Christenings

Dr. Katherine Holmes Cochran, breaks a bottle across Jackson’s bow during a christening ceremony at Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Ala. (U.S. Navy photo 140322-O-ZZ999-202 courtesy of Austal U.S.A.)

From Secretary of the Navy Public Affairs

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus delivered the keynote address at the christening ceremony of the future USS Jackson (LCS 6) March 22 at Austal in Mobile, Ala.

Dr. Katherine Holmes Cochran, daughter of U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran, sponsors Jackson, the third Austal-constructed littoral combat ship to be christened.

“Kate now becomes an honorary member of the Jackson‘s first crew,” said Mabus. “She will maintain a special relationship with this ship and her Sailors, a special relationship that will be shared by the city of Jackson and her people, and by all the people of Mississippi.”

Mabus went on to discuss not only Cochran’s role in the future of the ship, but Jackson‘s future as well.

“When USS Jackson joins the fleet,” he said, “it will represent not just America’s interests, but also the story of Jackson and Mississippi and her people, around the globe.”

Jackson will be a key enabler of the U.S. Navy’s ability to maintain a worldwide presence.

“Today, the Pacific and Indian oceans are again a focus in U.S. defense strategy, and littoral combat ships like the Jackson will play a critical role,” Mabus said. “She’s fast, agile, modular, shallow draft, and will allow us to work in many different ways with our partners.”

Mabus also took time during his remarks to commend those who worked so hard to build the Jackson.

“The ship before you is a modern marvel, but so too is this incredible shipyard and its workforce,” said Mabus. Nearly 3,000 American craftsmen have made this ship possible, both here in Mobile and all around the country making components of the ship and its systems.”

These very systems were featured in another portion of Mabus’ remarks.

“This is a completely new type of ship, a new concept,” he said. “The weapons systems on Jackson can be traded out to fit whatever mission it is given. Those same systems can be upgraded as technology changes without having to build a new ship or changing anything out but that particular weapons system.”

Prior to Cochran breaking a bottle of champagne across the bow of Jackson to officially complete the christening ceremony, Mabus left the crowd in attendance with a final reminder of the Navy’s history and tradition.

“Now it is time to christen this incredible new ship so the crew can take it to sea and can defend our nation, just as their predecessors have for 238 years,” he said.

The littoral combat ship Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Milwaukee (LCS 5) slides into the Menominee River during a christening ceremony at the Marinette Marine Corporation shipyard. (U.S. Navy photo 131218-N-EW716-001)

From Program Executive Office Littoral Combat Ships Public Affairs

MARINETTE, Wis. (NNS) — The Navy, along with the Lockheed Martin-led industry team, christened and launched the future USS Milwaukee in a ceremony at the Marinette Marine Corporation shipyard Dec. 18, marking an important production milestone for the littoral combat ship program.

The ship joins the future USS Jackson (LCS 6), which launched Dec. 14 following construction at the Austal USA shipyard in Alabama. These ships are the first vessels procured under the block buy contract awarded in 2010 and represent the true beginning of “serial production” for the class. With serial production, the Navy is able to realize benefits such as improved cost structure per vessel and reduced construction time.

“Milwaukee will be an exceptional ship and I am pleased with the progress being made,” said Rear Adm. Brian Antonio, program executive officer, Littoral Combat Ships. “With serial production lines now in full swing at both LCS building yards, we are looking forward to each new ship joining the fleet on a regular and consistent timeline. This is a significant step for the program and the Navy.”

As is tradition, ship sponsor Sylvia Panetta struck the bow with a bottle of champagne, officially naming the ship. LCS 5 is the sixth U.S. Navy vessel christened in tribute to the Wisconsin city. Panetta, wife of former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, has been a tireless supporter of the military and longtime advocate for public service.

“It is a true privilege to serve as the sponsor for this ship as it begins its journey of service and commitment to our powerful fleet,” said Mrs. Panetta. “I am proud to support the ship’s crew members over the course of her service to ensure it leads with strength and protects our freedom. My congratulations to the city of Milwaukee as this ship assumes its name.”

The christening ceremony was followed by a dramatic side launch of the ship into the Menominee River.

