USS INDEPENDENCE DROPS ANCHOR IN ST. PETERSBURG OVER HOLIDAY WEEKEND

ST. PETERSBURG, FL -The public is invited for an up close
and personal tour aboard one of the nation's newest and most unique naval
warships when the USS Independence (LCS 2) pays a visit to the Port of St.
Petersburg beginning Friday, September 2.  A limited number of free tickets
will be distributed at the Mahaffey Theater Box Office on Thursday, September
1 and Friday, September 2 for public tours over the Labor Day weekend. The
ship, which is believed to be the first Naval warship to visit St. Petersburg,
will remain in port until its departure early Tuesday morning.

Free public tours of the 418-foot vessel will be conducted on Saturday,
September 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (organizations only), Sunday,
September 4 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and on Monday, September 5, from 8:30
a.m. to 11:30 a.m. A limited number of people ages eight and older will be
allowed to tour the Navy trimaran during its St. Petersburg port visit. Tours
will be timed so no more than 150 people are on board the ship per hour.

Tickets: Free tickets will be distributed from the Mahaffey Theater Box
Office, 400 First St. S., on Thursday and Friday, September 1 and 2, from Noon
to 6 p.m. Tickets will be available to the public on a first-come,
first-served basis, while supplies last. There will be a limit of four tickets
per person.  There will be no charge to park in the Mahaffey Theater garage
when picking up tickets; however, parking will cost $5 per vehicle Saturday
through Monday during public tour hours. Organizations of 25 or more should
request tickets for organization tours via email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or by calling 727-893-7465.  If using email, please note USS Independence in
subject line.

General Information: The tour includes steep stairs and some non-air
conditioned spaces, and is not advisable for individuals with restricted
mobility or health issues.  The ship is not able to facilitate those who
cannot walk unencumbered under their own power.  Sturdy, closed-toe, flat
shoes are recommended, as are pants or shorts for ease of movement.  High
heels, sandals, flip-flops or shower shoes will not be allowed on the tour.
Due to safety considerations, only people ages eight and older will be allowed
on the tour. Cameras are encouraged.  Almost all areas of the ship are able to
be photographed.  Tour guides will specify where photographs are prohibited.

Parking will be available in the Mahaffey Theater garage for $5 per vehicle
Saturday through Monday during public tour hours. Free shuttles will provide
ticketed guests with transportation to the Port.  No one will be allowed on
board the Port shuttle without a ticket. Ticketholders are advised to arrive
one hour prior to their scheduled tour time for check-in, transportation to
the Port and to pass through a Naval security screening. Restrooms inside the
Mahaffey Theater parking garage and at the Port will be open for public use
during tour hours.

Prohibited Items: Ticketholders are advised to leave weapons of any kind at
home to avoid possible confiscation or tour refusal.  Alcohol, controlled
substances and large bags of any kind will also be prohibited.  High heels,
sandals, flip-flops or shower shoes will be not allowed on the tour as a
safety precaution.

Port Access/Road Closures: Access to the Port and surrounding locations,
including USF-St. Petersburg and Bayboro Harbor, will be patrolled and access
restrictions will be strictly enforced at various checkpoints while the ship
is in port. Ticketholders will only be able to access the Port during their
scheduled tour slot and be restricted from entering or leaving the area unless
by the official shuttle from the Mahaffey Theater garage.

Eighth Ave. S.E. from First St. to the Coast Guard station will be closed to
through traffic Friday through Monday during scheduled tour hours while First
St. S. will be closed to traffic at Sixth Ave. S. beginning Saturday through
Monday.  Meawhile, parking will not be allowed on First St. S. from Sixth to
Eighth Aves. beginning Friday evening through Monday evening.  Police
checkpoints will be established at Eighth Ave. S.E. and First St. S. Friday
through Monday.