ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Nov. 17, 2018) The crew stand watch during the commissioning ceremony of USS Sioux City (LCS 11). Sioux City is the thirteenth littoral combat ship to enter the fleet and the sixth of the Freedom variant. It is the first ship named for Sioux City, the fourth-largest city in Iowa. (U.S. Navy photo by Kenneth D Aston Jr/Released)

(This article appears courtesy of Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet)

The U.S. Navy commissioned its newest surface combatant, the littoral combat ship USS Sioux City (LCS 11), during a ceremony at the U.S. Naval Academy, Nov. 17.

The Freedom-variant littoral combat ship (LCS) is the Navy’s 13th littoral combat ship to enter the fleet and the sixth of the Freedom variant. It is the first ship named after Sioux City, the fourth-largest city in Iowa.

“Thank you to our namesake city, Sioux City, for welcoming us with open arms, making us feel like we are part of your city each and every time we’ve visited,” said Cmdr. Randy Malone, the ship’s commanding officer. “We are proud to sail in your name.”

The ship’s sponsor, Mary Winnefeld, wife of former vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, retired Adm. James “Sandy” Winnefeld, gave the traditional order to “Man this ship and bring her to life,” signaling the Sailors to embark and officially begin service as a U.S. Navy ship. 

Iowa Senator Joni Ernst delivered the principal address at the ceremony, which was attended by Under Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly and Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson attended the ceremony. 

“I’ve enjoyed working with both of you to strengthen our Navy’s ability to project power on the seas and protect our wonderful homeland,” said Ernst. “I look forward to continuing this work as we rebuild the American military.” 

For the ship’s crew, the day was the culmination of a few years of work to get Sioux City prepared for commissioning. It was a special opportunity to bring the ship to life at the Naval Academy, a place where Naval careers – past and future – begin.

“This place breeds toughness,” said Richardson, a 1982 graduate of the Naval Academy. Additionally, Richardson noted that the state of Iowa has exhibited toughness as well, increasing its productivity by about 40 percent since 2007.

“This increase in productivity was fueled by the ability to safely, securely, and reliably ship those goods over sea lines of communication to markets around the world,” said Richardson. “Iowans and all Americans depend on the security and the system of rules and order that promotes a free follow of goods across the world’s oceans so that all people can prosper. That is why your navy is operating around the world, around the clock.”

Next, the ship will transit to Jacksonville, Florida to join Littoral Combat Ship Squadron Two and the other LCS vessels that call Naval Station Mayport home.

“We’ve made these ships more lethal and survivable, steadily improving them. We’re investing in over the horizon missile capabilities, outfitting them with advanced sensors, placing a combination of manned and unmanned vehicles onboard to support a wide range of missions well into our future,” said Richardson. 

The LCS is a high speed, agile, shallow draft, mission-focused surface combatant designed for operations in the littoral environment, yet fully capable of open ocean operations. As part of the surface fleet, LCS has the ability to counter and outpace evolving threats independently or within a network of surface combatants. Paired with advanced sonar and mine hunting capabilities, LCS provides a major contribution, as well as a more diverse set of options to commanders, across the spectrum of operations.

BOSTON (Dec. 1, 2018) Crewmembers of USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) man the rails as the ship comes to life during her commissioning ceremony. The guided-missile destroyer is the 66th Arleigh Burke-class destroyer and the first warship named for Capt. Thomas J. Hunder, Jr., who earned the Medal of Honor for the Battle of Chosin Reservoir in the Korean War. (U.S. Navy photo by Airman Olivia K. Manley)

(This article originally appears courtesy of Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet)

The U.S. Navy commissioned its newest surface combatant, USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), December 1, 2018, during a ceremony in Boston.

Thomas Hudner, commanded by Cmdr. Nathan Scherry, a Peculiar, Missouri native, is the 66th Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, and the 36th DDG 51 class destroyer built by General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (BIW). It is the first warship named for naval aviator and Medal of Honor recipient Capt. Thomas J. Hudner, Jr.

Capt. Hudner, a native of Fall River, Massachusetts, received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir in 1950. Hudner crash landed his plane in a selfless effort to save the life of his wingman and friend, Ensign Jesse Brown, the Navy’s first African American aircraft carrier qualified naval aviator.

Among the distinguished guests and speakers at the commissioning, Thomas Hudner III, son of Capt. Hudner, gave a speech about his father’s life and legacy.

