NAMESAKE: USS Anchorage commissioned amidst falling snow

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Blake Mize
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Unseasonably snowy conditions could not deter thousands of Alaskans from flocking to the Port of Anchorage May 4 to witness the commissioning of the Navy's newest vessel, the USS Anchorage.

In an elaborate ceremony that officially inducted the amphibious transport dock, LPD 23, into the operating fleet of the Navy, a crowd of more than 4,000 looked on as local and national Alaska leaders, as well as Navy and Marine Corps brass, spoke and offered well wishes to the ship and her crew.

"It's an honor to be in public service during this historic occasion," said Municipality of Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan. "It really is something special for Anchorage. My hope is that years from now, maybe a decade from now, the crew of the USS Anchorage will return and tell us stories of the humanitarian missions they were on, the lives that were saved and that all those who are currently serving or will serve in the future will never be in harm's way."

The USS Anchorage, which is based out of San Diego, is the second such ship to bear the name of Alaska's largest city. The first was decommissioned in 2003 after more than 30 years of distinguished service. The new version, however, is the first Navy warship commissioned in the 49th state.

According to commissioning ceremony officials, the USS Anchorage will support sustained and continuous expeditionary operations in contingency environments around the world. She will also support the 21st Century Maritime Strategy, which is implementing forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power projection, maritime security, responses to crises worldwide, humanitarian assistance and disaster response wherever and whenever needed.

The San Antonio Class warship has an operating crew of 360 Sailors and three Marine liaisons. She has the capability of deploying a landing force of 699 Marines. She will embark, transport and land elements of a landing force for a variety of expeditionary warfare missions.

The keynote speaker for the event was Navy Adm. Cecil Haney, U.S. Pacific Fleet commander.

"It's great to see so many in attendance today, each connected in some special way to this magnificent warship," Haney said. "I am deeply honored to commission a U.S. warship named after such a wonderful city representing great people that have a rich and vibrant culture."

Haney stressed the importance of warships like the Anchorage.

"We are a maritime nation that relies on our Navy and Marine Corps team to operate together, that same winning team that has sailed the high seas since the birth of our nation," he said.

Navy Cmdr. Joel Stewart, Anchorage's commanding officer, echoed Haney's words.
"The ship and her crew are a testament to the pioneering spirit of the city it represents," said Stewart. "The relationship the crew forged with the shipbuilders helped create a vessel worthy of the name, and she will serve the nation for the next four decades on the foundations set by that relationship."

In addition to Anchorage's mayor, both of Alaska's U.S. senators, the states one and only U.S. congressman and its governor were all in attendance and were among those who spoke during the snowy ceremony.

"It's humbling to stand before this impressive team as you prepare to bring the USS Anchorage to life. As you go forth, we are honored that the ship and its crew will represent all that is great about Anchorage all over this world," Sen. Mark Begich said.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski echoed her fellow law maker's sentiments.

"Alaska proudly claims the distinction as a place that treats the members of our armed forces and their families probably better than anywhere in the country," Murkowski said.
Along with the appreciative words from the event's distinguished guests, the ceremony included a performance by the Air Force Band of the Pacific and a presentation of colors by team of Navy and Marine Corps honor guardsmen. It concluded with the ship's crew, and the Marine Corps unit assigned to her, running on board as the band played their respective service's songs. Once aboard, the crew engaged all of the ship's systems and the USS Anchorage was officially brought to life.