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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
Ship Model of "USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr."
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA

Ship Model of "USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr."

Artifact IDMO 79.186
Object Type Model
Date 1962
Date Presented9/15/62
Maker (Pattern Maker Second Class, US Navy, USS Yosemite)
Medium Wood, pigment, string
DimensionsOverall H 13 1/2 in x W 37 in x D 7 1/2 in (34.3 cm x 94 cm x 19.1 cm )

Physical DescriptionShip model of the Gearing class destroyer, USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. (DD 850), made from wood and painted battleship gray with a brown hull. The deck is outfitted with a radar array extending up from the observation deck, four 38 caliber guns, and on the aft landing pads sits a drone remote control weapon carrier, or DASH (Drone Anti-Submarine Helicopter). The model is mounted on pegs onto a wooden base.
Historical NoteThis model of the USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. was presented to President Kennedy during the 60th Anniversary of destroyers in Newport, Rhode Island on September 15, 1962. Named for the president's eldest brother, the destroyer was the first to make contact with Russian vessels during the naval quarantine of Cuba in October of 1962. The Destroyer was named after the President's brother Joseph P. Kennedy. Senator Robert Kennedy served aboard her as a seamen in 1944-45.

The model was displayed in the "Fish Room" of the White House where the President's sailing mementos were on display.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThis item is material associated with the White House, the Kennedy Administration and the Executive Offices of the President. It was was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
Not on view