“While many would say that my father’s actions were an extraordinary act, my father never thought of himself or that action as extraordinary,” said Hudner. “To the contrary, when he was asked through the years why he did what he did, he responded simply that it was the right thing to do and if he hadn’t acted, someone else would have. Throughout military history there have been countless acts of unselfish heroism, in fact the history of the United States has been built upon these acts many of which went unseen and without recognition. However, it was Capt. Hudner’s unselfish act in the service of his country, the United States Navy, and his friend and squadron mate that lives in the spirit of this ship.” 

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker delivered the principal address at the ceremony which was attended by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joseph Dunford, Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer, Mayor of Boston Martin Walsh, Congressman from Massachusetts 8th Congressional District Stephen Lynch, Vice Chief of Naval Operations Admiral William Moran, and others.

“Simply put, life was never about Tom Hudner,” said Baker. “He was the consummate team player. The only way a person would know anything about what took place on that mountain top during the Korean War would have been to hear from someone else or to have read about it because he never talked about that day. It is my fervent hope that this ship is imbued with the humility, selflessness, patriotism, the commitment to one another, the kindness and decency that transcends our differences that made Tom so special.”

The ship’s sponsors, Mrs. Georgea Hudner, wife of Capt. Hudner, and Mrs. Barbara Miller, former Co-Chair of the Flag Officer Spouse Training, gave the traditional order to “Man this ship and bring her to life,” signaling the Sailors to embark and officially begin service as a U.S. Navy ship.

For the ship’s crew, the day was the culmination of a few years of work to get USS Thomas Hudner prepared for commissioning. The day was a special opportunity to bring the ship to life in Boston, where the legacies of great ships and great people are kept and revered. 

In fall of 2015, the keel of Thomas Hudner was laid down. The ship was christened on April 1, 2017 during a snowy ceremony at the BIW Shipyard in Bath, Maine and launched several weeks later on April 23. 

MAYPORT, Fla. (Jan. 12, 2019) The crew of the Navy’s newest littoral combat ship USS Wichita (LCS 13), bring the ship to life during its commissioning ceremony, at Naval Station Mayport, Jan. 12. LCS 13 is the fourteenth littoral combat ship to enter the fleet and the seventh of the Freedom variant. It is the third Navy combat ship named after Wichita, the largest city in Kansas. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alana Langdon/Released)

(Original article appears courtesy of Commander, Naval Surface Force U.S. Pacific Fleet)

USS Wichita (LCS 13), the Navy’s seventh Freedom-variant littoral combat ship, was brought to life during a commissioning ceremony at Naval Station Mayport on Jan. 12.

“The LCS, like your favorite mobile device, offers more portability and maneuverability, while being much less conspicuous,” said Cmdr. Nathan Rowan, commanding officer of Wichita. “And, like a smartphone, the LCS packs quite a hefty punch for such a small package.”

Wichita has a crew of approximately 70 Sailors, and is designed to work close to shore and in the open ocean. This provides cost-effective force flexibility and allows the Navy to strengthen allied partnerships.

“It’s good to be part of a crew that’s small,” said Damage Controlman Fireman Brandon O’Connell, assigned to Wichita. “I can talk to everyone. We’re close to each other. Overall, I like it.”

Wichita is the third ship honoring Kansas’ largest city. It sails with the motto, “Keeper of the Seas.” 

The first USS Wichita (CA 45), a heavy cruiser, was commissioned in 1939 and served in World War II. The second was the lead ship of Wichita-class replenishment oilers and designated Wichita (AOR 1) upon its commissioning in 1968.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to be assigned to Wichita,” said Chief Operation Specialist Isaac Davis. “I was born and raised in Kansas, so this is a real privilege. This is my first time being a plank owner (commissioning crew), or being on a new ship. It’s a moment I’ll definitely treasure. I hope I will do justice to the city of Wichita.”

SAN DIEGO (Jan. 26, 2019) Former members of SEAL Team Three join the ship’s crew to bring the Navy’s newest Zumwalt-class destroyer, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001), to life during its commissioning ceremony. DDG 1001 is the second Zumwalt destroyer ship to enter the fleet. It is the first Navy combat ship named for fallen Master-at-Arms 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael Monsoor, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions while serving in Ramadi, Iraq, in 2006. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Devin M. Monroe)

(Original article appears courtesy of Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet)

The Navy’s newest Zumwalt-class destroyer, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001), was commissioned Jan. 26 at Naval Air Station North Island.

