Oliver Hazard
Perry

The significance of Commodore Perry’s role shaping the U.S. Navy cannot be understated. Perry’s pivotal success in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812 is also uniquely tied to Erie.

America’s
“Flagship City”

Erie, Pennsylvania has a long history as a shipbuilding, fishing, and railroad hub. It acts as the state’s access to the Great Lakes.

Guided Missile
Frigates

Perry’s legacy lives on in his namesake guided missile frigates, also known as the Perry or FFG-7 class.

Museum & Mission

The Oliver Hazard Perry Shipyard is a 501(c)(3) leading the Perry Shipyard Project, an initiative to bring a decommissioned Perry class Guided Missile Frigate, specifically the USS Halyburton (FFG-40), to Erie, PA and open it to the public as a museum ship.

This will be a dynamic way to educate the public, many of whom have never boarded a fighting vessel, on its role, capabilities, and life onboard the ship. Our mission is to honor veterans and share the remarkable story of Oliver Hazard Perry and his legacy.

This is a game-changer for Erie. The Perry Shipyard would add to Erie’s attractions, be a good neighbor on the bayfront, and do much to honor our veterans – Joe Pfadt, Ph.D., Executive Director & CEO, OHPS
We value the effort of the Perry Shipyard to elevate the story of the American servicemember and fully support the project – Henry R. Mannella, State Commander, Department of P.A. Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S.
I support your efforts in securing [the Perry class frigate] donation. Given the historic and cultural connections with Admiral Perry bringing a Perry Class Frigate to the Erie Waterfront will be a meaningful and monumental occasion – Pat Toomey, U.S. Senator
There is an overall excitement surrounding the possibility of bringing a frigate to Lake Erie and local leaders are eager to proceed with preparing a home where such a vessel will be honored and celebrated daily – Mike Kelly, U.S. Representative
The Perry Shipyard will be an asset to not only northwest Pennsylvania but the entire commonwealth, as we honor current and former service members and celebrate the commonwealth’s important role in American history – Tom Wolf, P.A. Governor
We enthusiastically support this project as it will honor Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, be the nation’s first museum featuring a U.S. Navy Surface Combatant with nearly three decades of service, and provide a hands-on learning platform for STEM Fields. – Ralph M. Ford, Ph.D., Chancellor, PennState Behrend