The U.S. Navy on Saturday commissioned the USS Milwaukee (LCS 5), the fifth U.S. Littoral Combat Ship, in Veterans Park in Milwaukee.
The ship, constructed by a team led by Bethesda, Md.-based Lockheed Martin, is now in active service. It is the fifth U.S. Navy vessel with the USS Milwaukee name, and will be based in San Diego, Calif. The ship was delivered to the U.S. Navy in October following the successful completion of its acceptance trials.
A littoral ship is designed for coastal missions, with the ability to travel in shallow water and maneuver at speed of up to 45 knots.
“The USS Milwaukee is a warship with capabilities unlike any others,” said Stephanie Hill, vice president of Ship & Aviation Systems for Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training business. “The entire Lockheed Martin-led LCS industry team is proud to deliver USS Milwaukee to the crew who will bring this great ship to life to participate in the defense of our great nation.”
Assisting Lockheed Martin in the ship building process were shipbuilder Fincantieri Marinette Marine Corp. and naval architect Gibbs & Cox.
Gov. Scott Walker delivered remarks at the Commissioning Ceremony Saturday. He was also at the christening of the ship in Marinette in December 2013, when it was launched into the water for the first time.
“We’re proud to have been a part of the christening and now the commissioning of this impressive vessel,” Walker said. “This is the fifth U.S. Navy ship to bear the name Milwaukee, but the first USS Milwaukee to be built in our great state. We are excited to be a part of the ceremony to bring this ship to life, and we extend our thanks to the members of the Navy assigned to this ship who will work to protect the citizens of our nation.”
A 54-member crew was assigned to the USS Milwaukee Saturday.
