The USS Ward Number Three Gun

CAAPB Staff received an application from Randal Dietrich, Executive Director of the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum, for removal of the Commemorative Work USS Ward Gun from the Capitol Mall on 8/19/2024. CAAPB staff reviewed the application and determined it to be complete on 8/26/2024 (within the 10 days allowed per Minnesota Rules “Rules” 2400.2703, Subp. 7).

As directed by Rules, CAAPB staff reviewed the application within 10 calendar days of receipt and assessed the Commemorative Work based on the required conditions in Subpart 6. CAAPB staff finds that the removal request meets the condition of M.R. 2400.2703 Subpart 6., Item C., “the artwork has faults in construction or requires maintenance such that the Department of Administration is unable to properly care for or store the artwork.”

1) Memo to Board about Ward Gun
2) Ward Gun Application
3) Ward Gun Supplemental materials

The second public comment period is now open. The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board requests comments on a request to remove the USS Ward Gun from the State Capitol Mall, the disposition plans for the artwork, and restoration of the removal site by the Department of Administration. You can find more information regarding the Request for Comments by clicking on this link.

Written comments can be sent via mail to Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board, Freeman Building, 625 Robert Street North, Saint Paul, MN 55155 or email Tina.Chimuzu@state.mn.us. Comments must be received by 4:30 pm on May 5, 2025.

CAAPB and the USS Ward Gun Commemorative Artwork Review Committee (CARC) will conduct a public meeting and hearing on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 3:00 pm to gather input on the request to remove the USS Ward Gun from the State Capitol Mall, the disposition plans for the artwork, and restoration plan of the removal site by the Department of Administration. The meeting will be held in the Multipurpose Room at Rondo Community Library (461 N Dale St. Saint Paul, MN 55103). You can also attend the hearing virtually by clicking this link.

• USS Ward Gun Notice of First Public Hearing (published on November 19, 2024)
• USS Ward Gun Notice of First Public Comment (30-day comment period ended on January 7, 2025)
• Recording of USS Ward Gun First Public Hearing (held on December 19, 2024)
• USS Ward Gun First Public Comments (from December 3, 2024 to January 7, 2025)
• USS Ward Gun Admin Letter of Support
• USS Ward Gun Notice of Second Public Comment (from March 31, 2025 to May 5, 2025)

Each request to remove a Commemorative Work goes through a thorough process outlined below and in the flowchart to the right. Please find the applicable documentation for each step below. Click on the image to the right to view a larger version of the flowchart.

Step #1 - Check removal request for completeness

• USS Ward Gun Application (received August 19, 2024)
• USS Ward Gun Supplemental Materials

Step # 2 - The CAAP Board reviews the request and prepares a report

• Memo to Board about USS Ward Gun (September 24, 2024)
• Board Meeting Resolution about USS Ward Gun (September 24, 2024)

Step #3 - Publish request and report on website

Step #4 - Public comments and hearing

• USS Ward Gun Notice of First Public Hearing (published on November 19, 2024)
• USS Ward Gun Notice of First Public Comment (30-day comment period ended on January 7, 2025)
• Recording of USS Ward Gun First Public Hearing (held on December 19, 2024)
• USS Ward Gun Comments Received During First Public Comment Period (received between December 3, 2024 and January 7, 2025)

Step #5 - Board staff make recommendation

• Memo to Board about USS Ward Gun (March 24, 2025)
• Board Meeting Resolution about USS Ward Gun (March 24, 2025)

Step #6 - Board holds a public hearing and votes

• USS Ward Gun Notice of Second Public Hearing (published on April 28, 2025)

Step #7 - Notify applicant of decision

Step #8 - Form a Commemorative Artwork Review Committee (CARC)

• Commemorative Artwork Review Committee (CARC) members - TENTATIVE
• CARC Meeting Materials
  • USS Ward Gun CARC Meeting Agenda
  • USS Ward Gun CARC Meeting Background Report
  • Attachment 1 - USS Ward Gun loan agreement
  • Attachment 2 - MMVM Application to remove the USS Ward Gun
  • Attachment 3 - MMVM USS Ward Gun Application - Supplemental Materials
  • Attachment 4 - USS Ward Gun Condition Report
  • Attachment 5 - CAAPB staff Memo to Board on the USS Ward Gun 03_24_2025
  • Attachment 6 - March 24, 2025 CAAP Board Resolution on USS Ward Gun
  • Attachment 7 - Memorandum from the Department of Administration
  • Attachment 8 - Complete Record of Public Comments 03_31 to 05_05_2025
  • Attachment 9 - Memorandum from the MNHS
  • DRAFT - CARC Meeting Minutes (05.22.2025)

What is the USS Ward Gun? 

