Commissionings

This Video shows the twelve ship christenings and commissionings that occurred from May 2013 to April 2014. The Society of Sponsors gratefully acknowledges and thanks our friends at the Naval Historical Foundation who produced the video for us.

https://youtu.be/_Ufj43DeVbM

Sailors man the rails during the commissioning ceremony of the littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) at Naval Air Station North Island. (U.S. Navy photo 140405-N-QC631-059)

By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Donnie W. Ryan, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

More than 4,000 guests watched as the littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) joined the Navy’s surface fleet during a commissioning ceremony at Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado, Calif., April 5.

Coronado is the fourth littoral combat ship, the second of the Independence variant, commissioned into service and will be be outfitted with reconfigurable mission packages and focus on a variety of mission areas including mine countermeasures, surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare.

“On behalf of the Secretary of the Navy, it’s my pleasure to welcome the return of the name USS Coronado to the fleet,” said Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mark Ferguson, guest speaker for the ceremony. “There is no finer city for this celebration, and no more Navy pride than there is in Coronado.”

Ferguson talked about the nation’s expectations of today’s Navy and the role littoral combats ships like Coronado will play in the overall defense strategy and the Navy’s ability to operate forward.

“The Navy’s enduring forward presence ensures the security of the seas,” said Ferguson. “With her speed, shallow draft and mission packages, Coronado is perfectly suited for service around the globe.”

Susan Ring Keith, the daughter and stepdaughter of Navy admirals and a long-time leader in the San Diego community, was named as the ship’s sponsor and christened the ship Jan. 14, 2012 during a ceremony in Mobile, Ala.

“I want the crew to know that they will carry the hearts and thanks of all the residents of Coronado. We are so proud of what you do for us and so proud that you carry our name,” said Keith. “Now, I want you to man this ship and bring her to life.”

The 2,790-ton Coronado was built by Austal USA Shipbuilding in Mobile, Ala., at a cost of $400 million and is 417 feet in length, has a waterline beam of 100 feet, and a navigational draft of 15 feet. Coronado uses two gas turbine and two diesel engines to power four steerable water jets and can reach speeds in excess of 40 knots.

Cmdr. Shawn Johnston, a native of North Carolina, is the commanding officer of the ship’s Gold Crew. Cmdr. John Kochendorfer, from Dan Point, Calif., is the commanding officer of the ship’s Blue Crew. Both will lead core crews of approximately 40 officers and enlisted personnel.

Hundreds of residents of Coronado, Calif., along with many city leaders including the mayor, attended the ceremony.

“I am happy to tell you that Coronado has been a proud Navy town for well over 100 years,” said Mayor Casey Tanaka, who presented both Johnston and Kochendorfer a key to the city. “Please place this key somewhere all your Sailors can see it so that they know whenever they drive over the bridge or up the strand, that when they see that number of 26,600 people who live here in Coronado, they know they are one of us now and forever.”

Named for the city of Coronado, Calif., LCS 4 is the third Navy ship to bear the name of the “Crown City.” The first USS Coronado (PF 38) was a patrol frigate and served as a convoy escort during World War II.

The second USS Coronado (AGF 11) was designed as an Austin-class amphibious transport dock (LPD) and was reconfigured to be an auxiliary command ship (AGF) in 1980 and subsequently served as the Commander, Middle East Force flagship, then the Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet flagship in the Mediterranean, and subsequently the Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet flagship in the Eastern Pacific Ocean prior to decommissioning in 2006.

LCS vessels were designed to be high-speed, shallow draft multimission ships capable of operating independently or with an associated strike group. They are designed to defeat growing littoral threats and provide access and dominance in coastal waters.

A fast, maneuverable, and networked surface combatant, LCS provides the required warfighting capabilities and operational flexibility to execute focused missions such as surface warfare, mine warfare and anti-submarine warfare.

LCS delivers combat capability from core self-defense systems in concert with interchangeable, modular mission packages and an open architecture command and control system. Modularity maximizes the flexibility of LCS and enables the ship to meet changing warfare needs, while also supporting rapid technological updates. LCS employs advanced tactical networks to share information with aircraft, ships, submarines, joint and coalition units both at sea and shore.

