Our great city has yet another reason to proudly stick out its chest, thanks to the commission into naval service of the fourth vessel to proudly carry the name USS Cleveland. The ceremony to make it official took place on May 16th after a week-long celebration, as the vessel sat docked at North Coast Yard.
What makes the event even more special is that this is the first naval vessel to be put into service in the state of Ohio in the 250-year history of the United States, a true honor for not only the city, but for those who will serve on board as well.
Four naval vessels have carried the name USS Cleveland into service, beginning with a protected cruiser that saw duty in World War I and was in service from 1903-1929. The next incarnation was a light cruiser that was the lead ship of the Cleveland-class light cruiser that served extensively during World War II, starting in the Atlantic before heading to more intense duty in the Pacific theater. In all, this version served from 1942-1947.
From 1967 to 2011, an amphibious transport dock carried the name into service in a variety of ways, from the Vietnam War all the way to the Gulf War, a 44-year tour of active duty.
Which brings us to today’s proud moment. The Freedom-class littoral combat ship that is the fourth USS Cleveland (designated as LCS-31) ready to serve the country (this will also be the Navy's final littoral combat ship).
A Look at the New USS Cleveland
For starters, this class of vessels emphasizes speed and maneuverability in shallow, coastal waters. With a crew of 50 personnel, this 388-foot ship can reach speeds in excess of 40 knots. Also, the Cleveland is the last of its class to be in service for the US Navy. The Littoral-class represents a shift in naval tactics to better meet the evolving global threats of today because of the ship's design focus on agility.
The Cleveland docked on Saturday, May 9th, with a Community Day celebration of its arrival held on Sunday, May 10th to honor the current crew and the heritage of the previous three ships to carry the name into service. Those in attendance at the event also got a chance to meet sailors serving on board. The arrival in Cleveland also included a welcome flotilla as well as a Welcome Color Guard.
Free public tours of the Cleveland were available from May 10th through May 13th before the official commissioning ceremony on the 16th.
It is naval tradition for ships to have their own unique motto that is meant to represent a ship’s history, mission, heritage, or values; the motto is very often a part of the ship’s crest or logo. The Cleveland’s motto is “Forge a Legacy,” a nod to Cleveland’s rich industrial legacy and the city’s resilience. The ship’s motto and an understanding/appreciation of a ship’s legacy have long been recognized as a true source of motivation for the crew.
Homeport for the Cleveland after its commissioning will be Mayport, Florida for operations and maintenance. What is next after that is anyone’s guess, especially in today’s increasingly volatile global climate. All we can say for sure is that when the Cleveland is called upon by her country, she will do her duty without hesitation and be another shining example of our city’s resilience and spirit.