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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / Museums

Display ship Barry

A former Forrest Sherman-class destroyer that served as the Navy's premier display ship at the historic Washington Navy Yard from 1984 until its departure in 2015.

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Display ship Barry
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What is the Display ship Barry?

The Display ship Barry (DD-933) is a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer that served as a public museum and training platform at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C.

Where is it located?

It was moored at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C.

What is its history?

Launched on October 1, 1955, the USS Barry served in the Atlantic and Pacific fleets until it was decommissioned on November 5, 1982. It became a museum ship at the Washington Navy Yard in 1984.

What were the visiting hours?

The ship was open to the public nine months a year.

Is it good for kids?

Yes, in some years the ship was turned into "Ghost Ship Barry" during Halloween for the sake of children.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Display Ship Barry, originally known as the USS Barry (DD-933), was a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer built by the Bath Iron Works Corporation in Bath, Maine. The vessel was laid down on March 15, 1954, and launched on October 1, 1955. After serving in both the Atlantic and Pacific fleets from 1956 until 1982, the ship was decommissioned on November 5, 1982. Following its active service, the ship was stricken from the Navy list on January 31, 1983, and towed to the Washington Navy Yard in May 1983. It officially opened as a museum ship in 1984, serving as the primary naval display for the Nation's Capital. For decades, it functioned as both a public museum and a training platform for the Navy. The ship was a popular attraction, receiving over 9,000 civilian visitors annually and remaining open to the public nine months out of the year. It became a local landmark, even transforming into the festive Ghost Ship Barry during Halloween seasons to entertain children. The era of the Display Ship Barry at the Washington Navy Yard concluded in October 2015. A farewell event was held on October 17, 2015, where more than 50 former crew members, their families, and local residents gathered to honor the ship's contributions before it departed the yard.

Visitor tips

  • Check the current Washington Navy Yard access requirements, as it is an active military installation.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the waterfront area where the ship was once moored.
  • Visit the nearby Navy Museum to find remaining artifacts and records related to the USS Barry.

Nearby context

Located within the secure perimeter of the Washington Navy Yard, this site is integrated into one of the oldest industrial facilities in the United States, serving as a bridge between active naval operations and public maritime education.

Sources

Evidence and links