Providing warships ready for combat, developing Sailors, and training crews to fight and win are the subjects of Vice Adm. Thomas H. Copeman III, commander of Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet’s “Vision for the 2026 Surface Fleet.” This vision consolidates a set of objectives and policies to maximize surface force readiness by concentrating on warfighting ability, sustainable excellence and wholeness over time.

USS Somerset ship’s sponsor Mary Jo Myers thanks the crew, shipbuilders and families of love ones lost on United Airlines Flight 93 for their support throughout the construction of the amphibious transport dock before she gives the order to man the ship and bring her to life. The Somerset’s namesake recognizes the heroic actions of the 40 passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93 on Sept. 11, 2001 who sacrificed their lives to thwart a terrorist attack bringing down their would be hijackers and plane in a field in Somerset County, Pa. saving countless innocent lives in the process. (U.S. Navy photo 140301-N-WL435-478)

By Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Elena Pence, USS Somerset Public Affairs

PHILADELPHIA (NNS) — USS Somerset (LPD 25), the Navy’s newest amphibious transport dock ship, commissioned during a formal ceremony at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia, March 1.

USS Somerset represents the heroic actions of the 40 crew and passengers of United Flight 93, honoring their collective sacrifice and the tremendous courage displayed in the face of overwhelming adversity. Had it not been for their brave actions, the terrorists would have likely reached their intended target and countless more lives may have been lost.

Thousands of guests, including military veterans and family and friends of the crew, witnessed the ship coming to life and enter the naval service. Distinguished guests included the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Adm. Jonathan Greenert and the Honorable Pat Toomey – United States Senator, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James F. Amos, delivered the principal address and spoke of the ship and employment to the nation.

“Somerset is a welcomed edition to the Fleet, make no mistake, this vessel along with the other San Antonio Class Amphibious ships represent America’s commitment to security around the world,” said Amos. “When this ship sails the worlds oceans, she will carry the spirit and determination and the fighting spirit that has always defined America.”

Somerset‘s commanding officer, Capt. Thomas L. Dearbon, spoke of her crew and her namesake’s heroic actions.

“We are here today to not only honor and pay tribute to the heroes of United Flight 93, but also to celebrate the commissioning of this great ship USS Somerset,” said Dearborn. “Somerset will leave a legacy that will never be forgotten by those wishing to do harm to this country. A ship is but a steel vessel, it is the crew that brings the ship to life. USS Somerset is truly a fine warship and the crew that mans her, is second to none.”

At the conclusion of the remarks, Somerset‘s ship sponsor, Mrs. Mary Jo Myers, the wife of former Joint Chiefs of Staff retired Air Force Gen. Richard Myers, gave the time-honored command to “man our ship and bring her to life!”

“[Flight 93 passengers and crew members] exemplified such courage and bravery that day as they sacrificed themselves to protect others and to rally our nation they were indeed the first warriors in this war on terrorism,” said Myers. “Today we come together as families, but mostly as Americans to celebrate and witness this momentous occasion and wish the USS Somerset and her crew Godspeed.”

The commissioning was the culmination of a week-long celebration in Philadelphia honoring the ship, her crew and the legacy of the 40 passengers and crew member of United Airlines of Flight 93. The ship will be homeported in San Diego.

NORFOLK, Va. (Sept. 7, 2013) Sailors assigned to Virginia-class attack submarine USS Minnesota (SSN 783) man the rails after the order to “bring the ship to life” is given during the commissioning ceremony for Minnesota. Minnesota, the 10th ship of the Virginia class is named in honor of the state’s citizens and their continued support to our nation’s military. (U.S. Navy photo 130907-N-AP176-077 by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeff Atherton/Released)

Sailors and Marines man the rails after bringing the ship to life during the commissioning of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD 23) at the Port of Anchorage. More than 4,000 people gathered to witness the ship’s commissioning in its namesake city of Anchorage, Alaska. U.S. Navy photo 130504-N-DR144-900.