The USS Ward Gun is a second world war memorial that sits on the Capitol Mall, east of the Veterans Service Building on 25 12th Street West. This large gun, from a World War I-era Navy Destroyer, fired on and sank an enemy vessel in the very early morning of December 7, 1941. The crew was comprised of Naval Reservists from Minnesota. After the war, the United States Navy agreed to loan the gun to the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs with the assurance that the state properly maintain it (please see supplemental materials, Part 2/Items A & B). The gun was installed on the State Capitol grounds in 1958. The gun is owned by the United States Navy.

What is happening with the USS Ward Gun?

On August 19, 2024, the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board (CAAPB) received an application from Randal Dietrich, Executive Director of the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum, for removal of the Ward Gun from the Capitol Mall. The application can be accessed by clicking this link.

The CAAPB is currently processing this request according to Minnesota Rules 2400.2703, Subparts 6, 7 and 9.

Where will the Ward Gun go if it is removed?

No determination has been made yet concerning the moving of the Ward Gun and its future location. This will be decided through the ongoing process which is being carried out per Minnesota Rules 2400.2703, Subparts 6, 7 and 9.

What is going to take the place of the USS Ward Gun if it is removed?

This has not been decided yet. It will be determined according to the Minnesota Rules 2400.2703, Subparts 6, 7 and 9. 

If the USS Ward Gun is approved for removal, how is the process going to be funded?

Should the request to remove USS Ward be granted, the Applicant will be responsible for any funding requirements per Minnesota Rules 2400.2703, Subpart 7, item L.

How can I make comment about this application?

There will be several opportunities throughout the process for the public to comment on this application.  

The first public comment period was open from December 3, 2024 to January 7, 2025, and was strictly addressing whether conditions in Minnesota Rules 2400.2703, Subpart 6 have been met for the Board to consider the application to remove the USS Ward Gun. There will be another public comment period from March 31, 2025 to May 5, 2025. Written comments can be sent via mail to Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board, Freeman Building, 625 Robert Street North, Saint Paul, MN 55155 or email Tina.Chimuzu@state.mn.us. 

Public Hearing: The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board held a public hearing on December 19, 2024, regarding whether conditions have been met for CAAPB to consider the application to remove the USS Ward Gun from the Capitol Mall. You can view a recording of the hearing by clicking this link.

Further details and notices for both Public Comments and Hearing can be found via https://mn.gov/caapb/commemorative/cw-projects/uss-ward-gun-removal/ or through the Minnesota State Register and GovDelivery. You can sign up for our GovDelivery newsletter by scrolling to the bottom of this page and entering your email under the "STAY INFORMED" heading.

Additional public comment opportunities will be made available in the near future as the process continues. 

How can I stay updated on any developments concerning this application?

You may get updates by frequently visiting this CAAPB webpage (https://mn.gov/caapb/commemorative/cw-projects/uss-ward-gun-removal/).

Additionally, calls for public comments or hearings are posted on the Minnesota State Register and GovDelivery. You can sign up for our GovDelivery newsletter by scrolling to the bottom of this page and entering your email under the "STAY INFORMED" heading.

Where can I direct additional questions concerning the USS Ward Gun?

For any additional questions you may email Tina.Chimuzu@state.mn.us.

Where can I find information about other memorials at the Capitol Mall? 

A complete inventory of commemorative artworks at the Capitol Mall can be found via the link https://mn.gov/caapb/commemorative/memorials-monuments/. Details of their exact location can be seen on the virtual tour. 

Ella Coon
Planning Fellow
Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board
Ella.Coon@state.mn.us
651-757-1508

Peter Musty (he/him/his)
Principal Planner and Administrator of the Zoning and Design Rules
Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board
651-757-1500