The crew of Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Cincinnati (LCS 20) mans the ship during the ship’s commissioning ceremony in Gulfport, Miss., Oct. 5. LCS-20, the fifth ship to be named Cincinnati, will be homeported at Naval Base San Diego. Navy photo by MCC Rosalie Chang.
Navy commissions USS Cincinnati;
Newest LCS to be homeported in San Diego
by MCC Rosalie Chang
GULFPORT, Miss. - The Navy commissioned Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Cincinnati (LCS 20) during a ceremony Saturday, Oct. 5.
More than 1,400 guests attended the ceremony for the fifth ship in naval service named for Cincinnati, the third-largest city in Ohio.
“From acquisition to construction, to testing and certification, she is a marvel of engineering that will extend our capabilities for any mission, from the middle of the ocean, to the shallowest of waters, enhancing our ability to project power at shore and at sea,” said principle speaker U.S. Rep. Brad Wenstrup of Ohio.
“USS Cincinnati will extend the maneuverability and lethality of our fleet to confront the many challenges of our complex world.”
Guest speakers for the event included U.S. Rep. Steven Palazzo of Mississippi, who discussed the dedication of the ship builders and the Sailors, and Commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples/Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe/Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Adm. James G. Foggo III.
“Each and every day, our ships sail alongside those of our Allies and partners, defending freedom, deterring aggression, and ensuring adherence to the rules which underwrite the greatest signal to our allies and our partners and best warning to our adversaries” said Foggo. “Naval presence is essential to our National Defense Strategy and to a peaceful, connected, and prosperous world.”
Cincinnati Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Jedediah Kloppel, reported to Foggo that the ship was ready and in his command. In addition, Penny Pritzker, the 38th U.S. Secretary of Commerce and the ship’s sponsor, gave the traditional order to “man our ship and bring her to life!”
Military News | Navy News | New LCS Cincinnati commissioned
