MEDIA ADVISORY
The USS Mohawk, a historic Coast Guard sub chaser, is making its way from the Miami-Dade Historical Maritime Museum to its new home near the Admiral’s Cut to the left of the Hilton dock near the Harry S. Truman Little White House in Key West next Tuesday, June 27, 2006.
The ship, which was built in 1934 and fought against 14 Nazi submarines during World War II, is to be developed as a floating museum by the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum.
Details about the new floating museum, including artifacts to be displayed will available in the upcoming months. It is hoped that the museum will be operational by mid-September. The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, working under a forthcoming management agreement with the vessel’s owner, the Miami-Dade Historical Maritime Museum will develop the exhibitions and handle the museum operations. “The City of Key West is making this floating museum possible” said Executive Director Madeleine Burnside. The City will provide the docking space for the 165 foot vessel. The vessel has already undergone more than $800,000 in restoration, with still more planned in the future.
There will be an opportunity to be part of a welcoming flotilla as the vessel is brought into the Key West port by tug. Any local boat owner interested in being part of this escort may contact Kent Weimer at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum at 294-2633 extension 38.
PLEASE NOTE: Updates as to exact time of the boat’s arrival will be released as more definitive information becomes available. Weather and boat activity in the harbor will affect the actual arrival and docking time.
