Tigers of World War II fame includes a replica of a P-40E Warhawk fighter plane that starred in Steven Spielberg s A restored A-7E Corsair II jet attack aircraft that flew during the Vietnam War sits atop a 14-foot pedestal at the northern end of the complex and is dedicated to Louisiana s Vietnam Veterans. A life-sized statue of Lieutenant General John Archer Lejeune of Marine Corps fame guards the entrance to the Louisiana Memorial Plaza. The plaza is enclosed by polished granite walls inscribed with the names of over 7,000 Louisiana natives who gave their lives in defense of their country. An eternal flame burns in the center of the courtyard in memory of these fallen heroes.

2 USS KIDD Overnight Camping Information Camping overnight aboard the USS KIDD is both fun and educational! You ll gain firsthand experience of close-quarters living and learn about the courage displayed by our service members as they faced German U-boats and Japanese kamikaze aircraft. Inside this packet, you will find important information on how to both set up and make your overnight stay a fun and safe experience for all participants. Pricing and Reservation Information A deposit ($150 for standard and $ for exclusive reservations) is due 10 working days from the date that you make your reservation. This deposit is non-refundable. Payment of the remaining balance is due 30 days prior to the night of your stay. Acceptable forms of payment include cash, check, money order or credit card. NOTE: There will be other groups aboard ship on the night of your stay unless you book an Exclusive Reservation which requires a minimum of 100 participants. There are no refunds for groups that arrive with fewer people than were initially booked. Also, please note that we cannot guarantee available bunk space for any last-minute additions. Individuals taking the tour only during an overnight camp must still pay the full price of $ Cancellations: All deposits are non-refundable, though they may be transferred to a new date if the USS KIDD is given notice 30 day prior to the night of your stay and if the new date requested is available. Exceptions to the 30-day notice include: 1) ice on the decks 2) the imminent danger due to the arrival of a hurricane. In these circumstances, your group coordinator will be contacted by the USS KIDD Reservation Staff. Rainfall is not grounds for cancellation of an Overnight. Reservations: Overnights are conducted 7 days a week. The most popular nights are Friday s and Saturday s. Group coordinators should call ahead several months in advance. Our busiest season occurs between January and May. Overnight bookings cannot be made on the following dates: July 3, July 4, Thanksgiving Eve, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year s Eve and New Year s Day. Reservations may be made by calling (225) , Monday thru Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Please note: inquiries for information and/or date availability do not constitute booking an overnight camp. Checks should be written out to: USS KIDD Veterans Memorial. In the memo section of the check, please indicate the date of your overnight reservation and the group. Mail your deposits to: USS KIDD Veterans Memorial ATTN: Overnight Camp 305 South River Road Baton Rouge, LA,

3 Overnight Camp Activities Camping overnight aboard the USS KIDD is an unforgettable experience! It is both educational and fun for kids of all ages. The USS KIDD Veterans Memorial Museum closes at 3:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday, and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Upon your arrival, your tour guide(s) will meet you at the front entrance of the museum. Please plan to arrive between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m. in order to unload all of your gear, obtain parking and establish an accurate head count of your group. Your overnight camping experience is scheduled to begin 7:00 p.m. on the night of your stay and will end promptly at 8:00 a.m. the following morning. Once all groups scheduled for an overnight have arrived, you will be shown a short orientation film and your guide(s) will go over the Safety Rules with you. You will then walk to the ship and be given the opportunity to settle in and drop off your bags. A fire drill will be conducted to make you aware of what to do and where to go in case of an emergency. From there, your guide(s) will take you on an extensive tour where you will learn all about life aboard a World War II ship and learn about the role that destroyers played in battle. You ll also learn about Rear Admiral Isaac Kidd and why the KIDD s crew became known as the Pirates of the Pacific. After the tour, your group is welcome to eat snacks on the main deck only. Groups may also use this time to explore the ship on their own and take supervised turns on the 20mm and 40mm guns. We offer two activities, free of charge, to overnight campers. You can choose either or both of the following: an exclusive tour of the USS KIDD s Engine Room, or a test your knowledge type scavenger hunt. Both of these are optional and should be requested at the time of booking. Lights Out is set at midnight to ensure everyone receives a good night s sleep. Reveille is set promptly at 6:30 a.m. so you want to make sure to get some shut eye. Groups should be ready to depart the ship at 7:00 a.m., with their gear in tow, to be escorted back to the museum. After Reveille, groups are free to tour the exhibits in the museum at their own leisure. If coordinators would like to provide breakfast, they need to ensure that their campers are awake by 7:00 a.m. and can eat and clean-up after their campers by 8:00 a.m. You can also visit our Gift Shop to look for unique souvenirs. The ship and museum reopen to the general public at 9:30 a.m. We request that overnight campers and their coordinators leave the museum so that can be properly prepare for the general public by 8:00 a.m. However, your group is welcome to return to the ship, explore her in the daylight and take photos when we reopen to the public at 9:30 a.m. Just remember: the safety rules are still in effect, even in the daytime. You may stay as long as you like for the remainder of the day until the museum closes.

