Navy Trimaran LCS 2 Independence Headed To St. Petersburg For Tours

Posted Aug 29, 2011 by Howard Altman

Updated Aug 29, 2011 at 06:13 PM

Speaking of ships, if you like nautical wonders, you definitely want to check out the Navy’s newest, a Littoral Combat Ship that will dock for tours in St. Pete.

You can check out the USS Independence (LCS 2) for yourself when it pays a visit to the Port of St. Petersburg beginning Fri., Sept. 2.

A limited number of free tickets will be distributed at the Mahaffey Theater Box Office on Thursday, September 1 and Friday, September 2 for public tours over the Labor Day weekend.

The ship, which officials believe is the first Naval warship to visit St. Petersburg, will remain in port until its departure early Tuesday morning.

The Littoral Combat Ship is the lead ship in the Navy’s New Independence-class fleet of trimarans that can deliver personnel and equipment rapidly to battlefronts and is the first class to be fitted with modular, mission-specific armaments that can be swapped out depending on where the ship is headed.

According to a media release from St. Pete:

Free public tours of the 418-foot vessel will be conducted on Saturday, September 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (organizations only), Sunday, September 4 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and on Monday, September 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. A limited number of people ages eight and older will be allowed to tour the Navy trimaran during its St. Petersburg port visit. Tours will be timed so no more than 150 people are onboard the ship per hour.

Tickets: Free tickets will be distributed from the Mahaffey Theater Box Office, 400 First St. S., on Thursday and Friday, September 1 and 2, from Noon to 6 p.m. Tickets will be available to the public on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. There will be a limit of four tickets per person.  There will be no charge to park in the Mahaffey Theater garage when picking up tickets; however, parking will cost $5 per vehicle Saturday through Monday during public tour hours. Organizations of 25 or more should request tickets for organization tours via email to phyllis.coster@stpete.org or by calling 727-893-7465. 

If using email, please note USS Independence in subject line.

General Information:

The tour includes steep stairs and some non-air conditioned spaces, and is not advisable for individuals with restricted mobility or health issues.  The ship is not able to facilitate those who cannot walk unencumbered under their own power.  Sturdy, closed-toe, flat shoes are recommended, as are pants or shorts for ease of movement.  High heels, sandals, flip-flops or shower shoes will not be allowed on the tour.

Due to safety considerations, only people ages eight and older will be allowed on the tour. Cameras are encouraged.  Almost all areas of the ship are able to be photographed.  Tour guides will specify where photographs are prohibited.

Parking will be available in the Mahaffey Theater garage for $5 per vehicle Saturday through Monday during public tour hours. Free shuttles will provide ticketed guests with transportation to the Port.  No one will be allowed on board the Port shuttle without a ticket. Ticketholders are advised to arrive one hour prior to their scheduled tour time for check-in, transportation to the Port and to pass through a Naval security screening. Restrooms inside the Mahaffey Theater parking garage and at the Port will be open for public use during tour hours.

Prohibited Items: Ticketholders are advised to leave weapons of any kind at home to avoid possible confiscation or tour refusal.  Alcohol, controlled substances and large bags of any kind will also be prohibited.

Port Access/Road Closures: Access to the Port and surrounding locations, including USF-St. Petersburg and Bayboro Harbor, will be patrolled and access restrictions will be strictly enforced at various checkpoints while the ship is in port. Ticketholders will only be able to access the Port during their scheduled tour slot and be restricted from entering or leaving the area unless by the official shuttle from the Mahaffey Theater garage.

Eighth Ave. S.E. from First St. to the Coast Guard station will be closed to through-traffic Friday through Monday during scheduled tour hours while First St. S. will be closed to traffic at Sixth Ave. S. beginning Saturday through Monday.  Meanwhile, parking will not be allowed on First St. S. from Sixth to Eighth Aves. beginning Friday evening through Monday evening.  Police checkpoints will be established at Eighth Ave. S.E. and First St. S. Friday through Monday.