Twenty gold star families and four Medal of Honor recipients witnessed the Navy’s second Zumwalt-class destroyer enter the fleet. 

The ship honors Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, a Navy SEAL who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in Ramadi, Iraq, Sept. 29, 2006. At the ship’s 2008 naming ceremony, former Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter recognized Monsoor as “a consummate professional who faced terrorist enemies with aplomb and stoicism.”

“When you man the rails today and you man your first watch stations at [general quarters], you bring this ship to life in the spirit and legacy of Michael Monsoor with toughness, courage and love, and you will be the defenders,” said Vice Adm. Timothy Szymanski, the deputy commander of U.S. Special Operations Command. “You will defend. Stay in the Fight.”

“Monsoor is an incredible honor that the Navy has bestowed upon him and his family,” said Chief Warrant Officer Benjamin Oleson, one of Monsoor’s teammates in Ramadi. “I went out to the christening event, and I was completely blown away [by] the sheer size of what this ship represents. I think if Mikey saw the ship, he’d be like, ‘That’s too much. That’s not for me. I’m just laid back.’ But I think it’s truly an honor that the Navy did this, especially the type of destroyer that it is. … [with] its cutting-edge, advanced technology. I think, with Mikey in the platoon, always at the front, leading the way, the way the ship is designed, it’s going to be leading the way in the future.”

California Congressman Scott Peters delivered the commissioning ceremony’s principal address for the ship named for the southern California native. 

“’You never quit.’ Those are the words Michael Monsoor wrote with permanent marker inside the camouflage hat he wore throughout his [Basic Undersea Demolition School] training at the Naval Special Warfare Training Center here at Coronado,” said Peters. “If you visit the quarterdeck of the magnificent new ship we commission this morning, you will see his hat there with those words inscribed within it. It is encased in glass where and it will remain on display permanently for the life of the ship. The letters are faded from time and wear but their significance and how Michael applied them to his life are as vivid and meaningful today as they were that day when he wrote them many years ago as his reminder to persevere. The words ‘you never quit’ are also brandished prominently throughout the ship as if Michael himself is offering encouragement to every man and woman who sets sail upon her.

“She was constructed for stealth and speed and will navigate and operate using the newest and most sophisticated technology and weaponry available. She was built for battle and reflects the highest level of combat readiness as was her namesake, Petty Officer Michael Monsoor.”

Sally Monsoor, Michael Monsoor’s mother, served as the ship’s sponsor and delivered the time-honored first order to “man our ship and bring her to life!” The crew of 148 officers and enlisted personnel were joined by servicemembers who served with Monsoor in Ramadi as they raced aboard to man the rails and watch stations.

“I can’t go without saying thank you for coming today,” said Monsoor. “You came because you were following his story and you cared. Thank you to our military men and women, the best in the world, SEAL Team, you have our hearts.”

Capt. Scott Smith noted the crew’s dedication to the ship and one another as well as the community in Maine. He credited then with carrying forward the character of the ship’s namesake.

“They not only learned new technologies, they advanced them, and stand today at the leading edge of the Navy our nation needs,” said Smith. “This is the crew that mans Michael Monsoor: One-hundred-and-forty-three Sailors performing acts they believe are ordinary. The soldiers and SEALs that stand alongside them, they too perform their seemingly anonymous, ordinary acts which are anything but, and ladies and gentlemen that’s why this ship is so important. Because it is the recognition that the true source of American power lies in its people.

“In all of the descriptions of Michael a consistent theme emerges: He was a good dude,” said Smith. “He was good. He affected the lives of those who served alongside him and through his example, he continues to affect history and will as long as this ship sails. This is what we give you today: the good ship Michael Monsoor.”

The nearly 16,000-ton Michael Monsoor was built by General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine. The ship is 610 feet in length, has a beam of 87 feet, and a navigational draft of 27 feet. The ship is powered by two Rolls-Royce main turbine generators, two Rolls-Royce auxiliary turbine generators, two 34.6 MW advanced induction motors to speeds up to 30-plus knots.

Zumwalt-class destroyers are the most lethal and sophisticated destroyers ever built. They provide deterrence and forward presence by bridging today’s innovation with future technology.

Zumwalt-class destroyers maximize stealth, size, power and computing capacity –fielding an array of weapons systems and cutting-edge technologies to fight forces in the air, on and under the sea, and on land.

USS Michael Monsoor will be homeported at Naval Base San Diego.

