Orange County Register

The Navy will give the public a rare opportunity to board one of its warships Sept. 6-7 when the guided missile frigate USS McClusky docks at the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station. (Click image to enlarge.)

The Cold War-era warship will be the centerpiece of Marine and Navy hardware that will be on display at the base, which has serviced warships since the latter part of World War II. This is only the second time since the terrorist attacks of 9/11 that a warship has been opened to the public. (Read story).

The public will be permitted aboard the Oliver Perry-class frigate from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, and from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7. The Navy says “the tour is free of charge and no reservations are required. Cameras are permitted, and walking shoes are highly recommended. No backpacks or handbags will be allowed aboard the ship.

People are urged to arrive early.

“We had over 3,000 folks on base for our last public tour in December 2007, and that was just for one day,” said Gregg Smith, a base spokesman.

The 453-foot McClusky was built at the famous Todd Pacific Shipyards in San Pedro in the early 1980s. Like most frigates, it has been used to spot, track and, if necessary, deter enemy submarines. The McClusky has been upgraded over the years. But such frigates are slowly being taken out of service because of the multifaceted roles of Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.

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