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Aramis X. Ramirez

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (NNS) — “Man our ship and bring her to life!” exclaimed ship sponsor Annette Conway, wife of retired Marine Corps Gen. James T. Conway, 34th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, as the crew ran up the brow and engaged all ship systems.

The commissioning culminated more than seven years of construction and development for the seventh San Antonio-class LPD that was built at the Huntington Ingalls Industries Shipbuilding site in Avondale, La., and delivered to the U.S. Navy last September.

Guests at the snow-covered ceremony listened to congratulatory remarks from distinguished members of Alaska’s delegation including Governor Sean Parnell, Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan, and Senators Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich. The keynote address was delivered by Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Adm. Cecil D. Haney.

“To the commander and crew of Anchorage, it’s great to see you again. Last time it was in Avondale, La., near New Orleans when I toured the ship and it was hot and muggy and 90 degrees,” said Haney. “I am deeply honored to commission a United States warship named after such a wonderful city, representing great people that have a rich and vibrant culture.”

After ceremoniously delivering the newly commissioned ship, Cmdr. Joel Stewart, Anchorage‘s commanding officer, echoed Haney’s sentiments.

“The ship and her crew are a testament to the pioneering spirit of the city it represents,” said Stewart. “The relationship the crew forged with the shipbuilders helped create a vessel worthy of the name, and she will serve the nation for the next four decades on the foundations set by that relationship.”

Anchorage is the second ship to be named for the city. The first USS Anchorage (LSD 36) was commissioned in 1969 and served in Vietnam, Operation Desert Storm, and Operation Iraqi Freedom before being decommissioned in 2003.

“I never thought I would have found myself bringing to life a ship with this name,” said Senior Chief Culinary Specialist Jacinto Ganac, a member of the decommissioning crew of LSD 36 and current member of LPD 23’s plankowner crew. “It’s an honor to be a member of both crews because I feel as though I am passing along a great tradition and knowledge to a newer generation that will serve us long after I leave the service.”

The ceremony ended a four-day celebration in which the crew was able to interact with the city and its welcoming hosts. Public tours allowed guests to get a first-hand view of the ship as well as the various aircraft and marine amphibious vessels on display which included an MV-22 Osprey, a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter, and a landing craft air cushion (LCAC).

Seaman Cruz Boseman, one of the ship’s crew to call the city of Anchorage home, said he enjoyed being able to show off the ship to his fellow Anchorage citizens.

“It was great timing that I was able to be selected to be a part of this crew,” said Boseman, who enlisted in the Navy in May 2012. “When I was in boot camp, [pre-commissioning commanding officer Capt. Brian] Quin happened to be visiting in the building where I was assigned during my training and I was excited to learn of a new ship being named after my hometown. We have a hardworking spirit in Anchorage and what’s great is that is the same mentality I see every day in my shipmates. I know we’ll make this city proud.”

Anchorage‘s crew will transit back to San Diego to continue preparing for Final Contract Trials (FCT) in July. FCT is the final assessment from the Navy Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) in which the crew will be responsible for demonstrating the effectiveness of all installed equipment and systems.

“The ceremony is a nice pause for a majority of the crew who has worked tirelessly to bring this ship to life over the past two years,” said Stewart. “But we press on and are ready to execute the gold standard we established. It’s the nature of our job and I’m sure the great people of Anchorage and the nation would expect nothing less.”

USS Anchorage, a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, embarks, transports, and lands elements of a landing force for a variety of expeditionary warfare missions as well humanitarian efforts when the need arises.

Sailors assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) man the rails as they bring the ship to life during its commissioning ceremony. U.S. Navy photo 121006-N-JN023-051.

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Scorza, Naval Surfaces Forces Public Affairs

NEW YORK (NNS) — USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112), the Navy’s newest guided-missile destroyer, was commissioned during a formal ceremony at pier 88 in Manhattan, Oct. 6.

The newest destroyer honors Lt. (SEAL) Michael P. Murphy, a New York native who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan, June 28, 2005.

