Plans for USS Adams return to Jacksonville fall apart, organizers call it ‘huge disappointment’

Jacksonville, FL — For ten years an organization of volunteers has worked to bring the USS Adams to downtown Jacksonville as a floating museum on the St. Johns River.

But the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association is now moving on to find another ship after the organization said it became clear the Navy would not release the Adams as planned, if ever.

“All of us believe that the Navy has decided not to release any warships”, said JHNSA President Daniel Bean in announcing the decision to cease efforts to bring the Adams and look at different options.

Bean says the Navy never explicitly said that it would not authorize release of the ship but that the Navy cited too many deficiencies with their application.

While they could have tried one more time to satisfy the terms, Bean says the organization consulted with Congressman John Rutherford’s office and determined it was time to move on.

“We just said look, it’s just very clear that they’re not going to donate the USS Adams and moreover, we don’t think that the Navy is going to donate any ship”, said Bean.

As recently as June, Bean says they were optimistic following a meeting with the Secretary of the Navy, but were recently told their environmental results were unacceptable.

The USS Charles F. Adams called Naval Station Mayport her homeport for 21- of her 30-year career, according to JHNSA. The organization is now redirecting its efforts on historic ships that are now doing well in other parts of the country.

“This is a perfect place for a warship to be on display”, Bean said.

The JHNSA is still working with a developer for the Berkman II site to include a historic ship as part of a $122 million plan that includes a resort hotel, parking garage, and "Family Entertainment Center" with arcade games, rides, and more.

“We still think our mission is true and we’re optimistic about this historic warship that reached out to us immediately after we issued our press release on Friday”, Bean said.

You can learn more about the USS Adams history and plans for a warship display on the St. Johns River here.