About the Foundation
Who We Are
The USS Laffey Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the USS Laffey (DD-724), honoring her crew, and ensuring that the story of the ship that would not die endures for generations to come.
Our Story
Born from a Duty to Remember
The USS Laffey Foundation was established by veterans, historians, and community members who recognized that preserving a ship of Laffey's historical significance requires more than goodwill — it requires organized, sustained effort and dedicated funding.
USS Laffey (DD-724) survived more kamikaze attacks in a single engagement than any other ship in U.S. naval history. On April 16, 1945, assigned to Radar Picket Station No. 1 during Kikusui No. 2 — the second mass kamikaze offensive of the Okinawa campaign — she was struck by six kamikazes and hit by four bombs during approximately 80 minutes of battle. She did not sink. Her crew's courage and the ship's resilience earned her the name she carries to this day: The Ship That Would Not Die.
Today, Laffey stands at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina — open to the public, free to board, a tangible connection to the men who served and the battles they fought. The Foundation exists to keep her there, in the condition she deserves.
Our Mission
Preserve. Honor. Educate.
The USS Laffey Foundation exists to preserve the USS Laffey as a living memorial, honor the men who served aboard her, and educate the public about the ship's extraordinary history and the broader story of American naval service in World War II.
Preserve
Fund and coordinate the ongoing preservation of the USS Laffey's hull, topside, and below-deck spaces so she remains structurally sound and historically authentic for future generations.
Honor
Recognize and commemorate the 336 men who served aboard Laffey — especially the 32 who gave their lives on April 16, 1945 — through memorials, records, and public programming.
Educate
Bring Laffey's story to students, veterans, families, and the general public through exhibits, educational programs, and digital resources that make history accessible and meaningful.
The Foundation
A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
The USS Laffey Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Our EIN is 41-3685663.
The Foundation works in close partnership with Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, which maintains and operates the ship. Foundation funds are directed specifically toward preservation projects, educational programming, and crew recognition initiatives that complement the museum's ongoing stewardship.
Leadership
Board of Directors
The Foundation is governed by a volunteer board of directors committed to the mission of preserving USS Laffey and honoring her crew.
James E. Smith Jr.
Board Chairman & Volunteer Director
James E. Smith Jr. is a combat veteran, attorney, and former member of the South Carolina House of Representatives (1996–2018). He served as the 2018 Democratic nominee for Governor of South Carolina. A Lieutenant Colonel in the South Carolina Army National Guard, Smith deployed to Afghanistan in 2007 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, serving as a combat advisor to Afghan National Security Forces. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Purple Heart. Smith is a partner at Nelson Mullins and founder of James E. Smith Jr., P.A., providing legal representation across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. He brings his lifelong commitment to service and his deep ties to South Carolina's military heritage to his leadership of the USS Laffey Foundation.
MG Joseph T. Anderson (USMC, Ret.)
Vice Chairman
Major General Joseph T. "Joe" Anderson, USMC (Ret.), is a decorated combat veteran, test pilot, and 33-year Marine Corps officer who flew 219 combat missions in Vietnam and became one of the foremost experts on the AV-8B Harrier II. He commanded VMA-331, Marine Aircraft Group 13, and the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Okinawa, retiring in 2001 with decorations including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Navy Distinguished Service Medal, and Legion of Merit. An early and passionate advocate for preserving USS Laffey, General Anderson was instrumental in the efforts that led to the ship's permanent berth as a museum vessel at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. After his military career, he served as Deputy Director of the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center and held board positions with the Navy Federal Credit Union and the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
Board Member
Secretary/Treasurer
Placeholder — board member information to be provided.
Our Partner
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
USS Laffey is permanently berthed at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina — just across the harbor from historic Charleston. The museum operates the ship and welcomes visitors year-round. The USS Laffey Foundation supports the museum's preservation mission through dedicated fundraising and programming.
Visit Patriots Point
Patriots Point, Mount Pleasant, SC
Join Us in Preserving Her Legacy
Every contribution supports the Foundation's mission to preserve USS Laffey, honor her crew, and carry her story forward.