DD-951 USS Turner Joy

The USS Turner Joy (DD-951), serving as a commissioned United States Navy Destroyer from 1959-1982, was instrumental in events that shaped the United States involvement in the Vietnam War. Along with the USS Maddox, the Turner Joy participated in action that directly led to the "Gulf of Tonkin Resolution" escalating the US military from advisors to combatants.

On January 28, 1973, with the cease fire set to take effect at 8:00 AM local time, the Turner Joy fired the last naval round of the Vietnam War.

Donated to the Bremerton Historic Ships Association in 1988, the Turner Joy is dedicated to educate and inform her visitors about naval history, the operation of a naval destroyer, while acting as a memorial for all veterans who served and sacrificed for their country. Speaking to that mission, we maintain a POW/MIA Memorial onboard the ship.

Residing in a city with such a rich naval history, the Turner Joy also provides STEM education classes designed by the US Naval Academy serving students in grades 3-8 in Kitsap, Peninsula and North Mason school districts.

To ensure that every school has an opportunity to participate in our STEM program, the Turner Joy provides the funds to cover the cost of transportation to and from the ship.   Donations to our STEM program also help cover the cost of student admission, staff and lab assistants and facility expenses. STEM funds are maintained completely separate from museum operation.

Museum fund donations are targeted at the ongoing operation and maintenance of the Turner Joy ship and facilities. These funds are also directed to the curatorial committee to continue to develop, fabricate and update exhibits about the ship, its operation, life aboard a naval vessel and her deployments and assignments as part of the US Navy fleet.