Thousands of spectators, veterans and invited guests gathered in front of the ship to witness the ceremony, which included distinguished guests such as the Mayor of New York, the Honorable Michael Bloomberg, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Adm. Jonathan Greenert and Adm. William McRaven, commander, U.S. Special Operations Command.

The Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Ray Mabus, delivered the principal address and spoke of the ship, her crew and her namesake’s heroic actions.

“This ship honors the courage, service and sacrifice of Lt. Michael Murphy, his Red Wings brothers, fellow SEALs, special operators and service members around the world who answer the call of duty every day,” said Mabus. “It is absolutely fitting that the USS Michael Murphy bears a SEAL trident on her crest because, much like Michael and every Navy SEAL who has earned the honor of wearing the trident, this ship is designed to counter threats from above and below the surface of the oceans, in the air and on land.”

Greenert reflected on the ship’s massive power and ability to protect our nation’s freedom.

“USS Michael Murphy, the most flexible, lethal and multi-mission capable ship of its kind, represents the backbone of our surface combatant fleet,” Greenert said. “It is one of the best destroyers in the world. This ship will operate forward around the globe, assuring allies, projecting power and defending our nation. And, like its namesake, Lt. Michael Murphy, this ship will serve to protect, influence and win in an era of uncertainty.”

At the conclusion of the remarks, Murphy’s mother and ship’s sponsor Maureen Murphy gave the order to, “man our ship and bring her to life!”

The crew responded by saying “Aye, Aye, Ma’am” and began to double time up the brows to man the ship as the Navy band played “Anchors Aweigh.” Crewmembers stood side by side, manning the rails as the ship’s systems came online. Radars, weapon systems, and other parts of the ship began moving to symbolize her “coming to life.”

Cmdr. Thomas E. Shultz, a native of El Cajon, Calif., is the commanding officer of the ship and will lead the crew of 279 officers and enlisted personnel. The 9,200-ton Michael Murphy was built by General Dynamics Bath Iron Works. The ship is the 62nd ship in the Arleigh Burke class of Navy destroyers and the last of its class. It is 509 feet in length, has a waterline beam of 59 feet, and has a navigational draft of 31 feet.

The commissioning was the culmination of a week-long celebration in New York City honoring the ship, her crew and the legacy of Lt. (SEAL) Michael P. Murphy. The ship will be homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Sailors assigned to the Freedom-class littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) man the rails during her commissioning at Galveston, Texas. U.S. Navy photo 120922-N-MM874-007.

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Rosalie Garcia

GALVESTON, Texas (NNS) — USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) commissioned at the Port of Galveston in Galveston, Texas, Saturday, Sept. 22.

The ship was officially placed in service by Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO), Adm. Mark E. Ferguson III.

“To the crew, this day marks the beginning. You have already set the ships’ personality and character, and we anxiously await your arrival into the fleet for there is much to be done,” said Ferguson. “Our expectations for you and the ship are high. The ship arrives at a time when nearly half of our ships in the U.S. Navy are underway on any given day and we are faced with increasing challenges around the globe. We will be a stronger Navy as Fort Worth takes her place among the ships of the line.”

The ship’s two commanding officers, Cmdr. Randy Blankenship, blue crew, and Cmdr. Warren Cupps, gold crew, took command, set the first watch, and raised the ensign. An LCS manning structure requires rotating crews.

“Today’s celebration marks the official entry of the USS Fort Worth into the fleet and into naval history. Today, she becomes official sovereign U.S. territory and carries this unique status wherever her compass steers,” said Blankenship. “It is a tremendous honor to command this warship and to lead these Sailors who stand before you. Ship command isn’t about the captain, but rather the humble privilege to lead a group of outstanding men and women who selflessly give their service to our great country.”

The ship’s sponsor, U.S. Rep. Kay Granger, gave the order to the crew of Fort Worth to, “man our ship and bring her to life.”