Milwaukee will continue to undergo outfitting and testing at Marinette Marine. The ship is expected to deliver to the Navy in early 2015 following acceptance trials.

The LCS Class consists of two variants, the monohull design Freedom variant and the trimaran design Independence variant. The ships are designed and built by two industry teams, led by Lockheed Martin and Austal USA, respectively. Milwaukee is the third LCS constructed by the Lockheed Martin team.

Both variants of the LCS are fast, agile, focused-mission platforms designed for operation in near-shore environments yet capable of open-ocean operation. They are designed to embark specialized mission packages to defeat “anti-access” threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines, and fast surface craft.

The Navy has been able to incorporate much of the knowledge gained in the construction, test and operation of LCS 1 and LCS 2, the lead ships of the class, into follow on ships. Many of those are currently in various stages of construction, and will deliver to the Navy over the next few years. These include Milwaukee‘s sister ships – Detroit (LCS 7), Little Rock (LCS 9), Sioux City (LCS 11), Wichita (LCS 13), and Billings (LCS 15).

Program Executive Office Littoral Combat Ships is affiliated with the Naval Sea Systems Command and provides a single program executive responsible for acquiring and sustaining mission capabilities of the littoral combat ship class, from procurement through fleet employment and sustainment. Delivering high-quality warfighting assets while balancing affordability and capability is key to supporting the nation’s maritime strategy.

Susan Ford Bales, daughter of former President Gerald R. Ford and sponsor of the aircraft carrier that bears his name, breaks a bottle of champagne on the bow of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) at Newport News Shipbuilding during the christening ceremony for Ford. (U.S. Navy photo 131109-N-WL435-911)

By Gerald R. Ford Public Affairs

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) — With the strike of a bottle of sparkling wine across the bow by the ship’s sponsor, the Navy christened its newest aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), the lead ship of the new Gerald R. Ford class, Nov. 9, in a ceremony at Huntington Ingalls Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Va.

Susan Ford Bales, Ford’s daughter and the ship’s sponsor, had the honor of christening the ship in front of more than 20,000 Sailors, shipbuilders and civilians, bringing to life the Navy’s newest aircraft carrier design in more than 40 years.

“I christen thee United States Ship Gerald R. Ford,” said Bales, breaking the bottle across the bow. “May God bless all those who sail in her.”

The Ford class is designed with significant quality-of-life improvements and reduced maintenance. These innovations are expected to improve operational availability and capability, and reduce total ownership cost over its 50-year service life by $4 billion compared with Nimitz-class carriers.

The ship is also designed to evolve with advances in technology.

“The carrier is our Navy’s most adaptable platform,” said Adm. Jonathan Greenert, chief of naval operations. “This ship will not only launch the aircraft we currently have in inventory, it will launch aircraft we haven’t even begun to design. USS Enterprise (CVN 65), a ship we inactivated after more than 50 years of service, was relevant from her first day in service through her last.”

Greenert praised the designers, shipbuilders and Sailors who together have brought the ship to this important milestone.

“Ford will herald a new era of our carrier fleet,” said Greenert. “She is truly a technological marvel. We should embrace technology, but it is our people who underpin our success.”

The christening of the ship comes after more than 12 years of planning and construction. Newport News Shipbuilidng laid the keel in 2009 and is scheduled to deliver the ship to the Navy in 2016.

While the shipbuilder construction and systems installations continue, the Navy is building, training and developing Ford‘s crew to operate and maintain the state-of-the-art ship.

“Navy tradition dictates that today’s christening ceremony will spark life and luck into this great ship, but the true life of this ship will come from the unparalleled hard work, professionalism and dedication of the Gerald R. Ford crew,” said Capt. John Meier, commanding officer of Pre-Commissioning Unit Gerald R. Ford. “In partnership with Newport News Shipbuilding, we will match the most technologically advanced and adaptable platform in our Navy’s history with the most adaptable and technically proficient crew.”

