CHARLESTOWN – An elaborate ceremony marked the commissioning of the USS Nantucket in Charlestown on Saturday.
The oldest and newest ships in the Navy
The ship is now certified to join the Navy fleet and serve on active duty. She sat next to the USS Constitution – the oldest warship on the water – as Governor Maura Healey delivered the main speech of the ceremony.
“We wish the USS Nantucket, and all who serve her, safety and success as they carry out this historic mission,” Healey said, reflecting on Nantucket’s rich history of innovation in pre- and post-colonialism.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu also welcomed the ship. “While we know the Charlestown Navy Ship Yard is not your last stop, it is a source of great pride for this city and the people of Boston to have the privilege of sending you to your home port.”
“Man our ship!”
Nantucket is the 14th Freedom-variant littoral combat ship (LCS) to enter service in the U.S. Navy and the third to bear its namesake. It was built by the Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin. It was christened in 2021 and delivered to the US Navy in July.
The ship’s sponsor, the Honorable Polly Spencer, wife of the 76th Secretary of the Navy, accompanied by her daughters, Sarah Minella and Amy Ambrecht, gave the order to “Man our ship and bring her to life!”
The commander of Nantucket is Commander Kari Yakubisin. “Our mission on Nantucket is the same as the Constitution was in 1812. While technology has changed over the past 200 years, the mission of the U.S. Navy remains the same: to keep the sea lanes open for commerce, to deter piracy, and to promote peace in the area. “I am proud of this team and the hard work they have put in over the past seven months,” she said.
The USS Nantucket will be homeported at Naval Station Mayport, Florida.
WBZ News Staff