4 Packing Tips for your Overnight Camping Experience 1. Pack light... VERY LIGHT!!! 2. Don t put any foods, drinks, candy, chewing gum, nor anything edible (except medicine) in your personal gear. 3. Keep in mind that the more you bring, the more you will have to carry. 4. Please note that ladders aboard a World War II destroyer are 70 degrees in angle and you will have to move your gear up and down several ladders during your stay. 5. Bring only what can be stored beneath or beside your bunk without creating an obstruction for others to walk safely because there isn t much storage space aboard the KIDD. Suggested Supplies *** Sleeping Bag *** Blanket *** Extra Blanket (cold weather) *** Personal Toiletries *** *** Comfortable Sleep Wear *** Shower Shoes *** Change of Clothes *** Flashlight *** *** Tennis Shoes *** Personal Medications *** Sleeping/Bunking Arrangements There are 5 berthing compartments aboard the USS KIDD with a varied number of bunks in each space. Your space will be assigned to you upon arrival and will depend upon the size of each group. We ensure each group has a separate sleeping compartment. Groups do not have to be all male or all female. However, we understand that some organizations require separate bunking for males and females. Any requests for separate accommodations must be made when making your reservation or your request cannot be guaranteed. The sleeping compartments are air conditioned and/or heated for the comfort of our guests. Keep all valuables (cameras, purses, wallets, etc.) with you at all times to deter theft. Shower facilities are available but you must provide your own soap, towels and washcloths. It is best to shower prior to bedtime, as time is limited for such activities during the morning. Birthday Parties Birthday parties at the USS Kidd Veterans Memorial are unique and lots of fun! While the ship itself is not an ideal location to host a party, we can ensure a memorable birthday for your child. We recommend having pizza, cake, ice cream and opening presents in our snack bar area that seats approximately 30 people and is located on the first floor of the museum. For more birthday party information, please contact us at: (225) Food and Beverages We suggest all groups eat a full meal (dinner) prior to arriving at the USS KIDD for their Overnight stay. Snacks are permitted but your group will be busy touring and food is only allowed in certain areas.

5 NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES of any kind are allowed aboard ship. There are no exceptions to this rule and violators will be promptly dismissed from the premises. Snacks and drinks are allowed aboard the ship but only under the following conditions: 1. No food or drinks are allowed below decks in the sleeping areas. 2. Keep all food and drink items in one or two large ice chests for the group not in individual luggage. 3. All and food and drinks will be consumed only in the designated areas aboard ship. 4. No glass containers of any kind allowed for safety reasons. 5. Why so tough on the food rules? There are some guests (ants, bugs, rats, ect ) that we simply DON T want aboard ship. Pizza: Many Overnight Camp groups have pizza delivered and eat it in our Café area prior to heading to the ship. If you are going to be ordering pizza, please let us know so our tour guides can accommodate your group. Domino s Pizza, (225) , is the closest delivery service available. Please keep in mind that you will have to supply your own plates, napkins and drinks in order for your group to dine. Restaurants En Route to the USS KIDD We have included a list of possible restaurants for you to consider in case you decide to eat out on your way to the USS KIDD, of if your group would like to pick-up breakfast. Using the map included in this packet, you should be able to locate any of the eateries listed below. We suggest you call ahead, especially on weekends and if you have a large group. Siegen Lane Exit (I-10 from New Orleans) Sherwood Forest Dr. Exit (I-12 from Hammond) Chili s Grill & Bar Raising Canes Burger King McDonalds Taco Bell WhataBurger IHOP Arbys (225) (225) (225) (225) (225) (225) (225) (225) Pizza Hut McDonalds Burger King Taco Bell Jack-in-the-Box Subway Sandwiches & Salads Sonic Drive-In Piccadilly Cafeteria (225) (225) (225) (225) (225) (225) (225) (225) Lobdell Hwy in Port Allen (I-10 from Lafayette) Government Street (approaching the KIDD) Burger King McDonald s Waffle House Subway Krawdaddy s (225) (225) (225) (225) (225) x Frostop McDonalds Shuck s On The Levee (France St.) Capital City Grill (Lafayette St.) Schlitz & Giggles Pizza (3rd St.) (225) (225) (225) (225) (225)

