Christenings

From Austal USA

MOBILE, Ala. – The fourth littoral combat ship was christened Coronado during a ceremony at Austal USA Shipyard in Mobile, Ala., Jan. 14.

Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development & Acquisition, Sean Stackley, delivered the principal address at the ceremony, and Susan Ring Keith served as the ship’s sponsor.

“Today’s ceremony is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Austal’s talented shipbuilders,” said Austal USA President and Chief Operating Officer, Joe Rella. “We are proud of our accomplishments and honored to be building these magnificent warships that are already shaping the future of the modern day Navy.”

Designated LCS 4, Coronado is an innovative surface combatant designed to operate in littoral seas and shallow water to counter mines, submarines and fast surface craft threats in coastal regions.

The ship is capable of speeds in excess of 40 knots and can operate in water less than 20 feet deep. Coronado will address a critical capabilities gap in the littorals and conduct the Navy’s mission to enhance maritime security by deterring hostility, maintaining a forward presence, projecting power and maintaining sea control.

The ship’s name recognizes the city of Coronado, Calif., and honors the city’s deep ties to the U.S. Navy. Coronado has been home to Naval Air Station North Island and Naval Amphibious Base, since 1917. Two previous ships have been named after this city: USS Coronado (PF-38), a Tacoma-class patrol frigate, earned four battle stars for supporting landings in New Guinea and Leyte during World War II, and USS Coronado (LPD/AGF-11), an Austin-class amphibious transport dock later re-designated as an auxiliary command ship, served as flagship for U.S. 3rd Fleet and was decommissioned in 2006.

Upon her birth in Coronado, ship sponsor Susan Ring Keith joined a long family history associated with the Navy and Coronado. In addition to her father, both of her grandfathers and both of her uncles were career naval officers. Her two brothers followed their father into the naval service, with one brother retiring as a rear admiral.

Her godfather (and later step-father) was Rear Adm. Put Storrs, one of the Three Seahawks, the predecessors to the Blue Angels. Susan was the quintessential Navy Junior, and she as well entered the Navy as a Navy wife and Navy mother.

In 1966, her mother, Eleanor Ring, christened the previous USS Coronado (LPD/AGF-11) and Susan served as maid of honor. In 2009, Susan Ring Keith was invited by the secretary of the Navy to serve as sponsor of Coronado (LCS 4). Susan’s daughter, Isabella (Belle) Keith Drouin, will follow in Susan’s footsteps by serving as the ship’s matron of honor.

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) — Pre-Commissioning Unit Mississippi (SSN 782) sponsor Ms. Allison Stiller christened the ninth Virginia-class submarine during a ceremony at General Dynamics Electric Boat, Dec. 3.

During her remarks, Stiller mentioned today marked the 38th christening that she has attended, but emphasized how special the day was for her.

“All of the christenings have been special, but this will be the most special one that I will be a part of,” said Stiller. “The ship may be made of steel and fiber and the finest technology, but the crew is what is most important.”

Stiller christened the Virginia-class submarine with sparkling wine. Similar practices became a popular tradition as the 19th century ended, according to the Navy’s History and Heritage Command. The first such occasion was when a granddaughter of Secretary of the Navy Benjamin P. Tracy used a bottle of champagne to christen Maine, the Navy’s first steel battleship, at the New York Navy Yard, Nov. 18, 1890.

Keeping with tradition, 121 years later, the Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, a native of Mississippi, attended and spoke at the christening. He discussed the day’s significance for the Nation, the great state of Mississippi, the Navy, and the Virginia-class submarine program.

“For the men and women who built Mississippi and those who crew her, it is your work that proves an effective partnership between Navy and Industry can keep costs under control,” said Mabus.

Mabus reflected on the hard work and teamwork of the shipbuilders and crew to create a world-class submarine.

“It is the work of shipbuilders and the crew that guarantees our submarine force remains the best in the world. It is your work that assures that the Navy and Marine Corps stay the most formidable expeditionary fighting force the world has ever known,” said Mabus. “And it is your work that guarantees freedom around the globe. When you look at this ship, you know American exceptionalism will not only survive, it will prevail.”