“For a city that was founded by the military, having a ship that bears he our name is a special honor. I have the pleasure of standing before you today as a member of the Fort Worth community and the privilege to stand here as the sponsor of USS Fort Worth,” said Granger. “As we hand this powerful weapon to the U.S. Navy, we are welcoming these Sailors into the Fort Worth family. These brave crews will guarantee the USS Fort Worth will overcome challenges, and in doing so, will guarantee our freedom we so often take for granted.”

For the crew, the commissioning was a culmination of years of hard work. The Sailors who brought the ship to life today said they understand that the work they do is demanding, that each Sailor must maintain high levels of proficiency in multiple fields, and optimize ship operability with multiple crews.

“The Sailors you see before you manning the rails are truly the best and brightest America has to offer today. As the commissioning crews, these Sailors are the ones that set the culture, the standard, the reputation, and the personality of a ship,” said Cupps. “It took grit and tenacity to ensure Fort Worth‘s survivability when it was just on an Army outpost on the Western frontier, and it will take grit and tenacity for these great Sailors to make Fort Worth successful throughout her life as a naval warship.”

LCS is a fast, agile, mission-focused ship that demonstrates the latest in naval warfighting technology. The ship is specifically designed to defeat “anti-access” threats in shallow, coastal water regions, including fast surface craft, quiet diesel submarines and mines. To meet the combatant commander’s increased demand for mission-tailored forces packages, LCS features an interchangeable modular design that allows the ship to be reconfigured to meet mission requirements.

Fort Worth was christened by Granger in a ceremony at Marinette Marine Corp. shipyard in Marinette, Wis., on December 4, 2011. The ship completed builder’s sea trials on Lake Michigan, October 22, 2011, and was delivered to the Navy, June 6.

Fort Worth is 390 feet in length, with a steel mono hull, aluminum structure and is the third littoral combat ship in the fleet. It has a displacement of approximately 3,000 metric tons fully loaded, is capable of speeds in excess of 40 knots, and can operate in water less than 20 feet deep. Propelled by four water jets in addition to two diesel and two gas turbine engines, the ship boasts a range of over 3,500 nautical miles.

Fort Worth will be manned by one of two rotational crews, blue and gold, similar in concept to the rotational crews assigned to Trident submarines. These core crews will be augmented by mission package crews, as well as an aviation detachment.

The Virginia-class attack submarine Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Mississippi (SSN 782) arrives in Pascagoula, Miss. for a commissioning ceremony on June 2. (U.S. Navy photo 120525-N-MG658-375

From Naval Sea Systems Command

WASHINGTON (NNS) — The Navy commissioned USS Mississippi (SSN 782), the ninth Virginia-class attack submarine, during a ceremony in Pascagoula, Miss., June 2, 2012.

Mississippi, built under a unique teaming agreement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries – Newport News, delivered to the Navy in just over 62 months – the fastest delivery yet for a Virginia class submarine. All Virginia class submarines currently under construction are on track to deliver early to the Navy.

“Mississippi‘s commissioning is the culmination of a very successful construction process for our Navy/industry shipbuilding team,” said Rear Adm. (sel.) Michael Jabaley, Virginia-class program manager and vice commander, Naval Sea Systems Command. “Mississippi was delivered to the fleet a year ahead of her contracted date, and was the most combat ready Virginia class submarine to date as determined by the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey.”

In time-honored tradition, the ship’s sponsor Allison Stiller, deputy assistant secretary of the Navy (ships), issued the order to, “Man our ship and bring her to life!” With the order, Mississippi‘s crew ran aboard and placed the submarine in commission.

“The Submarine Force and the fleet have eagerly anticipated this day,” said Rear Adm. David Johnson, program executive officer for submarines. “USS Mississippi provides the Navy with unique and unparalleled capabilities and joins the fleet at a time when submarines are being called upon to perform vital national security tasking around the globe.”

Other upcoming major submarine acquisition milestones in 2012 include Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Indiana‘s (SSN 789) construction start Sept. 2 and PCU Minnesota‘s (SSN 783) christening planned for this fall.

