Office of Mayor John Cranley

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 31, 2019

MEDIA CONTACT: Yasmin Chilton at 513-352-6297 or Yasmin.chilton@cincinnati-oh.gov

 

USS Cincinnati to be Commissioned this October

 

The United States Navy has approved the commissioning date for Littoral Combat Ship 20 (LCS 20,) the USS Cincinnati.

On October 5, 2019, in Gulfport, Mississippi, the U.S. Navy will host a commissioning ceremony to signify the acceptance of the ship for active service in the Navy fleet. LCS 20 is a highly maneuverable and adaptable vessel designed to support various types of missions.

Former U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker is USS Cincinnati’s sponsor. She will lead the time-honored Navy tradition giving the order to “man our ship and bring her to life” during the ceremony.

“On behalf of the City of Cincinnati, I am honored to be Mayor as our namesake returns to sailing the seas,” said Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley. “To us at home, Cincinnati represents the will and determination of a force too resilient to be defeated, and that is why we accept this ship with magnificent pride.”

LCS 20 will be the fifth ship in naval history to be named for Cincinnati. The first played an integral part in the Civil War; the second enforced neutrality laws during the Cuban Revolution and returned to service during the Spanish-American War; the third was a patrol mechanism during World War II; the fourth served during the Cold War.

In October 2018, Councilmember David Mann, U.S. Navy Veteran, attended a mast stepping ceremony in Mobile, Alabama, to officially christen the ship. A Key to the City was welded within its infrastructure to signify the momentous occasion.

“We are so honored and proud that Cincinnati will be represented by this symbol of strength and patriotism,” said Councilmember David Mann.

USS Cincinnati will station Naval Base San Diego following the commissioning event.

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