CVN 78 honors the 38th President of the United States and pays tribute to his lifetime of service in the Navy, in the U.S. government and to the nation. During World War II he attained the rank of lieutenant commander in the Navy, serving on the light carrier USS Monterey (CVL-26). Ford was the first vice president and, in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal, succeeded the first president ever to resign, serving in the country’s highest office from 1974-1977.

Bales reflected upon her father’s final letter before his death, written to then-Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter, where the president wrote, “Thus, it is a great source of pride and humility to know that an aircraft carrier bearing my name will be forever connected with the valor and patriotic service of men and women of the United States Navy.”

Ship sponsor Katie Fowler, wife of retired Vice Adm. Jeff Fowler, christens Pre-Commissioning Unit North Dakota (SSN 784) by breaking a bottle of sparkling wine against the back of the sail. (U.S. Navy Photo 131102-N-SF554-119)

By Lt. Timothy Hawkins, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) — The Navy’s 11th Virginia-class attack submarine was christened in Groton, Conn., Nov. 2, during a late-morning ceremony at the General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB) shipyard.

The ceremony marked the official naming of Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) North Dakota (SSN 784). The ship is currently under construction by both GDEB and Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries, through a teaming arrangement.

Ship sponsor Katie Fowler, wife of retired Vice Adm. Jeff Fowler, was on hand to officially christen the submarine by breaking a bottle of sparkling wine against the back of the boat’s sail.

“In the name of the United States, I christen thee North Dakota. May God bless her and all that sail in her,” said Mrs. Fowler just before giving the bottle a brisk swing.

During keynote remarks, Commander Submarine Forces Vice Adm. Michael Connor told more than 4,500 dignitaries, Sailors, and shipyard personnel in attendance that the Navy needs the nuclear-powered attack submarine as soon as “practical.”

“The Submarine Force eagerly awaits the day when USS North Dakota will assume the watch and establish a legendary reputation worthy of the name North Dakota,” said Connor. “There’s still much to be done, and there is not a moment to lose.”

PCU North Dakota is the second Navy ship named after the 39th state. The first was a Delaware-class dreadnought battleship.

SSN 784’s name was chosen in honor of North Dakota’s proud military heritage. Seventeen North Dakotans have been awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in combat.

In future years, the attack submarine will deliver speed, agility, stealth, endurance and firepower to combatant commanders directing U.S. military operations around the globe.

Virginia-class subs have improved stealth and sophisticated surveillance capabilities. Their special warfare enhancements enable them to meet multiple mission requirements.

North Dakota will be able to attack targets ashore with highly accurate Tomahawk cruise missiles and conduct covert long-term surveillance of land areas, littoral waters or other sea-based forces. Its reactor plant is designed so that it will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship, reducing lifecycle costs while increasing time at sea.

North Dakota‘s construction will continue during the next few months as its 138 crewmembers prepare to evaluate the ship’s seaworthiness and operational performance during sea trials.

“The Navy and the nation count on our submarine force to deliver relevant and powerful capabilities where and when it matters, and nothing is more important to meeting that commitment than building the most capable submarines in the world,” said Rear Adm. Ken Perry, commander, Submarine Group 2.

In addition to surveillance missions, North Dakota will be able to perform anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare; deliver and support special forces; and conduct mine delivery and minefield mapping operations.

“Every phase of submarine construction requires world-class expertise and close partnership, and today’s christening at Electric Boat signifies a key milestone in that partnership toward delivering North Dakota to the fleet,” Perry added.

PCU North Dakota is scheduled officially join the Navy fleet once commissioned in early 2014.

The submarine measures 377 feet in length and has a beam of 34 feet. It will displace 7,800 tons and be capable of operating at more than 25 knots under water.

Alexis “Jackie” Bolden, the wife of current NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, christens the Mobile Landing Platform USNS Montford Point (T-MLP 1) in San Diego. Montford Point is the first ship of its class and will serve as a floating base for amphibious operations and operate as a transfer point between large ships and small landing craft. U.S. Navy photo 130202-O-ZZ999-001.

By Sarah Burford, Military Sealift Command Pacific Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) — The Navy’s first mobile landing platform ship, USNS Montford Point (T-MLP 1), was christened at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego, March 2.