(Article originally appears courtesy of Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic)

GROTON, Conn., (Feb. 2, 2019) The honorable Kristi Noem, Governor of South Dakota, delivers remarks during the commissioning ceremony of USS South Dakota (SSN 790). South Dakota is the U.S. Navy’s 17th Virginia-Class attack submarine and the third ship named for the State of South Dakota. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jeffrey M. Richardson)

USS South Dakota (SSN 790) became the newest and 17th Virginia-class fast-attack submarine in the U.S. Navy during her commissioning ceremony at Naval Submarine Base New London, February 2, 2019. 

The U.S. Navy, with assistance from Mrs. Deanie Dempsey, the ship’s sponsor, gave the command, “Man our ship and bring her to life!” spurring the crew into action and all ship’s systems to be tested, including alarms, bells, radars, and scopes. 

USS South Dakota’s Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Craig Litty, highlighted South Dakota’s capability to dominate the undersea domain and enable military success in any engagement.

“South Dakota was built to be on scene and unseen, forward deployed and ready to take the fight to our adversaries and protect our shores here,” said Litty. “We do that through executing the seven mission areas that the United States Submarine Force, which focus primarily on anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare, but we are also very capable of reconnaissance operations and operations in littoral waters. As the commissioning crew, we’ve developed a special bond with the ship itself, which we will use to maximize our capability on our first deployment.” 

Commander of the Submarine Forces, Vice Adm. Chas Richard underscored Litty’s remarks. “South Dakota will soon enter the fleet with stealth, flexibility and endurance,” said Richard, addressing the crew and attendees. “Traveling silently through the world’s oceans undetected, collecting information, preparing for battle, and if necessary, striking from the deep swiftly without warning; answering the nation’s call. To the South Dakota crew, as your motto attests, ‘Under The Sea, We Rule’ because the nation the navy and the Mt. Rushmore state are depending on you.”

Dempsey expressed what the moment and her role as the ship’s sponsor means to her. “It is my privilege to be the sponsor of USS South Dakota,” said Dempsey. “I’ve been here from the very beginning, watching both the boat and her crew grow and that gives me a tremendous sense of pride. When I said those words and the Sailors responded ‘Aye, Aye, Ma’am!’, it gave me goosebumps.”

The first South Dakota (ACR 9) a United States Navy Pennsylvania-class armored cruiser, laid down on 30 September 1902 by the Union Iron Works, San Francisco, California, and launched on 21 July 1904 was sponsored by Grace Herreid, daughter of Charles N. Herreid, Governor of South Dakota. 

The second South Dakota’s (BB 57) keel was laid down on 5 July 1939, at Camden, New Jersey, by the New York Shipbuilding Corporation. She was launched on 7 June 1941, sponsored by Mrs. Harlan J. Bushfield, wife of the Governor of South Dakota. The lead ship of her class, South Dakota was considered to be the most efficient battleship designed under the limitations of the Washington Naval Treaty during World War II.

Though in their nineties, some of the Sailors from the submarine’s namesake made it out to the event to see that the history and traditions were passed on to the next generation.

“It is very impressive and I am very honored to be a part of this,” said Richard Hackley, a seaman 1 st Class (Radar Striker) aboard the battleship USS South Dakota during World War II. “I’ve got fond memories from serving on South Dakota and to be included in the new South Dakota is quite an honor for me.”

South Dakota is the seventh of eight Block III Virginia-class submarines to be built. The Block III submarines are made with the new Virginia Payload Tubes designed to lower costs and increase missile-firing payload possibilities. 

The first 10 Block I and Block II Virginia-class submarines have 12 individual 21-inch diameter vertical launch tubes able to fire Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAMS). The Block III submarines are built with two-larger 87-inch diameter tubes able to house six TLAMS each. “It is flattering to be chosen to a part of this tradition,” said Sonar Technician (Submarines) 2nd Class Casey Strickland, a South Dakota Plankowner. “It sets us aside from other boat crews and I think it is an honor to be part of this.”

South Dakota is a flexible, multi-mission platform designed to carry out the seven core competencies of the submarine force: anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; delivery of special operations forces; strike warfare; irregular warfare; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and mine warfare. 

The submarine is 377 feet long, has a 34-foot beam, and will be able to dive to depths greater than 800 feet and operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots submerged. It will operate for over 30 years without ever refueling. Construction on South

South Dakota began 2013; the submarine’s keel was authenticated during a ceremony on April 4, 2016; and the submarine was christened during a ceremony Oct. 14, 2017.

PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. (Sept. 29, 2018) USS Indiana’s (SSN 789) chief of the boat, Senior Chief Charles Simonds; the submarine’s sponsor, Diane Donald; and the commanding officer, Capt. Jesse Zimbauer, render honors during Indiana’s commissioning ceremony. Indiana is the U.S. Navy’s 16th Virginia-class fast-attack submarine and the third ship named for the State of Indiana. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jeffrey M. Richardson/Released)

(Article originally appears courtesy of the U.S. Navy)

PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. (NNS) — USS Indiana, the third submarine to bear the name and third vessel to be named for the state, was brought to life by its sponsor, Diane K. Donald, wife of retired Adm. Kirkland Donald, the former director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion and commander, Submarine Forces, Sept. 29, 2018. Before giving the order to bring the ship to life, Indiana’s sponsor had a few words to impart to those in attendance and any potential future adversaries.

“Today we celebrate the time-honored tradition of placing USS Indiana into the service of our country. It has been the privilege of a lifetime to have a role in bringing this ship to life,” Donald said, addressing the crowd and ship’s company during the ceremony. “To anyone who wishes our nation harm, take heed, Indiana is taking the watch. Our new silent victors are Indiana strong.”

As the most modern and sophisticated attack submarine in the world, the submarine can operate in both littoral and deep ocean environments, and presents combatant commanders with a broad and unique range of operational capabilities. Indiana is a flexible, multi-mission platform designed to carry out the seven core competencies of the submarine force: anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, delivery of Special Operations Forces (SOF), strike warfare, irregular warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and mine warfare.

“I owe everything to my crew,” said Capt. Jesse Zimbauer, commanding officer of Indiana, to those in attendance. “We have over 5,000 people in attendance today. You wouldn’t be out here if you didn’t have a lethal dose of patriotism. You cannot take a look at those Sailors dressed in their whites, standing on the backbone of the world’s newest and most lethal submarine and not just stand up and cheer!”

Indiana is a part of the Virginia-class’ third, or Block III, contract, in which the Navy redesigned approximately 20 percent of the boat to reduce acquisition costs. Indiana features a redesigned bow, which replaces 12 individual Vertical Launch System (VLS) tubes with two large-diameter Virginia Payload Tubes (VPTs) each capable of launching six Tomahawk cruise missiles, among other design changes that reduced the submarines’ acquisition cost while maintaining their outstanding warfighting capabilities. While the crew of the submarine may only be 140, Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb indicated that the “whole” crew may not fit on board.

“So, as you are serving on this boat, know that your crew is a lot bigger than you may think. In fact, I’d like to say that this crew is 6.6 million strong. Because there are, in fact, 6.6 million Hoosiers who are proud of this USS Indiana. We are proud of and pray for every Sailor that makes up this crew.”

After the ceremony, Indiana was opened up for tours to the general public, to include the crew’s mess, the wardroom, control, and the torpedo room. It is there perhaps that the words of the Director of Naval Reactors, Adm. J. Franklin Caldwell, Jr. stuck home to the thousands who wouldn’t normally step foot inside a nuclear-powered submarine.

“USS Indiana, and her sisters of the Virginia class, will maintain our edge in the undersea environment,” said Caldwell as he addressed the attendees. “Soon Indiana will deploy her stealth, endurance and her flexibility to travel silently under our oceans protecting our nation. She will be collecting intelligence, preparing for battle, and, if necessary, striking from the deep without notice to defend our nation.”

Indiana also has special features to support Special Forces, including a reconfigurable torpedo room which can accommodate a large number of personnel and all their equipment for prolonged deployments and future off-board payloads.

Also, in Virginia-class SSNs, traditional periscopes have been replaced by two photonics masts that host visible and infrared digital cameras atop telescoping arms, which are maneuvered by an Xbox controller. Through the extensive use of modular construction, open architecture and commercial off-the-shelf components, the Virginia class is designed to remain at the cutting edge for its entire operational life through the rapid introduction of new systems and payloads.

While USS Indiana may be the newest and most technologically advanced submarine in the world, to some, all the metal, tubes, wires and reactor are just machinery.

“The crew make up the soul of Indiana,” said Senior Chief Charles Simonds, Indiana’s chief of the boat. “Every single challenge this crew has been faced with, and there have been many over the past several months, has been dealt with extremely well. The crew are extremely proficient, extremely confident Sailors who know how to operate the submarine and I’d say that these guys are ready to go execute our nation’s missions right now, and that is a lot to say for a new crew, and that makes me very proud and extremely fortunate to be a part of this team.”

