Transfer of a Retired Warship to Presque Isle Bay Would Honor Veterans, Military Heritage
The U.S.S. Michigan/Wolverine, the first iron-sided ship in the U.S. Navy, could soon find a new home in Presque Isle Bay, Erie, Pennsylvania. This significant warship patrolled the Great Lakes for nearly a century, playing a vital role in the Civil War and serving as a training ship for countless Navy officers. Now, Erie is seeking approval from the Secretary of the Navy to bring the retired warship back to its shores as a way to honor the city’s military heritage and veterans.
Erie holds a unique place in naval history. So many sailors called Erie their homeport that the town earned the lasting nickname The mother-in-law of the U.S. Navy due to the overwhelming number of young men who married women from the area. Now, Erie is calling on the Navy to help them by approving the transfer of a retired warship to Presque Isle Bay, where it would serve as a centerpiece in a planned museum dedicated to military veterans.
While many Americans are familiar with the famous painting of Oliver Hazard Perry’s victorious transfer of his Don’t Give Up The Ship flag to the U.S. Brig Niagara during the Battle of Lake Erie in 1813, few are aware of Erie’s significant contributions to naval history. The ships that played a crucial role in this battle were built by skilled craftsmen sheltered by the peninsula of Presque Isle. Additionally, hundreds of sailors and militia from Erie volunteered to man the ships and defend their city. Erie’s merchants also generously donated material, funds, food, and arms to support these brave patriots.
The proposal put forward by the Oliver Hazard Perry Shipyard, a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring veterans, seeks to bring the decommissioned ex-U.S.S. Halyburton (FFG-40) to Erie. This warship, named after WWII Medal of Honor recipient William Halyburton, served with great distinction in Okinawa, earning its place in history. Commissioned in 1984, it spent 30 years in active service before being decommissioned in 2014. Since then, it has remained at the Naval Inactive Ship Facility in Philadelphia, awaiting its fate. If approved, the transfer of the Halyburton would be particularly notable, as it would be one of the most modern ships ever donated to a city.
The arrival of the Halyburton in Erie would be of immense significance for both the city and the Navy. The ship holds a special place in the hearts of the many sailors who called it home, providing them with a unique opportunity to revisit the ship’s decks. Furthermore, history enthusiasts would flock to Erie to see the ship that traversed the globe and played a crucial role in the famed Captain Phillips hostage rescue from Somali pirates.
Beyond its symbolic value, the presence of the Halyburton represents a tribute to the strength and resilience of the nation and serves as a reminder of the tremendous sacrifices made in service to our country. Northwestern Pennsylvania, including Erie, has a deep reverence for military veterans, with over 17,100 veterans residing in Erie County alone, accounting for nearly 8% of the adult population. This figure exceeds the national average of around 6%. Moreover, veterans from Erie and the surrounding region have played vital roles in almost every conflict in American history.
To honor these brave servicemembers and recognize Erie’s strong ties to the Navy, the Secretary of the Navy is called upon to support the transfer of a warship, preferably one from the same class of ships bearing the name of Oliver Hazard Perry, the hero of the Battle of Lake Erie.
Erie County native Darrell Owens, an Army veteran and former National Security Advisor to U.S. Senator Pat Toomey, passionately emphasizes the importance of this request. Owens appeals to Secretary Del Toro, highlighting the significant historical connections between Erie and the Navy and the impact of those who have served in uniform in the Erie area.
The explicit simplicity of this request lies in Erie’s desire to honor its remarkable Navy heritage, the sacrifice of its veterans, and the profound connection between the city and the U.S. Navy. By approving the transfer of the Halyburton, Secretary Del Toro and the Navy would forever strengthen this bond, leaving Erie eternally grateful.
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