The Sumner/Gearing-class destroyers were the first American DDs equipped with radar. Given her long life span, Kennedy required a number of electronics upgrades from her original WWII configuration.

To learn more about Kennedy's electronics, visit her at Battleship Cove.

The first destroyer, USS Bainbridge.

FRONT LINE IN THE BRINE: No longer the unsung workhorses of the United States Fleet, destroyers have evolved into the most formidable surface combatants ever put to sea. While the sleek greyhounds of the Arleigh Burke class are a distant cousin to the “tin cans” of World War II, all destroyers share a proud and distinguished tradition.

As such, it is important to accurately recreate the Kennedy’s historical fabric: We must strike a delicate balance between visitor safety, authenticity, preservation, education, and her primary mission as a memorial. To this end, the Kennedy Restoration Committee has been formed to promote a methodically planned, highly collaborative effort to acquire and install period equipment that will reflect the Kennedy’s 1970’s (and final) configuration.

If you are interested in participating in this important project as a volunteer or by making a tax deductible donation of funds or artifacts, please contact Curator Christopher Nardi at 508-678-1100.