Rare artifacts from Patriots Point's ship Laffey headed to France for D-Day ceremony (2024)

Artifacts of the Laffey and other remaining warships that took part in the D-Day invasion will fly over Normandy this month as part of an international commemorative ceremony to mark the World War II event's 80th anniversary.

The Texas-based Commemorative Air Force is leading the charge to gather these items and bring them safely to Normandy, where they will be on display, both on the ground and on an honorary flight on June 6.

The Laffey, known as 'The ship that would not die,' is the last remaining U.S. destroyer to see action during D-Day. An original piece of the ship's hull, a valve-control wheel, and a damage-control plug will be flown to Europe by the Commemorative Air Force aboard a World War II-era C-47.

The ship has been moored at Patriots Point since 1981, and isn’t in seafaring condition, but Patriots Point leaders are grateful the ship can still be part of the ceremony.

The WWII plane will land at Mount Pleasant Regional Airport on Mother’s Day, June 12. Free tours of the aircraft will be available to visitors starting at noon, followed by a formal ceremony to hand over the artifacts at 1:30 p.m. A select number of tickets will be sold for seats on three half-hour flights around Patriots Point. Flight tickets are $500 per person and support both the USS Yorktown Foundation and the Commemorative Air Force.

Allison Hunt, executive director of Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, said it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to send a piece of the ship back to Europe.

“Patriots Point and the state of South Carolina are proud to be the current home of the USS Laffey, and this mission to Europe will help us keep her story alive," Hunt said.

The Normandy ceremonyon Omaha Beach will bring world leaders together to showcase the significance of these remaining vessels from World War II, and their role in the Normandy invasion, by honoring each ship’s legacy and contribution to the war effort.

The Yorktown Foundation helped fund Patriots Point’s participation in the Navy-to-Normandy program, with a $5,000 donation to help cover fuel costs for the WWII aircraft.

Meaghan Silsby, director of development forThe Yorktown Foundation, said participating in the event is worth it.

“Bringing a piece of Patriots Point to Europe and a World War II aircraft to Mount Pleasant brings history to life. Our mission at the foundation is to make history tangible to the local community and now we’re able to do that beyond our shores.”

Hank Coates, president and CEO of the Commemorative Air Force, said America’s representation at the event ensures the “memory and significance of our heroes' brave actions are cherished and preserved.”

The event puts Patriots Point on an international stage.The items will be returned to Patriots Point, with a certificate saying that these items were part of the 80th-anniversary ceremony.

In addition to the four artifacts from Laffey, the Commemorative Air Force is also transporting items from aboard the Battleship Texas (BB 35), the last remaining U.S. battleship that supported the D-Day invasion, and Landing Ship Tanks (LST) 325 and 393.

The Laffey also turns 80 this year.

Chris Hauff, chief of staff for the development authority, said the ship’s involvement in supporting D-Day was the first active combat it entered after it was put into service.

“Laffey’s support and involvement was critical to everything that happened in that theater of World War II. The Laffey then went to the Pacific side and supported the Pacific Theater,” Hauff said. “With this year being Laffey’s commissioning anniversary too, this is a big honor.”

Tickets for the flyover above Patriots Point and Mount Pleasant can be purchased at theCommemorative Air Force’s website.