Owned and operated by Military Sealift Command, Montford Point was christened by its sponsor, Alexis “Jackie” Bolden, the wife of current NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. Gen. James F. Amos, Commandant of the Marine Corps, delivered the ceremony’s principal address and Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby, commander of MSC, also spoke on behalf of the ship and crew.

“This ship, with its unique capabilities, will become the centerpiece of sea-basing, allowing the U.S. Navy to raise forward-operations to a new level,” said Buzby.

“Wherever the call, whatever the need, USNS Montford Point will be part of the Navy’s global force for good,” he said.

The first of three MLPs being built for MSC by NASSCO, Montford Point will join MSC’s Maritime Prepositioning Force as a seagoing pier in the event that accessibility to onshore bases is denied.

Montford Point is named in honor of the 20,000 African-American Marine Corps recruits who trained at Montford Point Camp, N.C., from 1942 to 1949. It’s the corner stone of the Navy’s sea-base concept, serving as a transfer point for a Marine Corps amphibious landing force between large ships and ship-to-shore landing craft. The ship also provides the ability to transfer vehicles and equipment at sea while interfacing with surface connectors to deliver the vehicles and equipment ashore, improving the Navy’s ability to deliver equipment and cargo from offshore to an amphibious objective.

Its flexibility is critical for humanitarian response to natural disasters and for support to warfighters ashore. The size allows for 25,000 square feet of vehicle and equipment stowage space and 380,000 gallons of JP-5 fuel storage. A crew of 34 civilian mariners employed by MSC will operate the ship once delivered to the fleet.

“I salute the ship’s first master, Capt. Kurt Kleinschmidt, his chief engineer, Bill Maus, and the rest of the U.S. Merchant Marine crew,” said Buzby.

“Their determination will stand this ship and its mission in good stead as they sail anywhere on the globe that the mission sends them,” he said.

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.

Newport News Shipbuilding hosts the christening ceremony for the Virginia-class attack submarine Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) USS Minnesota (SSN 783). U.S. Navy photo 121027-N-QL471-245.

From Naval Sea Systems Command

NEWPORT NEWS, VA. (NNS) — The Navy christened its newest submarine, the future USS Minnesota (SSN 783), Oct. 27, at Huntington Ingalls Industries – Newport News in Newport News, Va.

Minnesota‘s sponsor, Ellen Roughead, broke a ceremonial bottle of sparkling wine against the submarine’s hull, officially naming the ship. Roughead, the wife of former Chief of Naval Operations Adm. (Ret.) Gary Roughead, has been a tireless supporter of military families and continuing education initiatives for Navy spouses.

“We were honored to have Mrs. Roughead participate in such an important milestone for PCU (pre-commissioning unit) Minnesota,” said Capt. David Goggins, Virginia class program manager. “The Virginia class is an outstanding platform and Minnesota builds on the stellar reputation of quality and success that the class is known for.”

Minnesota is the 10th ship of the Virginia class and the last under the second, or block II, contract. The submarine is on track to deliver to the Navy in late spring 2013, ahead of its April 2014 contract delivery date. The ship will be commissioned shortly thereafter.

“When Minnesota delivers next year, every block II boat will have delivered early to its contract delivery date,” said Rear Adm. Dave Johnson, program executive officer for submarines. “Added together, the shipbuilders delivered these submarines 42 months early and Minnesota is well on track to push that number into the 50s.”

Minnesota‘s christening marks the final major milestone for the Virginia class in 2012. In May, the Navy took delivery of USS Mississippi (SSN 782) nearly a year early to its contract delivery date. Mississippi was commissioned on June 2. The Navy also began construction on PCU Colorado (SSN 788) and PCU Indiana (SSN 789) on March 2 and Sept. 2 respectively. Additionally, the Navy released the request for proposals for the block IV construction contract on Sept. 5.

Virginia class submarines are designed to dominate the world’s littoral and deep waters while conducting anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface ship warfare; strike warfare; special operation forces support; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare missions. Their inherent stealth, endurance, mobility, and firepower directly enable them to support five of the six maritime strategy core capabilities – sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence.