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

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Sailors and Marines man the rails of the newest San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22) during the commissioning ceremony. San Diego will provide improved war-fighting capabilities including an advanced command and control suite, increased lift capability, increased vehicle and cargo carrying capacity and advanced ship survivability features. (U.S. Navy photo 120519-N-YQ852-152.

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Shawnte Bryan, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

SAN DIEGO (NNS) — The U.S. Navy commissioned the latest San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22) during a ceremony in San Diego, May 19, 2012.

The ship is named for the city of San Diego, principal homeport of the Pacific fleet, and honors the people of “America’s Finest City” and its leaders for their continuous support of the military.

The ship will be homeported here. It is the only ship in the Navy homeported in its namesake city. San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders presented the commanding officer of San Diego, Cmdr. Kevin P. Meyers, with the key to the city, saying it was, “in honor of welcoming America’s finest ship to America’s Finest City.”

Adm. Mark Ferguson, vice chief of naval operations, delivered the ceremony’s principal address. He said that San Diego and her crew are coming into the Navy at an important time.

“Our expectations for this ship are very high,” said Ferguson. “It arrives at a time when nearly half of our ships are underway on a given day; when we are surging forces to the Middle East to deter the threat of aggression; when we are rebalancing our forces to the Pacific; and when we face increasingly complex, and global, security challenges in an uncertain fiscal environment.

“Take a good look at this ship because she will be very busy,” said Ferguson. “Her time will be consumed fulfilling the tenets of our Navy. She will focus on warfighting, she will operate forward and she will spend her time being ready. This is our charge to the fleet, and the expectation of our nation that our Navy be ready to answer the call to defend freedom on the seas.”

Vice Adm. Richard W. Hunt, commander Naval Surface Forces, said he admired the work the crew put into making this ship a reality.

“Thank you for the dedication, professionalism and perseverance you have displayed over the years as you brought this ship to commissioning,” Hunt said. “USS San Diego… always keep warfighting first. I promise that you will operate forward. I charge you to always be ready. It is demanded by the surface warfare profession and a mandate for a ship with this incredible capability.”

The ship’s sponsor, Mrs. Linda Winter, wife of former Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter, gave the order to the ship’s approximately 377 officers and enlisted personnel to, “man our ship and bring her to life.” With that order, the crew began a spirited charge up the brow to take responsibility for the Navy’s newest warship. Marines from the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, based at Camp Pendleton, Calif., soon joined the Sailors to man the rails of the ship, as a show of the Navy/Marine Corps team that will serve aboard.

After his ship was manned and brought to life, Meyers told the audience that the San Diego memorabilia donated to the ship by the city, including street signs, was proof that, “the city has open its heart to us and we are truly, truly appreciative.”

Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class (SW) Joshua Cuevas said he was proud to be part of the ship’s first crew, traditionally known as a “plankowner” because they were present as the ship was being built.

“It took a lot of hard work in building this ship so to be a plankowner is an overwhelming achievement,” he said Cuevas, a Miami native.

Cuevas added that having a ship named for San Diego is fitting.

“The city has always supports the Navy and having a ship named for the city of San Diego in San Diego is a way of giving back,” he said.

Built by Huntington Ingalls Industries in Pascagoula, Miss., San Diego is 684 feet in length, has an overall beam of 105 feet, a navigational draft of 23 feet, displaces about 24,900 tons and is capable of embarking a landing force of about 800 Marines. Four turbo-charged diesel engines power the ship to sustained speeds in excess of 22 knots.

San Diego is the sixth amphibious transport dock ship in the San Antonio class and the fourth ship to carry the name. Her principal mission is to deploy combat and support elements of Marine Expeditionary Units and Brigades. With the capability of transporting and debarking air cushion or conventional landing craft and augmented by helicopters or MV-22 vertical take-off and landing aircraft, these ships support amphibious assault, special operations, and expeditionary warfare missions. The ship will provide improved warfighting capabilities including an advanced command-and-control suite, increased lift capability, increased vehicle and cargo-carrying capacity, and advanced ship survivability features.

