This year, Bristol will have not one, not two, but three ships visiting by sea to join Bristol’s 238th Independence Day Celebration. Following are the dates and times that each vessel has made available for tours.

Visitors are reminded that strict security rules will be in place. Visitors will be required to show a photo ID. Minor children must be accompanied by an adult. Children who would normally occupy strollers cannot come aboard due to safety concerns.

Anyone who requires any type of durable medical equipment (DME) such as a breathing apparatus, crutches or wheelchairs or who has trouble ambulating cannot be accommodated. If a person demonstrates abnormal and unsafe behavior, or appears intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, they will not be allowed on board and will be turned away.

Navy and USCG regulations require that all purses and packages be searched. Visitors are strongly encouraged to lock these items in their vehicles since the security search will delay the tour process. There are limited or no handicap access points. Visitors are reminded to wear comfortable, protective footwear (no open toes, heels or platform shoes). Parking in the area will be limited to on-street parking.

USS Minneapolis-St. Paul (LCS-21)
The USS Minneapolis-St. Paul is a Littoral Combat Ship visiting Bristol from Jacksonville, Fla. The ship will arrive between June 29 and 30 and will depart Bristol on July 5. The naval vessel is commanded by Cmdr. Justin Neff, USN. The ship will be anchored off Hog Island and will only be accessible by water taxi, which will be provided by the ship courtesy of the U.S. Navy.

Passenger pickup and dropoff will be at the Bristol Town Pier located at the Maritime Center south of Rockwell Park. Tours will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, July 1 and 2.

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Razorbill (WPB-87332)
The Coast guard cutter commanded by Lt. Tim Burns will be moored to the Bristol Town Pier adjacent to the Maritime Center south of Rockwell Park.

Tours will be offered on Saturday, July 1, from 1 to 5:30 p.m., and on Sunday, July 2, from 9 a.m. to noon. The cutter will depart Bristol on July 2 after tours are completed.

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Warren Deyampert (WPC-1151)
The Coast Guard Fast Response Cutter is state of the art technology and was recently commissioned in March of this year. The cutter will be moored at the Bristol Town Pier adjacent to the Maritime Center south of Rockwell Park. She is commanded by Chief Warrant Officer Lance De Foggi, USCG, and is homeported in Boston.

Tours will be available on July 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The cutter will depart Bristol on the morning of July 5.