SSN-789 was built at Huntington Ingalls Shipyard in Newport News, Virginia, and is 7,800 tons and 377 feet in length, has a beam of 34 feet and operates at more than 25 knots submerged. It is designed with a nuclear reactor plant that does not require refueling during the planned life of the ship, reducing lifecycle costs while increasing underway time.

PORTSMOUTH, NH (May 26, 2018)
The crew of the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Manchester (LCS 14) man the rails during the ship’s commissioning ceremony after the ship’s sponsor, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) gives the traditional order to ‘man this ship and bring her to life.’ Manchester is the 12th littoral combat ship to enter the fleet and the seventh of the Independence variant. The ship is named for the city of Manchester, New Hampshire and is assigned to Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jacob I. Allison/RELEASED)

(Article originally appears courtesy of Commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron ONE)

The littoral combat ship USS Manchester (LCS 14) was commissioned as the Navy’s newest surface combatant in a ceremony in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, May 26.

The Independence-variant LCS is the Navy’s second ship to be named for the city of Manchester, New Hampshire.

“The faces of the Sailors that ran to man this ship are the faces that I’ve seen day after day for the last 22 months as we worked to bring this ship to life,” said Cmdr. Emily Basset, Manchester’s commanding officer and a Seattle, Washington native. “They took the city of Manchester’s motto – work conquers – and they have personified the spirit of our namesake city. Each Sailor is highly trained and must do the duties that three or four would do on another ship. These Sailors are reasons to make us all proud.”

The ship’s sponsor, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), gave the traditional order to, “Man this ship and bring her to life,” signaling the Sailors to embark and officially begin the ship’s service as a U.S. Navy ship.

For the ship’s crew, the day was the culmination of months’ worth of work to get the Manchester prepared for commissioning, and having the commissioning in the ship’s namesake state was a special opportunity for some of Manchester’s Sailors.

“It’s really amazing to be on a ship named for [a city in] my home state,” said Information Systems Technician 1st Class Laryssa Noyes, from Derry, New Hampshire. “It’s really quite an honor that I’m here for this. It’s awesome because my family got to be here and see what I do on a daily basis.”

After the ceremony the ship will transit to San Diego to join Commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron One (COMLCSRON ONE) and eight other LCS currently homeported at Naval Base San Diego.

Manchester is the 12th littoral combat ship and the seventh of the Independence variant.

The littoral combat ship is a high speed, agile, shallow draft, mission-focused surface combatant designed for operations in the littoral environment, yet fully capable of open ocean operations. As part of the surface fleet, LCS has the ability to counter and outpace evolving threats independently or within a network of surface combatants. Paired with advanced sonar and mine hunting capabilities, LCS provides a major contribution, as well as a more diverse set of options to commanders, across the spectrum of operations.

PORTLAND, Ore. (April 21, 2018) Visitors cheer as the amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27) comes to life during a commissioning ceremony in Portland, Ore. Portland is the U.S. Navy’s 11th San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship, third ship to bear the name Portland and the first ship to be named solely for Oregon’s largest city. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Steven Tran/Released)

(This article appears courtesy Navy.mil)

PORTLAND, Ore. — As medals adorning their chests clang with each running step, Sailors rush past the brow to man their vessel.

During an official commissioning ceremony held in front of over 5,000 guests, the crew of the USS Portland (LPD 27) brought their ship to life in Portland, Oregon, April 21.

The Honorable Patrick Shanahan, Deputy Secretary of Defense, officially placed the Portland in commission, the 11th San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship to join the Navy’s operational fleet.

“The City of Roses has a ship worthy of its creative spirit and industrious heritage,” proclaimed Shanahan. “The acceptance trials are over and her officers and crew are ready. Wherever her flag flies, in foreign ports, on the high seas, in weather fair or foul, this ship will carry the spirit of this city on the Columbia River.”

While addressing the audience, Shanahan emphasized the importance behind the naming of the Portland, while touching upon the history of the first two ships to carry the name ‘Portland’.

“This is the first ship to be named exclusively for Portland, Oregon,” said Shanahan. “Her officers and crew will write the next chapter, and do so with pride. This ship will carry our power and goodwill anywhere they are needed.”