In addition to the Secretary of the Navy and Ms. Stiller, other U.S. Navy officials attending the ceremony included Sean Stackley: assistant secretary of the Navy – Research, Development and Acquisition; Adm. Kirkland Donald, director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion; Vice Adm. John Richardson, commander, Submarine Forces; Vice Adm. Kevin McCoy, commander, Naval Sea Systems Command; Rear Adm. Barry Bruner, director, Undersea Warfare Division; Rear Adm. David Johnson, program executive officer for Submarines; and Rear Adm. Rick Breckenridge, commander, Submarine Group 2.

During Richardson’s remarks he reflected on the motto for the state and the warship, “By Valor and Arms – Virtute et Armis.”

“What a terrific motto for a state and for a warship. It’s terrific to be here in Groton to celebrate the christening of PCU Mississippi,” said Richardson. “We just commissioned USS California in late October and she’s already at sea. We’re christening Mississippi today, and we have PCUs Minnesota, North Dakota and John Warner in construction right behind her.”

Richardson highlighted the success of the Virginia-class submarines already commissioned and in the fleet.

“USS Virginia, USS Hawaii, and USS Texas are in the fleet and have already made extended deployments. USS North Carolina began her maiden deployment just a few days ago. These super-capable warships, whether at sea on station or in construction, form a powerful message that communicates the dedication of the shipbuilders, the Sailors, and the entire United States,” said Richardson.

State and local officials from Connecticut and Mississippi attending the christening included U.S. Reps. Steven Palazzo (Mississippi) and Joe Courtney (Connecticut); Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour; U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal of (Connecticut); Matthew J. Mulherin: president, Newport News Shipbuilding; John P. Casey – president, General Dynamics Electric Boat.

During Barbour’s remarks he welcomed PCU Mississippi on behalf of his great state, which will mark its 194th anniversary of entering the Union Dec. 10.

“On behalf of the three million citizens, I’m honored to claim her as one of our own,” said Barbour. “The Mississippi will be an incredible platform to defend our shores and extend our powers.”

Breckenridge assumed command in August 2011 and reflected on major milestones achieved this year to include the commissioning of USS California (SSN 781), and now the christening of PCU Mississippi.

“Maintaining the significant advantage our Nation enjoys in the undersea domain is a vital security imperative. Bad things don’t happen in the world because of the watchful covert presence and potent influence of our undersea forces,” said Breckenridge. “The christening of Mississippi is a tangible reminder of our commitment to safeguarding this advantage by investing in the best submarines built by the world’s greatest shipbuilding industrial base.”

Last month, Stiller was invited by Electric Boat to turn the controls to let the water flow to float the submarine for the first time. Since the keel laying in 2010 when her initials where welded to inside the hull, Stiller has routinely visited the submarine and her crew. Her support exemplifies the submarine’s motto.

“Every opportunity I have to spend time with the fine crew of the Mississippi on the deckplates of our boat is a true honor,” said Stiller. “It is such a privilege to interact with the dedicated and highly motivated Sailors, officers, and shipbuilders bringing Mississippi to life.”

Capt. John McGrath, commanding officer of PCU Mississippi discussed the crew’s participation and excitement leading up to this pivotal moment in the life of the submarine.

“When I reported to PCU Mississippi in December 2009, exactly two years ago, I stood ready to bring the crew and our Virginia-class submarine to life,” said McGrath. “Today is a pivotal point in the submarine’s history and I’m deeply honored to serve my Nation and my Navy in this capacity.”

McGrath, a native of Neptune, N.J., leads a crew of about 142 officers and enlisted personnel. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1990, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.

Virginia-class submarines are built under a unique teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries – Newport News. Construction on the submarine began in February 2007 and will be commissioned in June 2012.

Once commissioned in 2012, Mississippi, like all Virginia-class submarines is designed to dominate both the littorals and deep oceans. It will serve as a valuable asset in supporting the core capabilities of Maritime Strategy, sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security and deterrence.