Cmdr. Dana Nelson, commanding officer of the Virginia-class attack submarine USS California (SSN 781), Mrs. Donna Joy Willard, ship’s sponsor, and Master Chief Kevin Bond, chief of the boat, prepare to bring the ship to life during the commissioning ceremony for the Virginia-class attack submarine USS California (SSN 781) at Naval Station Norfolk. U.S. Navy photo 111029-N-NY820-147.

By Ensign Eric Durie, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) — The Navy commissioned its eighth Virginia-class submarine, USS California (SSN 781), during a ceremony held at Naval Station Norfolk Oct. 29, 2011.

More than 1,500 people attended the ceremony at the naval station, while others viewed it live on the Internet.

Rep. Buck McKeon of California, House Armed Services Committee chairman and the ceremony’s keynote speaker, welcomed California to the fleet and reminded the crew of the important role they will play in protecting the nation’s security.

“Members of the crew: always keep your eyes and your ears open,” said McKeon. “Remember your oath and your creed. This nation depends on you and your stewardship of the California. Remember, you are the quiet warriors. You are the silent sentinels. You are the shield around us. You are the chosen few.”

Also on hand for the commissioning was Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert, who also spoke about the California crew.

“What this is all about is the Sailors who volunteer to serve,” said Greenert. “Your actions reflect our proud heritage and tradition. I am proud of you and I’m proud to serve with you.”

Greenert also focused his remarks on how today, this event and this submarine reflected his tenets: Warfighting First, Operate Forward and Be Ready. He also pointed out the fiscal judiciousness of the builders.

“I challenged them (Huntington Ingalls Industries-Newport News Shipbuilding) at the christening to deliver on time and on budget,” said Greenert. “They did it.”

The builders delivered the submarine eight months early and under budget.

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

“The Navy and our CNO have been waiting. USS California is the first ship to be commissioned on Admiral Greenert’s watch as our new CNO. You are the first warship indelibly marked with his sailing directions from our very birth. He expects you to maintain our superiority in the undersea domain,” said Commander, Submarine Forces, Vice Adm. John M. Richardson.

With the traditional first order, “Man our ship and bring her to life,” the Navy’s wait was over.

“Today, I am excited to receive yet another platform of undersea superiority,” said Greenert, “a platform deployable anytime, anywhere, capable of owning the undersea domain.”

Greenert is not the only one who has been anticipating California‘s official arrival.

“Our allies have been waiting. Because they know that you’ll soon be on patrol, in the cold, deep, and quiet waters of the arctic to the shallow, warm, crowded waters of the tropics. And they gain assurance knowing that you are a force for good – keeping the global economy flowing freely over the ocean trade routes,” said Richardson.

Richardson added that there are some who have not looked forward to the day California would join the submarine force.

“Many have been wishing this day would never come,” he said. “Those who would deny freedom, those who oppose our national interests and our calling to protect the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness – this is a day that will keep them awake at night.”

California will directly enable five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities – sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence.

As the Navy’s newest Virginia-class submarine, California will support these capabilities for years to come.

“California has many decades of service ahead,” Richardson said, “but we can’t afford to lose a single moment. We need California on the front lines now.”

California is designed to excel in anti-submarine warfare; anti-ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare missions.

The submarine is 377 feet long, has a 34-foot beam, will be able to dive to depths greater than 800 feet and will operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots submerged.

Construction on California began February 2006; the submarine’s keel was authenticated during a ceremony on May 1, 2009, and she was christened during a ceremony Nov. 6, 2010.

Cmdr. Dana Nelson is California‘s first commanding officer. Nelson leads a crew of about 134 officers and enlisted personnel. A native of Clinton, Conn., he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1992, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering.

Donna Willard, wife of Commander, U.S. Pacific Command, Adm. Robert F. Willard, serves as the submarine’s sponsor. She broke the traditional champagne bottle against the boat’s sail during the christening ceremony last November. Her initials were welded into a plaque inside the boat during last year’s keel-laying ceremony.

California is the seventh Navy ship, and first submarine, to be named in honor of the people of the Golden State. The most recent USS California was a nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser (CGN 36) that was in service from February 1974 to July 1999.