6 Directions to the USS KIDD From Lafayette & Port Allen: Take I-10 East across the Mississippi River Bridge. Take I-110 North to Convention Street exit (left side of highway). Turn left onto Convention and go straight to the river. Turn left onto River Road. The USS KIDD is located two (2) blocks south on the right. From New Orleans: Take I-10 West to I-110 North. Take the Government Street exit (right side of highway). Turn left at the bottom of the ramp and follow Government straight to the Mississippi River. From Slidell & Hammond: Take I-12 West to I-10 West. Follow I-10 West to I-110 North. Take the Government Street exit (right side of highway). Turn left at the bottom of the ramp and follow Government straight to the Mississippi River. From St. Francisville & Natchez: Follow Highway 61 South to I-110. Take I-110 South to the Government Street exit (left side of highway). Turn right at the bottom of the ramp and follow Government straight to the Mississippi River.

7 Tentative Overnight Camping Itinerary All times are approximate and subject to change due to several factors. 3:30 p.m. (Monday- Friday; 4:00 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday) 6:30-7:00 p.m. Ship & museum close for touring. Overnight groups arrive at museum. Remember: showing up on time translates to more time aboard ship. 7:00 p.m. Orientation & safety briefing. 7:45-8:15 p.m. Move gear to the KIDD, stow food items on Main Deck, get settled into bunks, and conduct a fire drill. 8:15-9:30 p.m. Guided tour of the USS KIDD. 9:30 p.m. -12:00 a.m. Free period -- Groups may eat snacks at this time and explore the ship on their own. At all times, however, we require the use of the Buddy System. All children must be accompanied by adults. Optional activities (Scavenger Hunt & Engine Room Tour) conducted at this time. If you have an activity that you would like to conduct (i.e. religious devotional or service, or activities for earning merit badges, etc.), these can be done at this time, so long as they have been cleared through the Reservations Department ahead of time for compliance with safety regulations. 12:00 midnight Lights Out. (This time may be moved up if requested) 12:00 a.m. - 6:30 a.m. Sleep period. No hands should be above deck except for bathroom purposes (adults or children). 6:30 a.m. Reveille. (Time to wake up) 6:30 a.m. - 7:00 a.m. All hands pack their gear and get ready to depart the ship. 7:00 a.m. 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. All hands depart ship with their gear and return to museum on shore. Gift shop opens at this time for purchase of souvenirs. Campers may use this time to tour museum. Overnight camp activities conclude at 8:00 a.m. 8:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. USS KIDD closes until 9:30 a.m. for cleaning and wash down of decks. 9:30 a.m. (Monday- Friday)/10:00 a.m. (Saturday and Sunday) USS KIDD Veterans Memorial reopens to the public. 9:30 a.m./10:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m./4:00 p.m. Overnight admission covers any additional self-guided touring through the close of business at 3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

8 Overnight Camp Safety Rules We are delighted that you have chosen the USS KIDD for your camping adventure! Please keep in mind that this ship was built in 1942 before modern day safety practices were in effect. The ladders are steep, the decks can be slippery and a lot of equipment is literally underfoot. In short, everyone needs to be attentive to potential hazards while aboard and observe all of the rules. These rules have been developed over the course of conducting 20 years worth of overnight camps and take everyone s safety into consideration. Group Coordinators: Please distribute these rules to your Parents. Parents: Please go over the following rules with your children: 1. In order to prevent falls/injuries, running is not permitted in the museum nor aboard ship. 2. Vandalism or theft of items from the ship will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. 3. Parents are responsible for the actions of their children whether supervised or not. 4. Restricted areas are marked and those restrictions must be observed. 5. When exploring the ship, we strongly recommend the use of the Buddy System. 6. Do not push buttons, turn knobs or throw switches that you see throughout the ship as it may result in important systems being accidentally shut down (like air conditioning or heating systems). 7. Vertical ladders (straight up and down) are marked and off-limits. Do not climb them. 8. Angled ladders (or stairs) are okay to climb. Make sure shoe laces are tied and use both hands when going down the stairs. Only one person on the stairs at a time. 9. When handling the 20mm guns aboard ship, pay attention to where you are swinging the mount. People in your vicinity can be seriously injured if a gun barrel hits them in the head. Do not unlatch anything on the 20mm gun or stick your hands in the gun s mechanism. 10. When handling the 40mm guns, do not jump off the guns. You will hit your head on the guard rails. Sit down and slide off of the gun mount. Do not cross over the curved half-piping where the gun tracks. 11. No child should be on a gun without an adult supervising him/her. 12. No one is permitted to climb into either whaleboat. 13. Climbing on the superstructures of the ship (supporting walls, crossbeams, pipes, stanchions, watertight doors, vertical ladders, etc.) is prohibited. 14. Watch your step & duck your head!