The newest amphibious assault ship America (LHA 6) was christened by sponsor Lynne Pace at a ceremony in Pascagoula, Miss. US Navy photo 121020-O-ZZ999-001.

By Ensign Darius A. Radzius, Navy Office of Information

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (NNS) — The newest amphibious assault ship America (LHA 6) was christened Oct. 20 at a ceremony in Pascagoula, Miss.

“When America joins the fleet, we’ll be a stronger, more flexible, and a better Marine Corps team. We need this ship,” said Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mark Ferguson during the ceremony.

The 844-foot ship will be a flexible, multi-mission platform necessary to quickly respond to incidents worldwide and provide forward presence and project power as part of joint, interagency, and multinational maritime expeditionary forces.

America also marks the first of the Navy’s newest class of amphibious assault ships replacing the Tarawa class. It is considered to be the next generation “big-deck” amphibious ship. The new ship will be more capable to support current and future aircraft such as the tilt-rotor MV-22 Osprey and Joint Strike Fighter.

“It’s kind of like a mini-aircraft carrier,” said Lynne Pace, the ship’s sponsor prior to breaking a bottle of champagne over the bow.

As an amphibious ship, its mission will include embarking, transporting, controlling, inserting, sustaining and extracting elements of a marine air-ground task force, and support forces by helicopters and tilt-rotor aircraft.

“To the crew, you are charged with a very special responsibility between now and the commissioning of this ship. You will set the standard of excellence. You will set the personality,” Ferguson told the ship’s crew.

This is the fourth ship in Navy history to be named America. The first was a 74-gun ship-of-of-the-line that was used by the Continental Navy that was then presented to the king of France as a gift in appreciation for his country’s support to the new nation. The preceding America was a Kitty Hawk class aircraft carrier that played key roles between the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm.

Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss., laid the keel in July 2009 and plans to deliver the ship in 2013 after conducting a series of sea trials.

The USS America will be homeported in San Diego.

Theresa Gilliam Pitts, Sponsor of the Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) 2, USNS Choctaw County, breaks a bottle of champagne during the christening at the Austal Shipyard. U.S. Navy photo 120915-N-AC887-002

By Meghan Patrick, Military Sealift Command Public Affairs

MOBILE, Ala. (NNS) — USNS Choctaw County (JHSV 2), the second of the Navy’s new joint high-speed vessels (JHSV) designed for rapid intra-theater transport of troops and military equipment, was christened, Sept. 15, during a ceremony at Austal USA in Mobile, Ala.

Military Sealift Command (MSC) will own and operate Choctaw County and the other JHSVs, that are under contract to be built for the Navy. Choctaw County will have a crew of 21 civil service mariners working for MSC who will operate, navigate and maintain the ship.

“The ship’s performance will be matched by the unique qualities of her crew – 21 civil service mariners committed to freedom, democracy and compassion,” said Rear Adm. Brian LaRoche, deputy commander, Military Sealift Command, during his address to an audience of more than 700 people including leaders from the military services, Congress and the maritime industry. “The impressive ship awaiting the crack of the champagne bottle will help safeguard those ideals. Choctaw County will carry the Military Sealift Command funnel stripes and the strength of the U.S. military anywhere America needs it.”

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus was the ceremony’s principal speaker. The ship is named for three counties in America, located in Mississippi, Alabama and Oklahoma, which share the name Choctaw County.

Twenty-nine women from the 1966 graduating class of Ackerman High School in Ackerman, Miss., served as the ship’s sponsors. Lead sponsor, Theresa Gilliam Pitts, a retired teacher, broke the traditional bottle of champagne across the bow to formally christen the ship while she and the other sponsors present said in unison, “For the United States of America, we christen thee USNS Choctaw County. May God bless this ship and all who sail in her.”

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. The 20,000-square-foot mission bay area aboard JHSVs can be reconfigured to quickly adapt to whatever mission the ship is tasked with, such as carrying containerized portable hospitals to support disaster relief or transporting tanks and troops.

“This ship class fits perfectly with the new concept of forward-basing,” said civilian Capt. Jose Delfaus, Choctaw County‘s civil service master who has been sailing for MSC for 31 years.

