For the first time, a Navy combat vessel will be commissioned at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.
The Navy just announced the future USS Sioux City, a Freedom Class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), will be commissioned on November 17. The ceremony at the Naval Academy is expected to draw 5,000 people.
“The Secretary of the Navy designated the Naval Academy as the site of the commissioning because of its strong naval heritage and in recognition of Annapolis’ support of the U.S. Navy,” said Vice Admiral Walter E. Carter Jr., Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for businesses in our community to show their support for the Navy and for people living in and around Annapolis to attend a once-in-a-lifetime event,” said Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley.
This ship is the Navy’s 11th LCS. These ships are designed to be agile surface combatants in shallow areas like the Persian Gulf and the South China Sea.
The USS Sioux City Commissioning Committee, who is coordinating the event, is trying to raise $800,000 to pay for honors for the crew and a legacy fund to support the crew and their families’ education for the life of the ship.
Individuals and companies can become sponsors of the commissioning, and sponsors receive invitiations to the week’s events and priority seating at the commissioning.
To learn more about the ship’s commissioning, click here.
-Meg Walburn Viviano
