Here is information released by the Navy in regards to OpSail 2012 –
Norfolk, VA (CNRMA) – In celebration of OpSail 2012 Virginia and the commemoration of the bicentennial of the War of 1812, several U.S. Navy ships will be open for public visitation through Monday, June 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
In Norfolk, the dock landing ship USS FORT McHENRY (LSD 43) will be moored at Front Street Park; and the patrol coastal boats USS MONSOON (PC 4) and USS SHAMAL (PC 13) along with two U.S. Naval Academy yard patrol (YP) boats will be moored at Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Norfolk Wharf, Norfolk. In Cape Charles Town Harbor, the patrol coastal boat USS ZEPHYR (PC 8) will open for tours.
Additional ship tours available from downtown will be the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) and submarine USS MONTPELIER (SSN 765) at Naval Station Norfolk on Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, June 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All guests for these tours must board provided transportation at Town Point Park. There will be no direct access to Naval Station Norfolk for these tours.
Visitors should plan on wearing comfortable clothing and be aware if you are bringing a handbag or camera case it will be searched prior to entering. A ship is an industrial environment, guests are encouraged to avoid high-heels; necklaces that can get caught and bags that will be too heavy to carry comfortably.
There is no age requirement to tour U.S. Navy Ships. However, there may be steep ladders (stairways) to climb and uneven surfaces to traverse during a ship tour, and thus, tours may not be appropriate for small children and may be difficult for individuals with heart conditions, breathing difficulties, or other medical conditions impacting their ability to navigate such challenges.
Photography is permitted on board the ships during tours, not permitted are bottles, cans or containers of any type; banners, posters or signs of any type; mace, pepper spray, or other defensive sprays or chemicals; knives, firearms, fireworks or any explosive; illegal drugs or paraphernalia; flammable liquids or aerosol spray cans; club weapons; and animals. The U.S. Navy reserves the right to prohibit other items not listed above.