By Sarah Burford, Military Sealift Command Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) — USNS Medgar Evers (T-AKE 13), the newest ship in the U.S. Navy’s Lewis and Clark-class of dry cargo/ammunition ships operated by Military Sealift Command (MSC), was christened Nov. 12 during a ceremony at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego.

With the traditional words, “I christen you USNS Medgar Evers,” Myrlie Evers-Williams, the widow of the ship’s namesake, broke the traditional bottle of champagne against the bow of the ship. Evers was launched Oct. 29 and is scheduled for delivery to MSC in spring 2012.

Designated T-AKE 13, the 689-foot ship continues the Lewis and Clark-class tradition of honoring legendary pioneers and explorers. The ship is named in honor of slain civil rights leader and Army veteran Medgar Wiley Evers, who is especially remembered for his efforts to end segregation at the University of Mississippi in the 1950s and for his opposition to Jim Crow laws in the 1960s.

Evers was appointed Mississippi’s first NAACP field officer in 1954 and held the position until his assassination in the front yard of his Mississippi home the night of June 12, 1963, by White Citizens’ Council and Ku Klux Klan member Byron De La Beckwith. Evers’ murder, which occurred only hours after then-President John F. Kennedy delivered a televised, pro-civil rights speech, was mourned nationally.

“This technological marvel will carry the strong name of Medgar Evers, as well as the amazing spirit and expertise of the American people, across oceans and seas to every corner of the world,” said Navy Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby, commander, MSC, to an audience of more than 1,000 people who braved the rainy morning to attend the event.

Ceremony attendees included the Evers family, NAACP and other civil rights leaders from around the country, Calif. Gov. Jerry Brown, distinguished guests from the U.S. military and maritime industry and NASSCO employees who built the ship.

“USNS Medgar Evers and its MSC civil service mariner crew will be indispensable to the Navy by daily performing the many tasks required to keep our combat fleets on station, ready to face any aggressor, anywhere in the world,” said Buzby.

USNS Medgar Evers is the 13th of 14 projected dry cargo/ammunition ships built for use by MSC’s Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force and Maritime Prepositioning Force.
Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force ships deliver ammunition, food, fuel and other supplies to U.S. and allied ships at sea, enabling the Navy to maintain a worldwide forward presence. Maritime Prepositioning Force ships are continuously deployed to strategic locations worldwide, carrying U.S. Marine Corps cargo ready for rapid delivery to Marines ashore.

“This is truly a wonderful day, one that will go down in the history books and one that will remain in our hearts forever,” said Evers-Williams in her remarks to the crowd.

MSC operates approximately 110 noncombatant, civilian-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships, conduct specialized missions, strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world and move military cargo and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces and coalition partners.

By Laura M. Seal, Military Sealift Command Public Affairs

MOBILE, Ala. (NNS) — USNS Spearhead, the first of Navy’s joint high-speed vessels designed for rapid intra-theater transport of troops and military equipment, was christened Sept. 17 during a ceremony at Austal USA in Mobile, Ala.

Military Sealift Command will own and operate Spearhead and the other other joint high-speed vessels, or JHSVs, that are under contract to be built for the Navy. Spearhead will be crewed by 22 civil service mariners working for MSC who will operate, navigate and maintain the ship.

“USNS Spearhead and her MSC crew will be indispensable as they perform critical logistics and fleet support missions around the world,” said Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby, commander, Military Sealift Command, during his address to an audience of more than 1,200 people including leaders from the military services, Congress and maritime industry. U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions served as the principal speaker at the ceremony.

Retired Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Kenneth Wahlman is the ship’s sponsor. His daughter Catherine, a staff sergeant in the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps at Virginia Tech University, broke the traditional bottle of champagne across the bow to formally christen the ship.

The 338-foot-long aluminum catamarans are designed to be fast, flexible and maneuverable, even in shallow waters, making them ideal for transporting troops and equipment quickly within a theater of operations.

“Flexibility may the best attribute of this ship,” said civilian Capt. Douglas D. Casavant, Jr., Spearhead’s civil service master who has been sailing for MSC for 22 years. “Our 20,000-square-foot mission bay area can be reconfigured to quickly adapt to whatever mission we are tasked with, for instance carrying containerized portable hospitals to support disaster relief or transporting tanks and troops.”

