On Saturday August 8, 2020 the US Navy commissioned USS St Louis (LCS19). This will be the seventh ship to bear the name of St Louis, Missouri. The commissioning will take place at Naval Station Mayport, Florida.
Transcript
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the historic Naval station. Florida Home, the United States. Fourthly, in the commissioning of U.S.S. ST Louis LCS 19. I am Commander Eric Turner, the ship’s executive officer. It is my privilege to be your master of ceremonies today. This is the Navy’s first virtual commissioning ceremony, and we welcome our friends and family as they participate in today’s event from the safety of their homes. We’re here today to commission the seventh United States Navy ship to bear the name of America’s gateway to the West. ST Louis, Missouri. The first ST Louis A slip of war was commissioned on December 20th 18 28. She served in the Pacific, Caribbean and Mediterranean. In 18 55 she sailed along the coast of Western Africa to help suppress the slave trade. Upon the outbreak of the Civil War, she aided in the reinforcement of Court Fort Pickens and then joined the massive block blockade of southern ports. She continued her service until being decommissioned in 18 65. The second ST Louis was an ironclad gunboat commission. In October 18 61 she served valiantly in the civil War until she was sunk by a mine in July of 18 63. The third ST Louis was a troop transport commission in 18 98 which later became USS Louisville and was decommissioned in 1919. The fourth ST Louis See a 20 was the lead ship and her class of protected cruisers. She was commissioned on August 18th, 1906 In April 1917 she was assigned escort duty four ships transiting from New York to England. She was decommissioned on March 3rd, 1922. The fifth, ST Louis C L 49 was a Brook and Class Cruiser commission. In 1939 she was ordered to the Pacific and reported to Pearl Harbor in September 1941. On December 7th, 1941 ST Louis was moored at the time of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. At 07 56 Japanese planes were cited by sailors on board ST Louis. Within minutes, the ship was at general quarters and her anti aircraft guns were firing on the Attackers. By 0806 preparations for getting underway had begun. At approximately 08 20 one of the gun crews shot down its first Japanese plane at 09 31 ST. Louis moved away from the pier and headed for the open sea. As the cruise air moved into the channel entrance, she became the target of a midget submarine. The Japanese torpedoes, however, exploded, striking a shoal less than 200 yards from the ship. ST. Louis continued up to see where she joined us. Is Detroit and USS Phoenix for her success. During the attack on Pearl Harbor, she was given the nickname Lucky Lou. She served throughout World War Two, earning 11 battle stars. She was decommissioned on June 20th 1946. The six ST Louis LK 1 16 was a Charleston class amphibious cargo ship commission on November 22nd 1969 and home ported in Long Beach, California She was assigned off duty off the coast of Vietnam for most of 1970. In the early part of 1971 she shuttled troops and cargo between Vietnam and Okinawa. After the war, she continued service throughout the Pacific and in the Arabian Gulf. She was decommissioned in 1992. This crew is proud to serve on the newest warship in the United States Navy to bear the name ST Louis and to carry on the legacy of those who have gone before us. Our ceremony today is a time honored tradition which began with the commission of our first warship, a captured British schooner in 17. 75. Since then, thousands of ships have undergone a transformation from silent halls to fully alive. Warships are commissioning crew hereafter known as plank owners. Our information among you and ready to bring our ship alive. In just a few moments, we will render honors to Admiral Craig s father. Please rise and remain standing for this rival of our official party honors the presentation of colors, the national anthem and the invocation. Ladies and gentlemen, our platform guest. Lieutenant Matthew Spurlock, Chaplain Corps, United States Navy Command Chaplain, Littoral Combat Ships Squadron to Captain David Miller, United States Navy Commander. Littoral combat ship squander. Too rural emerald. Casey Martin, United States Navy program executive Officer. Unmanned and small combatants, the Honorable Charles Williams, assistant Secretary of the Navy. Energy installations and environment. Ladies and gentlemen, our ship sponsor, Barbara Broadhurst Taylor, escorted today by senior chief Brandon Ellison, United States Navy. ST Louis is command senior chief. Ladies and gentlemen, Admiral Craig S Fowler, Commander, United States Southern Command, escorted today by Commander Kevin Hagan, United States Navy. ST Louis is perspective commanding officer. Ladies and gentlemen, honors to the Commander. United States Southern Command Platform and Salute Platform ready to advanced the colors. Retire the colors. Four platform ready to ladies and gentlemen, Chaplain Spurlock would now deliver the invocation. Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we thank you for the greatest love that has been demonstrated by your son and present for us by your holy spirit. As we begin the ceremony, we do so apart from one another, separated from the people who wish to celebrate this momentous occasion with us. Yet we persevere for that. We thank you through trial and adversity, the commanding crew have arrived at this commissioning. We praise you for the divine protection. You provide it as they sailed safely home. The labors of those who have built this ship and those who have supported all of those who sail her have not gone unnoticed. We’re thankful for their efforts and pray for your provisions that it would endure. And though we long for the day when we will celebrate with the people of ST Louis, the loved ones and valley members of this command and crew. I pray their hearts would be knitted with ours as we continue this time honored tradition as we begin this commissioning ceremony, please send your abundant blessing upon all those here today and watching from before everything that is said and done bring honor and glory to you. Oh, Lord, I pray all these things in the name that is above every name. Amen. Thank you, Chaplain Spurlock. We would like to thank her own ST Louis color guard and the JAG wires of helicopter. Marie strikes Squadron 60 for their support this morning. Please be seated. Ship’s company parade rest, ladies and gentlemen, Rear Admiral Casey Moten. Good morning. It is great to be here in Mayport as we mark the start of commission service for this incredible war ship and her crew. I’d like to extend, Have a father. Thank you. Secretary Williams and Gay Brisson. Mrs. Taylor and Mr Taylor. Thank you for being here. Do U S s ST Louis LCs 19. And welcome to all of you are family, friends and supporters who are joining us via live stream for this momentous occasion. Pulling together any ceremony is no small feat under the best circumstances. Given all the challenges we’re facing today, the effort for this one has been heroic. I’d like to specifically thank the USS ST Louis Commissioning Committee, the staff of LCS Ron, too, Commander Hagen and the crew of LCS in 18 Naval Station, Mayport, our Nazi ships, ceremonies team and all of the other supporting commands offices whose hard work and commitment made this event today possible. It is a vivid demonstration of their resiliency embedded in our government and industry teams to fulfill the mission even when confronted by a global pandemic. Next, I would like to pay tribute to the men and women of our nation who built this powerful ship. I am proud to represent them here Today. Warship construction is one of the most complex industrial endeavors. U. S s ST Louis is constructed from 847,000 feet of cabling, 102,000 square feet of insulation, 16,000 feet of piping, 1120 metric tons of steel, 248 power panels and four powerful water jets. These components and raw materials come from hundreds of large and small companies from all across America. The parts and systems arrived separately at the shipyard to be forged into this worship by the shipbuilders of Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri. Marinette Marine in partnership with our Navy supervisor of shipbuilding team. From the welders to the pipefitters to the electrical technicians, the’s shipbuilders and our suppliers represent the might of American industrial capability. What makes the U. S. Navy ship commissioning so special, though, is that on this day in the great state of Florida, this industrial marvel built by workers across the nation this United States worship honoring one of our greatest cities. ST. Louis is brought to life by the best sailors in the world. Like the ship itself, the crew of LCS 19 comes from dozens of towns and cities across the nation. Through teamwork focused training, a dedication, they emerges a united ship’s crew ready to defend our nation’s freedom. Both the crew of U. S s ST Louis and the industrial team that designed and built her will always share an unbreakable bond, their plant holders, in an exciting story that has yet to be written on behalf of these shipbuilders. We’re all proud of the littoral combat ship USS ST Louis. And we are even prouder of her crew as they take their place in the fleet and to begin to fulfill the critical mission task to them defending our citizens and our nation. Truth in their ship’s motto. A gateway to freedom. Thank you all for bearing witness to this United States Navy ship commissioning. And God bless the USS ST Louis, her crew and their families. Thank you. You’re a are more movement. Ladies and gentlemen, Admiral Craig s Fallar. Good morning. When it’s Theis commissioning. And I know that this crew this team is ready and say in Spanish, astonished least owes you already a special welcome to the ship sponsor. This barber tailor, a ship sponsor is so important toe life of a ship. It provides that divine protection. And I know hearing from the captain and the crew, how active you’ve been and how much you’ve connected The city of ST Louis where I know many would like to be here today in Mayport, this ship. So thank you very, very much. Secretary Williams. Good to see you again, Certain honored to be on the stage with you today and Rear Admiral Moting the same. But I especially want to address the crew and your families, and I’ll start with your families. They’re serving two and building the ship stuff. Serving in the Navy and serving our nation is rewarding, but it’s a sacrifice and our family served to. So I want each of you to take on a mission today and go home and thank your families for their support, their sacrifices oftentimes in a commissioning. The families could be here with us. But today they’re watching and they’re supporting. But they made this happen to so thank you families on behalf of the Navy and a grateful nation special. Thanks to this area, the city, Jacksonville’s City of Mayport This is an immensely military friendly area. I’ve got connection here, having served as an executive officer here