Efforts to move the USS Orleck to Westlake continue as the federal government reviews engineering drawings for the World War II-era vessel’s new home. (American Press)
Efforts to move Orleck to Westlake continue
Last Modified: Monday, August 13, 2012 10:53 AM
By Eric Cormier / American Press
Efforts to move the USS Orleck to Westlake continue as the federal government reviews engineering drawings for the World War II-era vessel’s new home.
Earlier this week, members of the USS Orleck Naval Museum’s board of directors spoke with the Lake Charles City Council about developments related to the ship’s move from its Calcasieu River dock site.
Ronald Williams, chairman of the museum board, said the ship could be berthed near the Isle of Capri Casino in early 2013.
“We are on our way. In July we submitted a request to move the ship to the U.S. (Army) Corps of Engineers. Right now, they (the plans) are in the public comment phase,” Williams said.
If they’re approved by the corps, other government agencies would have to sign off on the plans and the ship’s eventual towing.
Williams said additional plans that would describe the ship’s permanent mooring have to be completed.
“We are working every day to bring the ship to the west side of Lake Charles,” Williams said.
“By the end of the year, we will definitely start construction at the Isle of Capri,” museum director Mark Boudreaux said. “It will be a nice view. Things are looking good.”
City officials are watching the project’s progress with interest. In November, an agreement will expire that is allowing the museum time to move the ship from its current docking at 604 N. Enterprise Blvd.
The museum’s board of directors could try to get an extension to complete the proposed move. “And that would be to take care of final issues before the move,” Williams said.
As the group works to move the ship, volunteers make sure visitors can participate in activities on it that include the Life at Sea summer camp, as well as laser tag, tours and special events.
Construction on the street that leads to the ship has affected visitation. Last December, 20,000 visitors visited the ship. Now, museum staff counts 18,000 per month.
“Its amazing, though. People come and find us when you can’t find us,” Williams said.
The Orleck — which was built in Orange, Texas — served 37 years in the U.S. Navy starting in September 1945. It served in the Korean and Vietnam wars and assisted in the Gemini IV space capsule recovery before it was decommissioned in October 1982.
After decommissioning, it was sold to Turkey and served in that nation’s navy until 2000.
The Southeast Texas War Memorial and Heritage Foundation in Orange obtained the ship from Turkey and converted it into a memorial and museum.
Hurricane Rita damaged the ship in 2005, and Orange City Hall later denied a request to allow its permanent docking on the Sabine River.
The Lake Charles City Council approved the ship’s temporary relocation to Lake Charles in May 2009. Towing vessels brought the Orleck up the Calcasieu River in May 2010.
Since then, museum members have tried to find a final docking site for the ship.
Posted By: Doug On: 8/12/2012
Title: A Treasure
Great that this treasure will stay in the area and add more visible interest to the I-10 Bridge view of the Lake Charles cityscape.
Posted By: Doug On: 8/12/2012
Title: A Treasure
Great that this treasure will stay in our area, and will add more interest to the I-10 Bridge view of the city.
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