Local Residents, Businesses Participate In USS Indianapolis Commission
Local Residents, Businesses Participate In USS Indianapolis Commission
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Staff Report-
Local Residents, Businesses Participate In USS Indianapolis CommissionOn Oct. 26, Indiana’s newest capital city namesake, the USS Indianapolis (LCS 17), was commissioned at Burns Harbor.
LCS 17 is the U.S. Navy’s ninth Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ship. The commissioning of USS Indianapolis (LCS 17) was the first naval ceremony in the history of Burns Harbor, a world class commerce port on the shores of Lake Michigan, according to a news release provided by Miechi Petro and Megan Stone.
Over 12,000 people attended the historical Navy commissioning ceremony as Jill Donnelly, the ship’s sponsor and wife of former Senator Joe Donnelly, was presented with a unique cut glass trophy as a gift from the crew of the USS Indianapolis. This personalized gift was handcrafted by local artist Randy Kirkendall, of Warsaw Cut Glass, and gifted by Warsaw Foundry Company.
The event was coordinated by Commissioning Chairman Ray Shearer and Lee Muller, USN (Ret.), vice chairman, who partnered with Warsaw community and Commissioning Committee members Miechi Petro and Megan Stone, US Navy Moms of inactive reserve officer LT. Audrey Petro, formerly of USS Nimitz, and LTJG Nate Stone of USS California. Additionally, area company Maple Leaf Farms provided refreshments for the VIP Commissioning Celebration held Oct. 25.
The USS Indianapolis (LCS 17) is the newest member of the Navy’s fleet and the fourth ship to honor Indiana’s capital city. It is distinct from its predecessors: USS Indianapolis (ID 3865), an armed cargo ship, commissioned in December 1918; and USS Indianapolis (CA 35), a Portland-class heavy cruiser, commissioned in November 1932, tragically struck and sunk on July 30, 1945. Only 316 of the 1,195 sailors survived the attack. Four of the 11 remaining survivors attended the commissioning of the USS Indianapolis LCS 17; most recent predecessor, USS Indianapolis (SSN 697), a Los Angeles-class attack submarine, was in service from 1980-1998.
The newest Indianapolis was built to serve near shore and is a fast, agile and mission-focused ship that projects strength in defending the shores and carrying freedom across the seas, the release states.
The building construction began with the keel laying on July 18, 2016, followed by the christening celebrated during a blizzard in Marinette, Wis., April 14, 2018. The late Senator Richard Lugar, a former naval officer, served as principal speaker at the christening.
Following the commissioning ceremony on Oct. 26, the USS Indianapolis traveled to its home port of Naval Station Mayport near Jacksonville, Fla., led by Commanding Officer Colin Kane and a crew of approximately 80 sailors.
