Thousands sat in silence on Saturday, September 16th at the Pier of K and K Integrated Logistics in Menominee, where the USS MARINETTE is docked, awaiting her maiden voyage to home port Naval Station Mayport, Florida. They watch as the momentous occasion of commissioning the USS MARINETTE is taking place. The ceremony featured early success, milestones, fair wishes, and following seas while showcasing a weeklong series of events celebrating the ship, its crew, community, and namesake city. City of Marinette Mayor Steve Genisot says, “it is a day filled with pride for many, many men and women who spent countless hours building his great Navy ship right here in Marinette.”

The ship sponsor, The Honorable Jennifer Granholm, Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy, says, “thank you to those of you out here who crafted our warrior, who lay her keel, who welded her together with precision, who outfitted her modules with strength and care.”

USS MARINETTE is the first U.S. Navy Ship to bear and honor Marinette, Wisconsin. USS MARINETTE is the only Navy vessel that has been built, christened, and commissioned in its namesake city.