with special memories of friendships and the way the community outreach is too. So I know that this ship will find a welcome home here, and it’s also home of the fourth Fleet. We have our fourth fleet, United States Table Forces South component Animal, Don Gay Bilson with us done builds partnerships, encounters of threats in this hemisphere, our neighborhood. And it’s so important that, like this ship’s motto says, we keep this hemisphere beacon of freedom. We keep that gateway open. I want to thank the City of ST Louis. Mr. Taylor, Miss Taylor, Thanks for representing a great American city that has a long and rich connection to the military beyond this ship. But certainly this ship strengthens and solidifies that bond. And we’re grateful to the mayor and everyone else That was part of this that brought this toe life. So thank you so much. Thanks to shipbuilders. Casey, you did it well. But it’s important. The designers, the ship fitters, the soup ships and, of course, the taxpayers who bring this all together. It’s our ship, our nation ship, United States ship. We always have to remember that. But back to the crew, the crew of ST Louis Lucky Lou Freedoms, Gateway 11 battle stars. The lucky Lu had in World War Two, they say, was lucky. But I say it was a good crew that made that luck. And I have all the confidence that you are that excellent crew today you are ready, your diverse, your energetic, your driven. You’re smart, you’re capable and you embody the operational excellence of our Navy. You’re tough. You did this. Brought this with your shipyard. Shipbuilding teammates to life in a cove. It environment, no small feat. You had a sail around that wasn’t normal, and it’s a tough sale around. Even in a non covert environment, you epitomize everything that’s good about our Navy. Recently, we had a tragic fire on the Bonhomme Rashard. But the heroes of that fire, the sailors of the waterfront in San Diego. You represent them here today and I’ll quote, are See, You know, he said, the competency, the fearlessness, the resiliency and the confidence displayed by those sailors. Exhibits are Navy culture, and I could not agree more. That’s the Navy culture I know. And it’s built on toughness and winning and excellence. This ship and this crew, this ship’s lethal is agile. It’s ready to fight, and you better know how, and I’m sure you will. There’s naysayers about littoral combat ship, but we’re beyond that. These ships have proven their operational capability in our area of responsibility. These ships will be key to keeping that gateway of freedom open and make no mistake about it. That Gateway is under assault by a variety of vicious threats. Nation states that don’t see democracy as a value external state actors, violent extremists, terrorists, transnational criminal organizations all see something other than democracy is their future. But that’s not the future that we will ensure security, prosperity and freedom. They go together like three legs of a platform, and our military, working with like minded partners and allies ensures that security and you are on the front line of ensuring that that gateway stays open in this hemisphere, this Freedom Hemisphere. It’s no stranger to those vicious threats. Venezuela’s but one example. Last year, twice we sailed United States Naval Ship Comfort in support of our nation’s in this hemisphere. We sailed in international team under dines leadership. It was a team of teams and we brought comfort. We showed that sailors at their best are ambassadors with an outstretched hand of freedom and reassurance, had the opportunity to go on comfort on several occasions and was struck on many, many occasions about the impact of one life saved at a time. I remember a mother with 27 year old boys. She was from Venezuela. She’d walked into Columbia. I remember the boys had is the first time visiting a doctor. They were excited and happy. They saw me in a white uniform, probably it into probably what I was, what I was doing. I certainly wasn’t there in and out. Ice cream were there handing out hope. But the mother knew, and as the tears streamed down her face, I was reassured that we are making a difference together. Just weeks ago, the USS Detroit, a sister ship here of the ST Louis, which is based here in the basin, sailed actively working against another threat. Transnational criminal organizations that want to destroy our way of life and our homeland security. Detroit had a successful patrol, launching helicopters, conducting lethal operations and making a difference and saving lives. It strikes me that we’re playing history forward. Detroit and Lucky Lou were off Pearl Harbor on the morning December 7th, 1941 And here you are, looking into the future, making a difference together. Gonna be on the field to compete. That’s what our navy is doing every day. They’re out there making a difference winning that competition so we don’t ever have to fight. But if we have to fight, we can change that outstretched hand to a closed fist and we can bring it and you’re the ones to do it. So I’ve got two tasks here. One is for the crew. For the crew. Be ready. Work tirelessly every day to earn the operational excellence that our Navy is known for. Don’t stay number one by thinking about you. Stay number one and you know this my fine sailors and families by working hard through teamwork, commitment, through passion and through integrity. Each and every day that’s our Navy culture. That’s my charge to you. Be ready. And for everyone else that’s connected virtually our neighborhood of the United States of America. A