The goal of forward-basing is to cut back on the number of overseas bases by equipping more forward-deployed ships with troops and gear.

“JHSVs can join up with these ships and help them essentially by being their delivery truck, delivering anything they need from troops and gear, to provisions or cargo,” Delfaus said.

JHSVs are capable of transporting 600 tons of military troops, vehicles, supplies and equipment 1,200 nautical miles at a high 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 Delfaus said he is most looking forward to in his role as master of the second JHSV is the new technology.

“The JHSV bridge functions more like a 747-cockpit than a traditional ship’s bridge. The design is for the officer to operate the entire ship from a chair. Everything you need to move the ship is available through an elaborate control panel. The navigation team also sits in the bridge, as does the engineering consul. It’s a very unique set-up – the rows of people make it look a bit like Star Trek.”

Following acceptance trials, delivery to the Navy and operational testing, Choctaw County will operate out of Little Creek, Va., and is expected to begin conducting missions for the Navy in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014.

The Navy’s current contract with Austal is for the construction of 10 JHSVs, one of which is yet-to-be awarded construction options.

As MSC assets, all of the JHSVs will be civilian-crewed. The first four of the 10 currently under contract – including Choctaw County and USNS Spearhead (JHSV 1) – will be crewed by federally employed civil service mariners, while the next six are slated to 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 non-combatant, 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.

Mrs. Mary Jo Myers (right) breaks a bottle of sparkling wine across the bow of the Ingalls-built amphibious transport dock LPD 25, officially christening the ship Somerset. Also pictured (left to right) are Master Chief Larry Lynch, prospective command master chief, LPD 25; Lt. Cmdr. John Moore, prospective executive officer, LPD 25; Patrick White, president, Families of Flight 93, and keynote speaker; and Irwin F. Edenzon, president, Ingalls Shipbuilding. (Photo 120728-N-ZZ999-001 courtesy of Huntington Industries Inc.

From Defense Media Activity – Navy

AVONDALE, La., (NNS) — The Navy’s newest San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock was christened Somerset during a ceremony July 28 at the Huntington Ingalls Industries shipyard in Avondale, La.

The highlight of the ceremony, attended by nearly 1,800, came when the ship’s sponsor Mary Jo Myers, the wife of Gen. Richard Myers, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, broke a bottle of champagne across the bow to formally christen the ship in accordance with Navy tradition.

The ship is named in honor of the courageous passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93. Their actions prevented terrorist hijackers from reaching their destination only to have the airplane crash near Shanksville in Somerset County, Pa., Sept. 11, 2001.

Patrick White, president of the Families of Flight 93, delivered the ceremony’s principal address.

“We thank our nation for honoring and remembering those 40 aboard Flight 93 with this extraordinary tribute, the Somerset,” said Patrick White, president of Families of Flight 93 and principal speaker at the event. White’s cousin, Louis J. Nacke II, died on board the flight. “These passengers prevented additional tragedy on Sept. 11 through their selfless actions. The Somerset and her steadfast crew – now and in the future – are both a living tribute and vigilant reminder of sacrifice made to protect the lives of unknown others.”

During the weeks following the Flight 93 crash, recovery personnel retrieved more than 95 percent of the airplane’s wreckage from the crash site. An American flag was hoisted on the top of a power shovel or “dragline” on a hill dominating the area. The dragline had been used in coal stripping at one time, and the equipment with the flag became a symbol of the effort.

In the summer of 2008, steel from the dragline’s bucket was melted down and cast into Somerset‘s bow stem. Somerset is the final of three ships named to honor heroes of the September 11 attacks, joining the USS New York and USS Arlington, respectively.

The ship’s legacy is not lost on those responsible for building it.

“This ship is named to honor that indomitable fighting spirit – the timeless American who will fight for the most basic human rights,” said Rear Adm. David H. Lewis, the Navy’s program executive officer for ships. “This ship will sail until the year 2050 and beyond. Tens of thousands of sailors will serve aboard her, and thousands more will sail in company with her. Millions of people throughout the world will see her, visit her and read about her exploits. They will wonder why the name Somerset was given to such a great and fine warship. They will read, they will see, they will learn, and they will be amazed.”

