Battleship Wisconsin at Nauticus, Norfolk (Courtesy of Nauticus)
It was America’s first naval landing: In 1607 three ships carrying English colonists sailed into the harbor of what is now Virginia Beach. Today, the Hampton Roads area hosts the largest and most technologically advanced ships in the world. The Port of Virginia is one of America’s most dynamic centers of global maritime commerce and the nearby Norfolk Naval Station—the largest navy base in the world—is home to the U.S. Navy’s gigantic Atlantic Fleet.
Transportation expert Scott Hercik leads a daylong immersive exploration of some of the world’s greatest ships and the men and women who sail them. Begin at Nauticus, one of the country’s premier maritime museums and home to the USS Wisconsin, the Navy’s last battleship. Learn of the dynamic growth in global commerce moving through the Port of Virginia and the critical importance that the Navy plays in protecting America’s interests around the world. Climb on board the Wisconsin, launched in 1943, for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the greatest warships of all time.
Next, set sail aboard a harbor cruise ship and enjoy a close-up view of huge marine terminals, now served by some of the largest container ships in the world, and marvel at the ships of the Atlantic Fleet, highlighted by huge Nimitz-class and the newest Ford- class nuclear aircraft carriers.
Enjoy a boxed lunch on site at Nauticus.
Fringe stop at about 7:30 a.m.