task for you to make a difference. Tell the story of what you’re watching and seeing tell the story of the difference. United States military makes mentor someone that little boy, those little boys with their mother. We made a difference. One person at a time, just like you’re making a difference. Mentoring, leading inspiring one person of time. We have to take action. We have to stay the course to ensure we have the freedom that our nation demands in the world needs. So for all of us, be ready. Stomps least owes what a great day and thank you to the crew and your families. Thank you, Admiral Fowler. We’re honored to have the assistant secretary of the Navy for energy installations and environment as our principal speaker. Ladies and gentlemen, the honorable Charles Williams. I stand at ease if they want to go. Jay, that be okay, Because out here, one of shape. The last. Okay, Thank you for the introduction, Mr Mrs Taylor Animal Fowler and we’ll, Gray Belson promoting distinguished guests. Good morning to the veterans and the shipbuilders, The crew, the family and friends. Thank you for joining us today. It is an honor to represent the Navy. The Secretary Brathwaite, the U. S s ST Louis is a literal littoral combat ship that gives it a capability to go in more shallow water that plays to the namesake of the best River port in America. State loss. It’s known as the Gateway City. It has long supported our nation’s veterans and armed forces. Although I live in D. C now ST Louis will always be my home. In the mid seventies, I was stationed here in Jacksonville. In fact, it’s where I met my wife 46 years ago. Laura is a high school teacher at Ed White. I still have relatives and friends here. I always look forward to coming back to Jacksonville. It’s a community that loves the Navy, and as a crew you’re gonna be pleased to be home ported here. Jacksonville supports four commands. Naval Air Station, Jacksonville Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay, Marine Corps, Blunt Island and Naval Station Mayport. That is, this seaport will be gathered today to commission this ship. Together, these operations host more than 43,000 military and civilian personnel and their families for over 80 years. It’s a long time. 80 years. Jacksonville has been proud to host these bases, whose operations are crucial to the mission of your Navy and defense of our country. We look forward to many more years of that partnership on behalf of your Navy. I want to thank all those who work so hard to make today’s event possible. I want express my the Navy’s deep appreciation to the Taylor family. Marvin Andy much of what they dio is anonymous. In fact, I suspect most people here probably don’t know a whole lot about the tailors. But believe me, when I say they are the preeminent philanthropic family of the ST Louis community on a donor to Navy causes, the the Taylor family has got more than most engaged sponsors the Navy has worked with. Is Barb set on a personal note to be one time? I want this to be the best commissioning ever. She put her energies all in. To that end, her father, general, even Broadhurst that her father in law, Jack Taylor, both World War two aviators, would be so proud of your efforts. The Taylor family has been actively involved in every step of the U. S s ST Louis journey from the keel laying in 2017 to the christening in 2018 and its commissioning today, they will forever be connected to this ship, its crew and its history. Being a sponsor is a Navy tradition of great significance. Sponsors of predecessor ships include President Grover Cleveland’s wife, Frances Gladys Bryant Smith, who was in the 1906 class of Mary Institute, Nancy Lee Morrell, 1937 veil profit queen who was related to Robert Brookings of the Brookings Institute that heavily involved in the development of Washington University and then, or K. Smith, the first woman from Missouri in Congress. I referenced these things for you who are not from ST Louis. They wouldn’t resonate with you. But if you’re from ST Louis, some of these places I just mentioned are very well known institutions to the sponsor and crew on Sunday said patriotic not for self, but for country. These words are inscribed the Naval Academy at the chapel, and they referred to sacrifice made on behalf of naval Service. Barbara in an drug. Andy, thank you for your generosity. Proud to share our common interest in the ST Louis community and to be with you today For Marinette, Wisconsin, to Jacksonville, Florida and beyond. The U. S s ST Louis is a multi mission combatant ready to represent the city of ST Louis. Throughout its operational life legacy, the U. S s ST Louis has been designed to protect and guide our crew to carry forth that slogan A way to freedom. Today we commissioned the USS ST Louis and we challenged in the new littoral combat ship and her crew with continuing the Distinguished Legacy have passed vessels that have had the honor to bear our hometowns name. This will be the seventh ship named us, says ST Louis. His predecessors participated in the Civil War, the Spanish American War, World War, World War two Korea In the Vietnam War, the seventh USS ST Louis will undoubtably follow the legacies of her predecessors. She will be able to leverage the unique and advanced capabilities of the Freedom Class littoral combat ships that includes cyber upgrades like decks of support, integrated helicopter launches and the ability t to dispatch and reclaim Special Forces operations. She will boldly go forth the complete your primary mission of countering submarines, surface ships and