USS Adams closer to docking in Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The USS Adams is one step closer to docking in the River City.

If all goes as planned, the USS Adams Museum will open to the public early next year.

This week the city of Jacksonville made a big hurdle in the process. The City Waterways Commission voted unanimous approval of the Downtown Development Authority’s licensing agreement to run the museum.

The agreement was negotiated with the Jacksonville Historic Naval Shipyard Association, according to Joe Snowberger, commodore and CEO of the USS Adams Museum.

“We’ve been at the process for about five or six years now,” said Snowberger. “And this week was a huge milestone that takes us ever closer to the goal of having the Adams here.”

The issue still needs to go through the Finance Committee and the Recreation, Community Development, Public Health and Safety Committee. Snowberger said he expects the final City Council vote on Aug. 12.

The ship is the last of the Adams-class guided-missile destroyers.

Snowberger said the project is being funded without taxpayer money and is relying solely on private donations.

WJAX