The JHSVs are capable of transporting 600 short tons of military troops, vehicles, supplies and equipment 1,200 nautical miles at an average speed of 35 knots and can operate in shallow-draft, austere ports and waterways, providing U.S. forces added mobility and flexibility. The JHSVs’ aviation flight decks can support day and night flight operations. Each JHSV also has sleeping accommodations for up to 146 personnel and airline-style seating for up to 312.

One of the things Casavant is most looking forward to in his role as master of the first JHSV is working to define how these new ships will be used.

“It’s going to be very interesting working with the fleet commanders to develop the ship and see how we can best support all of the services,” said Casavant. “This is going to change the way a lot of people think about moving equipment and personnel.”

Following acceptance trials, delivery to the Navy and operational testing, Spearhead will be based in Little Creek, Va., and is expected to begin conducting missions for the Navy in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013.

The Navy honored the ship’s original U.S. Army-chosen name and sponsor after the decision earlier this year to transfer five JHSVs originally slated to be owned and operated by the Army to the Navy.

As MSC assets, all of the JHSVs will be civilian-crewed. The first four – including Spearhead – will be crewed by federally employed civil service mariners while the remaining will be crewed by civilian mariners working for private companies under contract to MSC. Military mission personnel will embark as required by the mission sponsors.

MSC operates approximately 110 noncombatant, U.S. merchant mariner-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships, conduct specialized missions, strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world, and move military cargo and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces and coalition partners.

For more news from Military Sealift Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/MSC/.

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dominique M. Lasco

BATH, Maine – The Navy christened its newest guided-missile destroyer, Pre-commissioning Unit (PCU) Michael Murphy (DDG 112), during a morning ceremony at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine May 7.

The new destroyer honors Medal of Honor recipient Lt. (SEAL) Michael P. Murphy and was christened on what would have been his 35th birthday.

“It is my sincere belief that this ship will build on the momentum gained by our special operations forces in the fight against extremism and sail the seas in a world made more peaceful by sustained American vigilance, power and dignity,” said Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead. “This ship will carry Michael’s legacy and values to Sailors several decades from now and to a new generation of Americans. For that I am proud to wear this uniform.”

Maureen Murphy, sponsor of the ship named for her late son, had the honor of breaking a bottle of champagne across the ship’s bow, formally christening the ship in accordance with Navy tradition.

“I am so proud and it is truly an honor,” said Murphy.” For people to come out and remember Mike and to celebrate this ship; it means a lot and it means that they still remember the sacrifice he made for this country.”

On June 28, 2005, Murphy was leading a four-man team tasked with finding a key Taliban leader in the mountainous terrain near Asadabad, Afghanistan, when they came under fire from a much larger enemy force with superior tactical position. Mortally wounded while exposing himself to enemy fire, Murphy knowingly left his position of cover to get a clear signal in order to communicate with his headquarters. While being shot at repeatedly, Murphy calmly provided his unit’s location and requested immediate support for his element. He returned to his cover position to continue the fight until finally succumbing to his wounds.

Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command Adm. Eric T. Olson, Deputy Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command Rear Adm. Garry Bonelli and family members of the Navy SEALs who lost their lives alongside Murphy were also in attendance.

Designated DDG 112, Michael Murphy, the 62nd Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, will be able to conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection. Michael Murphy will be capable of fighting air, surface and subsurface battles simultaneously and will contain a myriad of offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime warfare in keeping with CNO’s “A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower.”

Cmdr. Thomas E. Shultz, a native of El Cajon, Calif., is the prospective commanding officer of the ship and will lead the crew of 279 officers and enlisted personnel. The 9,200-ton Michael Murphy is being built by General Dynamics Bath Iron Works. The ship is 509 feet in length, has a waterline beam of 59 feet, and a navigational draft of 31 feet. Four gas turbine engines will power the ship to speeds in excess of 30 knots.