minds on the high seas and the the laterals. To protect us interest, she will honorably bear the name of the city of ST Louis, defending the strategic interests of the United States and our allies across the globe. To the sailors, Go make your own history, but never forget the significance of those who have gone before you, the strategic missions that you’ve been trusted to support and the legacy that you and this ship will carry on. From this day forward, I know you will make ST Louis hands at all Americans. Proud. Thank you to everyone who made today possible. We’re blessed to celebrate this timeless tradition and witness that continuing a legacy both the City of ST Louis and United States Navy Captain, I hope you will respond. You will correspond with Mrs Taylor from time to time and tell her of the great accomplishments that sure ship is performing as you go in harm’s way. We’re counting on you and your crew fair winds following seas. God, speed. And if I could those are my prepared remarks. Let me just make one comment. If I could do the crew, we care the Navy leadership, families, we care about you. We’ve provided you the best equipment that we can provide. We want you to be successful. Thank you very much. ST Louis in commission, Right. On behalf of the President of the United States but the Secretary of the name I hereby place United States ST Louis in commission. May God bless and guide this worship and all who sail in her Executive officer, Hoist the colors and commission payment. I, sir, ship’s company 10. The commission pennant in professional national navies began to take form late in the 17th century. All ships at that time were sailing ships, and it was often difficult to tell A naval ship from a merchant navies began to adopt long, narrow penance to be flown by their ships on the main mast to distinguish themselves for merchant ships. The commission pennant will fly continuously until a ship is decommissioned. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise. I direct your attention to the ships ship’s mast as we hoist the colors and commission pennant. Quartermaster, hoist the colors and the commission pennant. Aye, aye, sir. Captain, the colors and commission pennant is flying proudly over USS ST Louis. I will now read my orders from Navy Person Commander, Navy Personnel Command to Commander Kevin Hagan, United States Navy. When directed by reporting senior, report to pre commissioning unit ST Louis and upon commission, report to U. S s ST Louis as commanding officer. I’m a father. United States ships. ST Louis is in commission, and I’m in command. Thinking officer said the launch. Aye, sir. Are so the deck set? The first watch. All right, sir, Their office of the deck is the commanding officers Direct representative. And while I’m watch is responsible for the safe operation of the ship and crew. The long glass is the traditional symbol of an officer. The decks authority in a ship of the line we’re honored to have Fireman second class Charles probes crew member from the fifth U. S s ST Louis. The Lucky Lew served as our ceremonial long glass presenter. Dr. Probes could not be here today, but has a few words to share with us. Dr. Charlie H proves, and I thank you for the opportunity to speak at the U. S. There, ST. Louis L. C s 19 Commission on behalf of the U S ST Louis C L 49 offer sitting crew. Except I was 17 years old when I enlisted. Just turned 18 when assigned to the USS ST Louis Seal 49. At this point, my teenage years were over. I was assigned to the M Division and served in this after engine room. It was there I served Leo and matured among the most amazing group of people I had ever known, nor to this day known any group that equal the attributes possessed. But my shipmates, the help give me a life vision that can best be described from Romans 8 28 All things work together for the good of them. They love the Lord and are called according to his purpose. I am forever indebted to my shipmates who met my every maturing need made the current shipmates and those to come be one another. What mine have been to me? It is the crew, not the sheer Thank you for the opportunity to speak for my 3000 plus shipmates at this. Even we’re pleased to have Mr Andrew Taylor here with us today to pass the long glass on Dr Half Doctor Pros Behalf. Mr. Taylor’s father, Jack, was a decorated World War two air aviator who flew the F six F hellcat in the Pacific from USS Essex and the USS Enterprise. Andrew will pass along glass to our first officer of the deck. Lieutenant Lindsay began the second from Tallahassee, Florida. The Petty Officer The watch is my Neman first class. Sean Huddleston from Scottsbluff, Nebraska. The messenger of the watch is Operation Specialist second Class. Any help Hilson from Orlando, Florida. And the bosom A of the watch is boasts mate. Chief Boatswain’s mate Mark Grant from ST Bernard Parish, Louisiana. Set the watch on deck section one. Some of the watches set. Very well are Captain. The watch is set. Very well. I would like to invite our ships sponsor. Mrs. Barbara brought hers. Taylor to come to the podium and bring the ship toe life. Thank you. So this is a very exciting day. Not only are we celebrating the commissioning of our magnificent ship USS ST Louis LCS 19 into the navy, But today, August 8th, 2020. My husband, Andy, and I are celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary. Okay. Thank you. Uh, I have to confess that I do not remember how we celebrated every anniversary. But I guarantee you, I will remember this day, and it will be a memory that I will