Cmdr. Cole Hayes, Somerset‘s prospective commanding officer, will lead a crew of 360 Sailors and Marines.

The 24,900-ton Somerset is being built at the Huntington Ingalls Industries shipyard in Avondale, La. The ship is 684 feet in length, has an overall beam of 105 feet, and a navigational draft of 23 feet. Four turbo-charged diesels power the ship to sustained speeds of 22 knots.

Designated LPD 25, Somerset is the ninth amphibious transport dock ship in the San Antonio class. These versatile ships incorporate both a flight deck to accommodate CH-46 helicopters and MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, and a well deck that can launch and recover landing craft and amphibious vehicles. The San Antonio class’ increased vehicle space and substantial cargo-carrying capacity make it a key element of 21st century Amphibious Ready Groups, Expeditionary Strike Groups, and Joint Task Forces.

Somerset will provide improved warfighting capabilities, including an advanced command-and-control suite, increased lift-capability in vehicle and cargo-carrying capacity and advanced ship-survivability features. The ship is capable of embarking a landing force of up to 800 Marines.

The future USS Somerset will be the fifth U.S. naval vessel to carry the name Somerset. The four previous ships of that name were a side-wheeled ferryboat (1862-1865), a motorboat (1918), a transport (1945), and a patrol escort (1944-1955).

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Military Sealift Command dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Cesar Chavez slides into the water for the first time during the ship’s launch and christening ceremony May 5 at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. USNS Cesar Chavez is the 14th and final ship in the U.S. Navy’s T-AKE program. Photo by Sarah E. Burford. US Navy Photo

Story courtesy Military Sealift Command

With the crack of a champagne bottle and the traditional words, “I christen you,” Military Sealift Command ship USNS Cesar Chavez was christened May 5 during an evening ceremony at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego.

The 689-foot Cesar Chavez, the newest of the Lewis and Clark-class of dry cargo/ammunition ships operated by Military Sealift Command, continues the Lewis and Clark-class tradition of honoring legendary pioneers and explorers. The ship honors Cesar Chavez, an American farm worker, labor leader and civil rights activist who co-founded the National Farm Workers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers.

Chavez, a well-known Mexican-American civil rights activist, used non-violent tactics that made the farm workers’ struggle a moral cause with nationwide support.

“It is fitting that this ship is named for Cesar Chavez, for among the core values embraced by him were innovation, determination, sacrifice and service to others–core values shared by Military Sealift Command–core values that are the basis of service for this great ship and her crew, now and into the future,” said Navy Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby, commander, MSC, to an audience of more than 7,000 people who attended the event.

Ceremony attendees included the ship’s sponsor Helen Fabela Chavez, widow of the ship’s namesake, and nearly 500 other members of the Chavez family; the ceremony’s keynote speaker, the Honorable Juan M. Garcia III, assistant secretary of the Navy (manpower and reserve affairs); the Honorable Jerry Sanders, mayor of San Diego; distinguished guests from the U.S. military and maritime industry; and NASSCO employees who built the ship.

“USNS Cesar Chavez exemplifies the latest innovations in marine technology with its integrated electric power propulsion and ship systems,” said Buzby. “This ship will go to sea better prepared than the ships that preceded her because the team that built her learned new lessons with every ship of the class and incorporated those lessons learned, along with energy-saving technologies into the next hull. USNS Cesar Chavez is the culmination of that extraordinary process–she is The Ultimate T-AKE!”

Cesar Chavez is the 14th and final dry cargo/ammunition ship, and is slated for use by MSC’s Combat Logistics Force, or CLF. CLF 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.

Two T-AKEs are being assigned to MSC’s maritime prepositioning ship squadrons, which are deployed to strategic locations worldwide, carrying U.S. Marine Corps cargo ready for rapid delivery to Marines ashore.

“Being the first master of this ship is a real honor for me,” said Capt. Keith Walzak, Cesar Chavez’s civil service master. “I’m excited to lead this great crew and to follow in the footsteps of the example set by a great leader, Cesar Chavez.”

USNS Cesar Chavez is scheduled for delivery to MSC in November.