The Location

Miami's Naval Heritage

During World War II, the Navy designated Miami The Seventh Naval District - as a defense from German U-Boat attacks.  As the war progressed, the Navy took control of Miami’s docks and established nearby air stations.  Over 500,000 enlisted personnel and 50,000 officers trained in the Miami area, many of whom returned to settle there when the war was over.  Lieutenant John F. Kennedy actually concluded his Naval career at Miami’s “Submarine Chaser Training School” just 200 yards from the FEC Slip, rendering this location even more relevant.

The image below at left depicts the “Original Miami Maritime Tourism Attraction” (USS DE 220) docked alongside what is now the north wall of the "FEC Slip" in downtown Miami.

                        FEC Slip - October 1945                                                                   FEC Slip - October 2007
      Photo Contributed by Charles and Mildred Weaver                                      Photo Courtesy of Tom Martin

                  Early 1940's - US Navy PT Boats at Bayfront Park, Miami                                    Lieutenant John F Kennedy

The Foundation wishes to convert the existing FEC slip into a permanent dry-dock facility, outfitted with a steel cradle encased in the concrete.  Once the carrier is moved into place, it will be welded to the floor in order to mitigate the risks associated with potential hurricane tidal surge. The concrete tank will then be filled with fresh water, not only diminishing the corrosive effects of salt water on the vessel, but enabling a new scuba diving attraction.  In addition, this structure will allow in-place future maintenance, eliminating the cost of periodic museum closure to tow the ship to an expensive off-site facility.