AVONDALE, La., May 14, 2011 — Nearly 1,200 guests attended the christening of Anchorage (LPD 23), the seventh ship in the USS San Antonio class of ships being built by Ingalls Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries. LPD 23 officially received its name when ship sponsor Annette Conway broke a bottle across the ship’s bow at the culmination of the ceremony held at the company’s Avondale Operations.

A photo accompanying this release is available at http://media.globenewswire.com/hii/mediagallery.html?pkgid=9688

“Amphibious ships like the new and improved Anchorage—the seventh of the superb San Antonio class—are among the most useful ships in our fleet,” said the Honorable Robert O. Work, Under Secretary of the Navy and the ceremony’s principal speaker. “In my view, they are the most iconic symbol of the power of the Navy-Marine Corps team. A team forged in battle, tested over time and better for the unbreakable bond between the two services. “To the officers and crew of Anchorage, we extend our deepest gratitude,” Work continued. “We commit to you the best this nation can provide to ensure you may prevail in your future missions and return home safe.”

Anchorage is the first ship to be christened under the Huntington Ingalls Industries name. America’s largest military shipbuilder was previously a business sector of Northrop Grumman until effectively separating on March 31 in a spinoff of the company to shareholders.

LPD 23 is the second ship named Anchorage. The first ship, LSD 36, also built at Ingalls Shipbuilding, completed 19 missions to become a highly decorated Marine amphibious landing ship before her decommissioning in 2003.

“LPD 23′s history is yet to be made,” said Irwin F. Edenzon, president, Ingalls Shipbuilding. “However, I assure you that we have built her well, and we’ll watch with pride as she sails away next year to join the fleet in service to our nation. There are many things that we’re doing every day to build better ships, faster and more cost effectively and, most important, keeping our shipbuilders working safely. Our shipbuilders build the greatest ships in the world for the greatest Navy and Marine Corps the world has ever known.”

George Vakalis, municipal manager of Anchorage, Alaska, also spoke, saying, “This is a significant event for us and for the Navy and Marine Corps because of the capabilities this ship provides them. We are very appreciative to have a ship named for our city, Anchorage. We love our military.”

Ingalls Shipbuilding has delivered the first five ships of the LPD 17 class, LPDs 17-21. San Diego (LPD 22) will undergo sea trials this summer; Arlington (LPD 24) was christened on March 26, and Somerset (LPD 25) is more than 50 percent complete and will be launched in 2012.

Anchorage is currently 82 percent complete and is expected to be delivered in the second quarter of 2012.

“Today’s shipbuilding decisions do not determine naval issues today, they lay the foundations for naval action one, two and three decades into the future,” said Rear Adm. David Lewis, the Navy’s program executive officer for ships. “Shipbuilding is an act of faith, an affirmation of hope, a promise to future Americans that we, of this generation, will meet our commitments to them—just as our predecessors have met their commitments to us, today, with this ship and her sisters in shipyards across our great land.”

The 11 ships of the LPD 17 class are a key element of the Navy’s ability to project power ashore. Collectively, the ships functionally replace more than 40 ships (LPD 4, LSD 36, LKA 113, and LST 1179 classes of amphibious ships), providing the Navy and Marine Corps with modern, sea-based platforms that are networked, survivable and built to operate with 21st century platforms, such as the MV-22 Osprey.

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Brian Quin is LPD 23′s prospective commanding officer.

The LPD 17-class ships are 684 feet long and 105 feet wide and displace approximately 25,000 tons. Their principal mission is to deploy the combat and support elements of Marine Expeditionary Units and Brigades. The ships can carry up to 800 troops and have the capability of transporting and debarking air cushion (LCAC) or conventional landing crafts, augmented by helicopters or vertical take-off and landing aircraft such as the MV-22. These ships will support amphibious assault, special operations or expeditionary warfare missions through the first half of the 21st century.
Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) designs, builds and maintains nuclear and non-nuclear ships for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard and provides after-market services for military ships around the globe. For more than a century, HII has built more ships in more ship classes than any other U.S. naval shipbuilder. Employing nearly 38,000 in Virginia, Mississippi, Louisiana and California, its primary business divisions are Newport News Shipbuilding and Ingalls Shipbuilding. For more information, please visit www.huntingtoningalls.com.