treasure for the rest of my life. And speaking of life, just like my wedding vows, I am dedicated to our ship and her crew. Until death do us part. Andy and I have been very fortunate to have had some extraordinary experiences together. One of those special moments occurred on a trip to Washington, D. C. When then Secretary of the Navy Ray Mavis called me and asked me to be the sponsor of the future USS ST Louis, I said Yes to Secretary Mavis as fast as I said Yes to Andy’s marriage proposal. I want to thank Andy for being his wonderful self, and I want to thank Ray Mavis for opening the door to one of the greatest honors of my life. It was impossible to predict the daunting challenges and detours the year 2020 would bring. And while concerns over Cove in 19 have altered the traditional events and ceremony of this week, it does not lessen in any way the great significance of this historic day. Our flexible and resourceful commissioning committee has Del Flee pivoted from our original plans in Pensacola to find fresh and creative ways to demonstrate how deeply we value and appreciate you. While the world was thinking about coverted 19 we were thinking about LCS 19 and I can promise you when the time is right, we are gonna have used me. We are gonna have one heck of a party. But at this moment, as U S s ST Louis is, is commissioned and begins her peacekeeping mission. Our tribute is simple, honest and straight from the heart. We have much to celebrate on this landmark day. First and foremost, we salute men and women of USS ST Louis who are role models for our times in ST Louis are newly refurbished soldiers. Memorial, not Onley, chronicles the accomplishments of our military heroes. It also enshrines the values that they live by. Courage, loyalty, sacrifice, vision. I’ve had the great privilege of meeting many of you in marionette ST Louis and Norfolk, and these qualities come shining through. You inspire us to be better people. You make us feel proud, and you give us hope and confidence in our future. We cannot honor our crew without putting their families front and center the spouses, partners, parents, brothers, sisters, Children and those friends of our sailors who comprise a support system that makes your accomplishments possible. My dad and father in law were highly decorated World War two military pilots, and I know firsthand how fully your loved ones immerse in each mission and how how they provide a supportive emotional anchor through lonely absences and the daily highs and lows. Your families are the unsung heroes who deserve our most sincere gratitude. When I look at our magnificent ship USS ST Louis, I am awed by her beauty, technology, speed and versatility. We congratulate the Navy, Lockheed Martin, Fincantieri and all the companies that help build and equip LCS 19 one of the fastest ships to ever seal. May she be a safe and comfortable home at sea as you work together to keep us safe and fulfill her motto, Gateway to Freedom. And finally, ah, heartfelt thank you to the people of ST Louis who have embraced the crew, is their own and who have made generous contributions of their time and resource is to demonstrate friendship and appreciation. They are rightfully proud of us, says ST Louis LCS 19 the seventh ship to bear the name of our beloved hometown. And we are very grateful to our adopted sister city of Mayport for her warm hospitality and enthusiastic support in serving as our host for today’s commissioning. Yes, there is much to celebrate, and I am so proud and honored to be your sponsor. Today’s commissioning is another major milestone that we have shared together in the life cycle of USS ST Louis, and we will have many more times together in the years to come. As with my marriage, I am committed to you for life. And we will celebrate this commissioning with riel fanfare with you and your families when it is safe to do so. You are a part of my family now, and I shall sail with you on each mission. Follow your progress with pride, track you at sea on my iPad, pray for your health and safety, and wish each of you great adventure, personal fulfillment, enduring happiness and all the best that life has to offer. And now it is my great honor to issue the call to action and the command you have all long to hear. Commander Hagen, officers and crew of the USS ST Louis man our ship and bring her toe life. Yes, Ladies and gentlemen, the crew of the USS ST Louis salute you. We are proud to serve in America’s Navy. ST. Louis Ready to Well, the guests. Please be seated. Captain. U. S s ST Louis is man already very well coming. Miller. Us in ST Louis. Man already reports for duty. Very well. Hammer followed Crest Mission to break your flag. The second officer break the flag of Commander United States Southern Command High, sir. Quartermaster, break the Commander. United States Southern Command. Aye aye, sir. Captain, the flag of the Commander United States Southern Command is flying proudly over USS ST Louis. Ladies and gentlemen, Commander Kevin Hagan, United States Navy commanding officer USS ST Louis. Okay. Yeah, I’m a father. Secretary Williams. Mrs Taylor. Mr. Taylor Promoting. I am a gay person. Commoner Miller. Captain, can you can feel guess And the officers of the crew of the newest ship in this great Navy. Thank you for being here on this most important and unprecedented day. After all the hard work getting her ready to sales. And she was christened in 2018. We can now officially call this great ship USS ST Louis Apple Faller, Secretary Williams Barber and Andy were extremely honored with your presence here