The Buffalo and Erie County Naval Park is located at One Naval Park Cove in downtown Buffalo. It is home to three vessels, the USS Little Rock which is a cruiser, the USS Sullivans a destroyer and the USS Croaker, a Gato Class submarine.
The USS Little Rock was built in 1944, commissioned in 1945 and decommissioned in 1976. These style ships were known as “Cleveland Cruisers” and it is the last one of its kind and on display right here in Buffalo.The USS Sullivans was launched and commissioned in 1943. The destroyer was named in honor of five brothers, the Sullivans. They were all killed when their ship was sunk in the battle of the Solomon Islands. The ship served during the Korean War and the Cuba blockade.
In 1944, the USS Croaker was commissioned into service and sent out into the Pacific Ocean to fight Japan. Decommissioned in 1971, the USS Croaker was noted for claiming 11 Japanese ships during World War Two, as well as regular patrol cruises.
The Naval Park is open daily from April to October from 10:00am to 5:00pm. In November, the park is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00am to 4:00pm. The park is closed from December through March. Admission for adults is $10.00, children 6-16 are $6.00 and seniors are $6.00.
Multiple other military crafts are also on display at the Naval Park. Be sure to check out the rotocycle helicopter, a Korean War tank, the armored personnel carrier, Voodoo Fighter Inceptor jet and many other items used by all branches of the military.
Inside the museum there are many exhibits to specific groups who have served our country. Some of the exhibits include women in the military, Marine Corps memorabilia and Western New York Medal of Honor Recipients.
There is a gift shop at the Naval Park. Shirts, hats and collectables can be purchased as souvenirs. Those interested can also purchase items online at the Naval Parks website. Call (716)847-1773 for more information on the Buffalo and Erie County Naval Park.
