On Saturday, January 30, 2016 Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM) christened and launched the future USS Sioux City (LCS 11), the latest single-hull littoral combat ship. The ceremony took place in Marinette at the FMM shipyard.
FMM Launches LCS 11 - Sioux City
ADM Michelle Howard, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, was the principal speaker. Mary Winnefeld, wife of retired ADM James “Sandy” Winnefeld, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will serve as the ship’s sponsor. The highlight of the ceremony was when Mrs. Winnefeld smashed a champagne bottle across the ship’s bow to execute the side launch into the Menominee River.
“It is an honor and a privilege to serve as the sponsor of the future USS Sioux City and to be a part of this major milestone along the way to her assuming her place as part of the great U.S. Navy fleet,” said Mrs. Winnefeld. “I also look forward to an ongoing relationship with her courageous crews and their families throughout the ship’s lifetime.”
“The Christening and launch of Sioux City is a proud event for FMM,” said Jan Allman, President and CEO of FMM.
“It showcases the craftsmanship and engineering capabilities of our workforce. We are confident that this ship will play a vital role in the fleet, and carry the spirit of our industry team as she sails the globe.”
The future USS Sioux City is the first naval vessel to be named in honor of Sioux City, Iowa, the fourth-largest city in the state. Sioux City was founded in 1854 at the navigational head of the Missouri River and takes its name from a group of North American Indian tribes that make up the Great Sioux Nation.
The ceremony represents a significant contribution to Sioux City’s long, rich history of ties to America’s men and women in uniform. “I chose the name for this littoral combat ship from America’s heartland to honor the patriotic, hard- working citizens of Sioux City, and for their support of and contributions to the military,” Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus stated four years ago when he announced the naming of USS Sioux City. “The christening and launch marks an important step toward this great war- ship’s entry into the fleet,” Mabus continued. “The hard work and dedication
of our nation’s shipbuilders have ensured this ship will serve as a representation of both Sioux City and our Navy and Marine Corps’ ability to deliver presence for decades to come.”
Sioux City Mayor Bob Scott was among a group of city leaders in Marinette for the events surrounding the christening and launch of Sioux City. “From now, for at least 50 years, there will be a ship out on the ocean that’ll have our name on it and I think that’s kind of cool,” Scott said.
The construction of the future USS Sioux City began in 2013. Following the January christening and launch, Sioux City will continue to undergo outfitting and testing before delivery and commis- sioning by the Navy in 2017.
The 53 core crew members will be based in Mayport, FL, and will operate across the Asian-Pacific.
Future USS Sioux City (LCS 11) mast stepping ceremony held in January ‘16.
Eighteen reservists participate in re- enlistment ceremony held on LCS 9.
Governor Walker visits Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in January ‘16.
