Navy Amphibious Assault Ship USS OAK HILL Arrives In Boston

BOSTON (CBS) - One of the Navy's state-of-the-art amphibious assault ships, the USS OAK HILL is docking in Boston to celebrate Boston Harborfest and the July 4th festivities.

The ship was expected to arrive Wednesday morning at the North Jetty of the Boston Marine Industrial Park in South Boston.

The ship will be open for free general public visiting Thursday through Monday from Noon to 4 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis.

All visitors to the ship will be screened and are subject to search.

While in town, OAK HILL sailors will be attending a number of community events over the next week, including the Pops Spectacular on the 4th of July.

Read:Local Sailor Onboard USS OAK HILL Glad To Be Home

The ship, commanded by Cmdr. David Bauer, was commissioned in 1996, named after the Virginia residence of U.S. President James Monroe, and is based out of Virginia.

The 16,400-ton ship is 609 feet long and 84 feet wide, has a top speed in excess of 20 knots, and has a crew of 300 officers and sailors.

Note: The ship is not handicapped accessible. Due to the number of steep ladders and ramps required to tour the ship and because of her limited emergency medical capabilities, people with heart conditions, breathing difficulties or other medical conditions will not be permitted to board.

For more information about USS OAK HILL, visit its website or Facebook page.