USS Joseph P. Kennedry Jr. - (DD-850)
International Call Sign: November-Bravo-Charlie-Romeo
The Friends of the USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. DD850 is a fellowship and advocacy organization created to support the preservation of this very historic USN Destroyer, provide for comradery among veterans, volunteers, and interested parties, as well as to perpetuate the legacy of the men and women that have gone to sea on destroyers - past, present, and future.
Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. is example of a Gearing class destroyer, which were built during WW2 and became the workhorses of the Cold War destroyer navy. JPK served 27 years with great distinction to include the Korean War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and America's space program.
Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. is the last surviving Destroyer built in the State of Massachusetts, the only vessel to stop and board a Soviet chartered ship during the October 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, and the last US Navy configured Gearing class Destroyer in the world.
As the Official Korean and Vietnam conflict Memorial for the State of Massachusetts, DD850 now proudly displays her colors as a museum ship at Battleship Cove in Fall River, MA to educate the public and serve as a tribute to those who sailed aboard destroyers. For more information on this museum, please visit their website at Battleship Cove.