Since departing Pascagoula, Miss. the ship and her crew have sailed 9,930 nautical miles, conducted a crossing the line ceremony, and sailed through the historic Panama Canal on their way to their designated homeport of San Diego.

“Since Dec. 1775, commissioning ceremonies have been an honored Naval tradition celebrating, accepting, and welcoming a new ship into the fleet,” said Capt. J. R. Hill, Portland’s commanding officer. “When USS Portland was brought to life during today’s ceremony, I was humbled as I thought back to the dedication and passion the crew demonstrated throughout our journey to this culminating moment.”

Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson, deputy CNO Vice Adm. Dixon Smith went down memory lane, recalling the history of the Oregon Shipyard, which during the height of World War II launched 24 ships in only 30 days.

“The USS Portland has joined the ever growing list of reasons for Portlanders to be proud,” said Smith. “The men and women of this crew come from all across the nation and will soon sail, perhaps into harm’s way, to keep us safe here at home.”

Upon conclusion of the ceremony, guests were invited to tour the 684-foot war fighting vessel, where they could experience the state of the art design that will continue to sail decades from today with future generations of Sailors and Marines aboard.

“Portland’s motto, ‘First Responders, Brave and Determined’ made having the ceremony in Portland — with the city’s first responders present — even more meaningful for all in attendance,” said Hill.

Prior to commissioning, Portland underwent multiple phases to prepare her join the fleet.

The ship’s formal recognition of transition from concept to reality began Aug. 2, 2013 at Huntington Ingalls Shipbuilding during the keel laying ceremony when the ship’s sponsor, Bonnie Amos, engraved her name upon a plaque, as a symbol authenticating the keel.

A mast stepping ceremony was then held May 20, 2016. This time-honored Naval tradition symbolizes the moment a shell becomes a ship, and her crew honors that tradition by placing mementos into a time capsule for future Portland Sailors to discover.

Portland was officially launched May 21, 2016 after a ceremonial christening was held Feb. 13, 2016.

Today, Portland boasts a heavy arsenal of capabilities beneath the hood. Amphibious transport dock ships are versatile players in maritime security with the ability to support a variety of amphibious assault, special operations or expeditionary warfare missions, operating independently or as part of Amphibious Readiness Group (ARGs), Expeditionary Strike Groups (ESGs), or Joint Task Forces (JTFs). In addition to performing their primary mission, the San Antonio-class ships support anti-piracy operations, provide humanitarian assistance, and foreign disaster relief operations around the world.

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View the Commissioning Ceremony

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GROTON, Conn. (March 17, 2018) USS Colorado (SSN 788) Ship Sponsor, Annie Mabus delivers remarks to attendees and crew during the boat’s commissioning ceremony. Colorado is the U.S. Navy’s 15th Virginia-class attack submarine and the second ship fourth ship named for the State of Colorado. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jeffrey M. Richardson/Released)

(This article originally appeared courtesy U.S. Navy)

By Commander, Submarine Forces Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) — Colorado is the first submarine to bear the name and third vessel to be named for the state and was brought to life by her sponsor, Annie Maybus Mabus, daughter of the 75th Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus.

“To the crew of USS Colorado, this is your day” said Mabus, addressing the crowd and ship’s company during the ceremony. “The commissioning crew truly does bring life to the boat. The pride I feel for the crew of this boat knows no bounds.”

As the most modern and sophisticated attack submarine in the world, the submarine can operate in both littoral and deep ocean environments and presents combatant commanders with a broad and unique range of operational capabilities.

“This is an amazing group of Sailors that are outfitted here. Every day we are doing something new for the first time. Just in the time that I’ve been here, I’ve watch the team transform into a high performance team that is able to operate the Navy’s newest and most capable war fighting ship at sea, in the harsh ocean environments, ready to carry out our mission,” said Cmdr. Reed Koepp II, Colorado’s commanding officer, as he underscored the boat’s most important asset: the crew. “I have seen them achieve greatness in qualifications and I have seen them build to a level of experience and expertise, ready to start executing the nation’s missions and get through our initial tactical certifications and engineering readiness.”

Colorado is a flexible, multi-mission platform designed to carry out the seven core competencies of the submarine force: anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, delivery of Special Operations Forces (SOF), strike warfare, irregular warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and mine warfare.

Colorado is a part of the Virginia-class’ third, or Block III, contract, in which the Navy redesigned approximately 20 percent of the ship to reduce acquisition costs. Colorado features a redesigned bow, which replaces 12 individual Vertical Launch System (VLS) tubes with two large-diameter Virginia Payload Tubes (VPTs) each capable of launching six Tomahawk cruise missiles, among other design changes that reduced the submarines’ acquisition cost while maintaining their outstanding warfighting capabilities.