today. Especially with the difficulty in traveling at this time. Barbara, this isn’t quite what we envisioned when we met back in January. Is it? Throughout the entire process, you have operated with one vision for this ship. always do what is best for her crew and their families. You have set a new standard of what it means to be a ship sponsor. The generosity and hospitality the U. N. Andy of showed to this great crew has been nothing short of extraordinary. I know this isn’t quite the commissioning week you envision, but your presence here today is greatly appreciated. I know I speak for the entire crew when I say that we’re extremely grateful that you were able to be here. The planning for an event such as this is only possible because of the dedication of those who volunteer their time and talents to support our commissioning committee. I know that the committee and support team could not have imagined circumstances that surrounded this event, but their flexibility and drive to conduct this ceremony have allowed us to all be here today, and because of those circumstances, they’re unable to attend this event that they worked so hard to make happen. So from here in Mayport to the committee back in ST Louis, thank you. But this day has really been made possible by the sailors of the blue and gold cruise who are the lifeblood of this. The Navy’s newest worship the crew gives the ship its character makes it a living entity rather than just steel aluminum cabling. Paint the men and women of us A ST Louis exemplify toughness and resilience and the spirit that has signified the legacy of the now seven ships to carry the name of the great city of ST Louis, Missouri. None of the previous six ships have demonstrated that spirit better than the lucky Lou. And I know we’ve discussed the Lucky Lou a couple times here today. But there is one specific episode of their time in World War two that I believe captures the spirit. So operating around the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and the Philippines, she’s survived a torpedo attack. The twisted her Bao Dai bomber attack that killed over 20 sailors and multiple battles with Japanese ships and aircraft, all with minimal casualties and only short periods of time out of service due to repairs. On November 27th 1944 she encountered a kamikaze attack off later, the first shucker port quarter, killing or wounding all 20 millimeter gunners at Mt. 789 and 10. A second headed towards airport beam and missed due to the timely actions of the Lucky Lose Bridge team. 15 minutes later, 1/3 and fourth attacks on the port side with one striking, destroying armor plating and tearing holes in ST Louis is portside with a list of port. She then barely avoided an attack by enemy torpedo bombers. Nevertheless, within one hour the list was corrected. All major fires route and the wounded were being care for. Despite to direct kamikaze hits, the lucky Lou continue sailing, losing only 15 men in that attack. She continue to serve until and after the end of the war. That is the resilience and toughness and grain in the legacy of the USS ST Louis and that this crew carries with it today. We must always be ready to take our ship into harm’s way. You can be sure that this crew and this ship we’ll fight with the spirit of the lucky Lou if and when the time comes to call her to action. As I was writing the speech, I went online. Teoh watch a few other speeches from recent ship commissioning ceremonies, and it struck me that Ah, while we are fortunate to be able to conduct a commissioning ceremony. We are missing a crucial element, and that makes these events truly special. And that’s the families and friends of these hardworking sailors. So I want to extend a special thanks to those families and friends of the crew of the U. S. At ST Louis. Our families are the ones that provide the necessary support and love that allows our crew to serve this nation, Dan and day out. This ceremony is as much for them as it is for our crew. And I truly thank you all for everything you do, Teoh. My wife, Lindsay, I wanted specifically. Thank you for all the support you have provided me during my naval career. You’ve always been an amazing source of strength and love through all the ups and downs. Thank you. And I love you to my Children, Josephine, Patrick and Alexander who are watching this at home. I wish you could be here to celebrate with us, although I’m not sure out Well, that would have gone in this heat. I love you all very much. And then finally to my mom and dad. See when Don I would not be where I am today with without your love and support and the guy Did you provide any raising me? Thank you. Thank you all for being here today. May God bless you. The United States Navy in the United States of America. Ship’s company. Attention, please rise and remain standing for the benediction which which will be offered by Chaplin Spurlock, let us pray. Eternal God is this ship enters a rich heritage and lasting legacy. Mayor, command and crew keep faith and preserve honor with those who have shared the namesake of ST Louis and the people of that great city. I pray you would guide them and keep them with your divine providence. As they begin this new chapter in history and through the uncertainty of tomorrow continuous sacrifices they will place on the ultra free help. Those who call it’s l aboard the USS ST Louis. They hold on the hope that is set before which hope we have is an anchor of the soul. Oh, sure, it’s dead fast. As the city of ST Louis provided a gateway to the West, may all those who sell upon this