While it's not a replacement for the
Display Ship Barry, and it will only be in residence for a couple of days, fans of seaworthy vessels may be interested to check out the 176-foot
Training Ship Freedom Star, which will be docked at the Navy Yard and open for tours on Sunday and Monday, May 22 and May 23, as part of events surrounding
National Maritime Day.
The Freedom Star served primarily as a solid rocket booster recovery ship during the Space Shuttle program before being transferred in 2012 to the US Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD), which now uses it as a training ship, operating out of Piney Point, Maryland.
The ship will be open on both May 22 and 23 from 9 am to 11:30 am and again from 12:30 to 4 pm, via the Riverwalk (not through the Navy Yard itself). Note that it is not handicap accessible, and that pets are not allowed. Also, children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult, and sturdy shoes are recommended.
The ship is expected to arrive around 5 pm on Saturday, May 21, so if you are finishing up getting soaked at
Tour de Fat around that time, keep your eyes on the Anacostia for the guest.