After the ceremony, Colorado was opened up for tours to the general public, to include the crew’s mess, the wardroom, control, and the torpedo room.

“Our submarines are in high demand today and the expectations for Colorado are a mile high,” said Director of Naval Reactors, Adm. J. Franklin Caldwell, Jr. as he addressing the attendees. “In her lifetime, Colorado will travel thousands of miles undetected to protect our nation and our interests around the globe. We cannot begin to imagine all the missions that she will do and all of the places she will sail, but we do know that Colorado’s stealth, her endurance, her combat power, and her speed will ensure that our Navy remains in control of the undersea domain.”

Colorado also has special features to support Special Forces, including a reconfigurable torpedo room which can accommodate a large number of personnel and all their equipment for prolonged deployments and future off-board payloads.

“We are very proud to represent the great state of Colorado and we are very excited for the future of the ship,” said Executive Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Stephen Col. “I can honestly say I have the greatest job in the Navy.”

Also, in Virginia-class SSNs, traditional periscopes have been replaced by two photonics masts that host visible and infrared digital cameras atop telescoping arms, which are maneuvered by a Xbox controller. Through the extensive use of modular construction, open architecture, and commercial off-the-shelf components, the Virginia-class is designed to remain at the cutting edge for its entire operational life through the rapid introduction of new systems and payloads.

“I couldn’t be more proud and honored to serve with and for the crew,” said Koepp. “The Colorado is a gem of an assignment for any submariner, whether you are a first-term, junior Sailor or you are the commanding officer. I couldn’t be more proud to lead and serve with the crew.

SSN 788 was built at Electric Boat in Groton, Conn and is 7,800 tons and 377 feet in length, has a beam of 34 feet and operates at more than 25 knots submerged. It is designed with a nuclear reactor plant that does not require refueling during the planned life of the ship, reducing lifecycle costs while increasing underway time.

USS Ralph Johnson Commissioning (Defense Media Activity-Navy Production)

(This article originally appeared courtesy Charleston Post and Courier)

By Gregory Yee (Post and Courier)

U.S. Sen. Tim Scott stood atop the deck of the massive gray warship docked in Charleston Harbor on Saturday morning and asked members of the crowd to transport themselves back to 1968 — a time of social strife amid the civil rights movement.

Out of that period and out of Charleston, a city with its own history of racial issues, comes a singular story: that of Pfc. Ralph Johnson, a Marine who was killed in Vietnam after jumping on a grenade that landed in his fighting hole, Scott said. His actions cost him his life but saved two fellow Marines and earned him the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration.

“Ralph began a legacy that should last through eternity,” he said.

Scott, R-S.C., was among several speakers at a commissioning ceremony for the USS Ralph Johnson, the Navy’s newest destroyer. A crowd of about 6,000 gathered to watch as the ship officially came on duty for the first time.

During the ceremony, many spoke about Johnson’s sacrifice and the legacy that the 19-year-old left after he dove belly-first onto the grenade and shouted a warning to others.

“I am proud to serve a city that could produce such an extraordinary man,” Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg told the crowd.

Helen Richards, Johnson’s sister, said she and her family are honored to have the ship named after their relative and said two of his grandnieces and a niece are currently serving active duty in the military. Another niece retired from the Air Force.

“It was stated that the crew takes on the spirit of the namesake, which I personally witnessed upon the embarkment of the (USS Ralph) Johnson,” Richards said. “On behalf of the Johnson family, we are both inspired and forever grateful for the generosity of love shown toward us.”

U.S. Rep. Mark Sanford said Johnson’s sacrifice should prompt all who know of his story to look at themselves and ask, “How then do I live?”

“He was from us but above us,” Sanford, R-S.C., said. “He lived a life that was beyond himself.”

The 509-foot warship is the Navy’s 64th Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. It carries two helicopters, missiles, torpedoes and up to 338 crew members. Its top speed is 35 mph.

Gen. Robert Neller, Marine Corps commandant, spoke about the ship’s capabilities and how it will carry on the spirit of bravery exemplified by Johnson.

“This ship was designed to fight,” Neller said. “It’s here to go fast and in harm’s way, and that’s what we expect. … As long as we have citizens like Ralph Johnson, we’re going to be just fine.”