9 Overnight Camp Safety Rules Continued 15. Do not lean on railings or netting along the side of the ship or on the upper decks. 16. Beware of slippery or wet decks. Always keep one hand free to use for support on railings. 17. Lights Out is set at midnight to ensure everyone receives a good night s sleep. This also avoids problems of noise keeping neighboring groups awake. Reveille is set promptly at 6:30 a.m. so you want to make sure to get some shut eye. After Lights Out, no one should be out on the Main Deck except to visit the bathroom. All children/youth should be accompanied by an adult. Note: Our alarm system is active at this time for your protection and wandering the ship at night will set it off. 18. Personal electronic equipment should be left at home as the ship s electrical systems were not designed for modern electronic devices (i.e. radios, CD or MP3 players, hair dryers, curling irons, etc.) 19. Smoking is permitted on the open (uncovered) areas of the Main Deck only. 20. No alcoholic beverages are allowed on the premises (grounds for immediate dismissal). Penalties You ve read the rules, now here are the penalties for breaking them. Drum roll, please! DEFCON 1 Warning issued. DEFCON 2 10 minute time-out. DEFCON 3 Child put to bed with parent or guardian supervising. Keep in mind that these rules apply to adults as well. Repeated failure to comply with these safety rules will result in DEFCON 4 Removal from the premises. Parking at the USS KIDD Parking is available on River Road in front of the USS KIDD where it says Visitor Parking, at the Baton Rouge River Center (parking fee) or the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino (free). Please unload all children and any heavy items (ice chests, overnight bags, etc ) at the museum s front door prior to parking your vehicle. The USS KIDD assumes no liability for losses of or damage to vehicles parked in front of the museum.

10 Emergencies If you need to be reached in the event of an emergency while staying aboard the USS KIDD, our telephone number is (225) Once the automated system picks up, callers should dial 0 for the Operator in order to reach the personnel aboard ship. Medical & Health Information Things to Consider: Scenario # 1: Mr. Jones invites his son s friend Mike along for the overnight camp. Mike is not a member of the Cub Scouts so Mr. Jones doesn t fill out any permission slips or medical waivers for him. Mike gets hurt and needs to go to the Emergency Room for treatment. Mike s medical attention has to be delayed until his parents can be tracked down and consent to having him treated. Scenario # 2: Mr. Smith is planning an outing for his youth group. He has collected medical release forms for all of the kids attending without their parents. For those attending WITH their parents, he has not bothered. On the day of the trip, Susie s father gets called into work at the last moment and cannot go. During the trip, Susie gets hurt and needs medical attention. Mr. Smith has no medical release form because he thought Susie s dad would be there. Scenario # 3: Mrs. Anderson takes her class on a field trip. She has collected medical release forms for all of the students, however, she forgets the forms at home. One of the students gets hurt on the trip and needs medical attention. Mrs. Anderson must now track down a parent or guardian to get the student treated. The above scenarios have all happened in the past (the names have been changed) while groups visited the USS KIDD. We highly suggest that all group coordinators to have some type of permission slip or medical release form on-site for each child participating in a group tour or overnight camping experience with aboard the USS KIDD in case of emergency. MEDICAL RELEASE FORM / PERMISSION SLIP My son/daughter has my permission to participate in the Group Tour and/or Overnight Camp aboard the USS KIDD in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In the event of a medical emergency, has my permission to seek medical care for my son/daughter. ( ) - Emergency Contact Number Signature of Parent or Guardian Name of Insurance Provider / / Date Signed

11 USS KIDD Souvenirs What better way to remember your stay than to purchase a unique USS KIDD souvenir? We have several exclusive and military items to choose from in our Gift Shop (located on the first floor of the museum). For more information about souvenirs, please contact the Gift Shop: (225) , Ext. 16.