Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao said the ceremony marked the beginning of the crew’s responsibility for the ship. “Today we celebrate the sailors who breathe life into this ship. To the officers and crew of USS Cleveland, today is your day,” Cao said.
The ship’s sponsor, Robyn Modly, a native of Cleveland and wife of former Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly, joined the crew in the week before the commissioning. Sailors also took part in community events intended to strengthen ties between the ship and its namesake city.
“Every day we do something to support this ship and her sailors will be a glorious day,” Modly said. “Today is just the first step toward the many glorious days that will follow.”
USS Cleveland was built by Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin. Following commissioning, the ship will transit to its assigned homeport at Naval Station Mayport, Florida.
Littoral combat ships are fast, agile surface combatants designed to operate in near-shore environments against 21st-century threats. The Navy said the ships can operate independently or as part of a networked battle force with larger multi-mission surface combatants, including cruisers and destroyers.
The Navy said the commissioning of USS Cleveland supports its effort to build what it describes as America’s Fleet of the Future. The service said continuous forward operations require regular delivery of new capability to support global naval presence.
Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet is responsible for manning, training and equipping the surface force. Its mission is to provide fleet commanders with credible naval power to control the sea and project power ashore.
