USS Laffey Association

04/16/2026

“White water no longer curls back from our Laffey’s high, proud bow. There are no men at her throttles or on her bridge, and her guns no longer speak. But she is alive with shades and memories of brave deeds and the brave Americans who did them. They are still with her and will be always. It is my hope that those who visit her, most especially the young, will come to know and perhaps be inspired by them.

If that happens, then what Laffey did will not have been in vain.”
— Julian Becton, The Ship That Would Not Die

04/17/2025

🚢 “The Ship That Would Not Die” — Then and Now

As we wrap up our 80th Anniversary commemoration of the Attack on the USS Laffey during the Battle of Okinawa, we invite you to explore the stories that live on through our special “Laffey Laughs Last” collection.

From D-Day to Okinawa, the USS Laffey (DD-724) earned her legendary nickname through incredible acts of resilience. This curated collection features personal artifacts, battle flags, and memorabilia from the crew who served aboard the most decorated WWII-era destroyer still in existence.

🔗 See the online collection: https://bit.ly/LaffeyLaughsLast

📍 Step aboard history at Patriots Point and experience the legacy of the Laffey for yourself.

04/15/2025

04/14/2025

getting into "full-dress" ship.

04/14/2025

80 Years ago today, began picket duty at radar picket 1 50 miles south of mainland Japan. You can follow the unfolding events 80 years to the minute at https://x.com/usslaffey/status/1911645592779891167?s=46&t=8YHl7BfR63Qn8lFFZLry6g

01/02/2025

The first deck log entry of the New Year was written in verse. In the tradition of the Navy’s Midnight New Year’s Day Poem, we have the USS Harwood’s DDE 861 January 1, 1954 entry, while stationed in Fall River, MA. This is an example of one of many documents we wish to preserve and share for future generations.

For more information about Tin Can Sailors, please visit our website https://www.destroyers.org/.

12/08/2024

https://www.history.navy.mil/about-us/leadership/director/directors-corner/h-grams/h-gram-045/h-045-1.html

H-Gram 045, Attachment 1 Samuel J. Cox, Director NHHC April 2020

10/29/2024

USS Laffey DD-724 Today

10/08/2024

Attacked by 22 Kamikazes over 80 minutes on April 16, 1945 at radar picket station #1 off Okinawa, she became known as because of the skill and bravery of her crew.

10/07/2024

Battered Beyond Belief, Navy Times.

The warship was baptized by fire during the D-Day invasion but survived suicidal punishment on the other side of the world.