USS Marinette docks in Bristol for July 4th

Bristol is getting a special visitor to help the city kick off its 4th of July celebrations.

The USS Marinette docked in Bristol Harbor on Wednesday.

The ship is 388 feet long and loaded with artillery. But the flagship feature of the ship is its speed.

Built like a jet ski, Marinette has a flat bottom to help her ride the waves.

“This is a high-speed naval vessel that we’re designed to go fast in shallow water,” said Seaman Bryan Hammond. “We have a flat bottom, one downside is in heavy seas, it throws us around a bit.”

USS Marinette tours will be available starting July 4th through July 7th.

Water shuttles will be provided.

“I think it’s an opportunity for them to see an active ship in real life,” said Janet Broome, commanding officer of the USS Marinette. “I’m very grateful to be an American, so this is an opportunity for us to celebrate that.”

USS Marinette came to Bristol from Jacksonville, Florida, where she was commissioned for the first time in September 2023.