COMMISSIONING OF USS KINGSVILLE (LCS 36)

The commissioning of the USS Kingsville, LCS 36, was a wonderful event. It was held in Corpus Christi, Texas on August 24, 2024, on a beautiful, albeit warm day. Because of the intense heat, for safety reasons, the ceremony was held in the Solomon P. Ortiz Center, in the Kleberg Room. The ship was ported right out in front so everyone had a great view.

The speakers were the Honorable Paulette Guajardo, the mayor of Corpus Christi; Michelle Kruger, president of Austal; The Honorable Sam Fugate, mayor of Kingsville; Vice Admiral John B. Skillman, USN; The Honorable Michael Cloud; The Honorable Vincent Gonzalez; and The Honorable Russell Rumbaugh, Assistant Secretary of the Navy.

Ms. Kathy Kline is the ship’s sponsor. Her Matrons of honor are her mother Susan Sugden, and Katie Lerwick, a life-long friend. Commander Ludwig Mann III is the ships commanding officer. ‘Kathy is member of the sixth generation of the King Ranch Family, descendants of Captain Richard King, who founded the King Ranch located in Kingsville, Texas. The town of Kingsville was founded in 1904, after Captain King’s wife, Henrietta, deeded 40,000 acres from the King Ranch to be available for development of the town site. The Naval Air Station, Kingsville, located three miles from Kingsville, was founded in 1942.’ (directly quoted from the USS Kingsville program).

At the conclusion of the commissioning when the ship had been brought to life and manned, all the sailors standing at attention along the decks removed their sailor caps and replaced them with white cowboy hats…a great memorable moment for the newly commissioned USS Kingsville. ‘Tough and Competent’ is the ships motto which was coming through loud and clear.

Contributed by Polly Spencer

Author: Martha Hill

website admin & member