great vessel provided gateway to freedom for our nation on a potent power for peace in our world. To the only wise God, our savior be Glory and Majesty. I mean, in the power both now and ever. Taylor’s a do U. S s a loss. Do you have a ship to be proud of? With a name like that, I served aboard do U. S s State law cl 40 money for over four years, traveling over a 1,000,000 half a 1,000,000 miles. Find the 30,000 rounds of ammunition back home again on only a tear the past 100 birthday some time ago. Smooth shaving fellows and enjoy your life may be led by on behalf of the Freedom Variant Littoral Combat Ship Building team. Congratulations. I’m Joe DiPietro, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Small combatants and ship systems. And I’m here today and Marinette, Wisconsin, where ST Louis and her sister ships were constructed every day our team comes in here and works tirelessly to deliver this critical capability to our fleet, and we are proud to have the crews of LCs 19 representing team freedom around the world. LCS is a capable platform able to conduct today’s missions whether they be focused or multi mission and capable to be upgraded to integrate new capabilities for our future fleet. Lucky Martin. Think can t erry Marinette Marine Gibbs and Cox in over 800 suppliers around the U. S are proud to build this capable ship for our U S. Navy again. Congratulations on the commissioning. We wish you fair winds and following seas. Hi, I’m Senator Roy Blunt from Missouri 2018. I was honored to be at the christening to the U. S s ST Louis. I will tell you the side launching was quite a sight. Congratulations to the crew of the USS ST Louis to Commander Kevin Hagan, and the best sponsorship could possibly have Barber tailor on this big day. This ship is a powerful representation of the enduring connection between ST Louis and the United States Navy. This is a proud moment for ST Louis. It’s a proud moment for Missouri. It’s a proud moment for the people of the United States as the U. S s ST Louis joins our elite naval forces to the men and women of the U. S s ST Louis. Congratulations on the successful commissioning of our nation’s newest Freedom class combat ship. How fitting is it that your ship is named for ST Louis, the gateway to the West? Because here again we find ourselves on the brink of uncharted territory. Our nation is entering a period of renewed great power competition. We’ve experienced this sort of competition before, but never have we faced such a capable adversary as we face in China today. In the decades ahead, America’s future will be decided by brave sailors like yourselves operating some of the most advanced warships the world has ever seen, like the U. S s ST Louis, your service will shield Americans from foreign threats and will ensure that our nation, our people, can continue to live with security and prosperity and dignity. So, on behalf of the whole state of Missouri, I want to wish you congratulations on this historic occasion. Thank you for your service and Godspeed. Hi, I’m Congresswoman Ann Wagner. And thank you for having me today to help celebrate this auspicious occasion for the Navy. I wish I could be there in person, but I am so proud that the U. S s ST Louis bears the name of our great region. To me, ST Louis represents honor, courage and commitment, and I know that the U. S s ST Louis and its crew will embody these values. I wish the crew ah, hearty congratulations on this commissioning, and I have much gratitude for all your hard work, especially during these challenging times. I would also like to thank the remarkable Barbara Taylor for serving as a ship’s sponsor. I did hear that the ship flew the flags of the ST Louis Blues and Cardinals during its voyage from Wisconsin to Florida, and I urge you to keep these flags flying high as you move on to fulfill your anti submarine strike surface and mine countermeasures and missions. We depend on this fine crew and advanced war ships like the USS ST Louis to keep Americans safe and protect our partners and allies in the end of Pacific and across the globe. Thank you for your service, he said. And anchors Aweigh, I’m Light, a cruise and mayor of the city of ST Louis, and on behalf of the citizens of ST Louis and Missourians everywhere, I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations to Commander Hagen and his phenomenal crew on the commissioning of U. S s ST Louis, the seventh ship to bear the name. These are challenging times for all of us, and I regret that I cannot be there with you to celebrate in person. It is a profound honor that your ship will carry the name of our great city throughout the oceans of the world. I come in each and every one of you for the hard work and dedication that it took to achieve this significant milestone. And I’m confident in your ability to contribute to the vital missions of the United States Navy. You are truly America’s best and brightest. Standing on the shoulders of the many ST Louis sailors that have gone before you will set the standard for this great ship that will chart her course for many years to come. I know that the ship will travel many miles throughout her service life and that she will represent ST Louis and our nation with honor, courage and integrity. A proud emissary of our national strength and a true reflection of the American values that we hold so dear, you are about to embark on a great adventure. May fair winds and following seas guide you on all of your journeys. Please know that you will always be welcome in our great city. May God speed you safely home.