USS Miguel Keith (ESB5) commissioned May 8, 2021 aboard Naval Air Station North Island. The ship is named for Lance Corporal Miguel Keith who was posthumous recipient of the Medal of Honor for actions in the Vietnam War.

Transcript

Welcome to the naval air station, North Island and beautiful Coronado California and the commissioning of the USs Miguel Keith. I’m Lieutenant Commander Martin Blomberg, the ship’s executive officer. It is my privilege to be your master of ceremonies. Today. Before our ceremony begins, please take a moment of silence your cellphones. We are here today to celebrate this ship’s namesake, United States Marine and Medal of Honor recipient, Lance corporal Miguel Keith, and to commission the first ship named in his honor 51 years ago. Today, on May 8th 1970. At just 18 years of age, lance corporal Keith gave his last full measure of devotion to quote his Medal of Honor, Citation for conspicuous gallantry and at the risk of his own life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a machine gunner with combined action. Platoon 132 3rd Marine amphibious force operating in Quang tri Province, Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning of eight May 1970. Lance corporal Keith was seriously wounded when his platoon was subjected to a heavy ground attack by a greatly outnumbering enemy force. Despite his painful wounds, he ran across the fire swept terrain to check the security of vital defense positions and then, while completely exposed to view, proceeded to deliver a hail of devastating machine gun fire against the enemy, Determined to stop five of the enemy approaching the command post. He rushed forward, firing as he advanced, He succeeded in disposing of three of the Attackers and dispersing the remaining two. At this point, a grenade detonated near Lance Corporal Keith, knocking into the ground and inflicting further severe wounds, fighting pain and weakness from loss of blood, He again braved the concentrated hostile fire to charge. An estimated 25 enemy soldiers were massing to attack. The vigor of his assault is well placed fire eliminated four of the enemy, while the remainder fled for cover. During this valiant effort, he was mortally wounded by an enemy soldier by his courageous and inspiring performance in the face of almost overwhelming odds. Lance corporal Keith contributed in large measure excessive his platoon and numerically superior enemy force and upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps of the United States Naval Service. This crew is proud to serve on the newest worship in the United States Navy to carry on the courageous legacy, the Lance corporal Miguel Keith and of those who have gone before us to repel tyranny and preserve freedom around the world. With all veterans and active duty service members, please stand. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your service, please be seated. Our ceremony today is a time honored tradition which began with the commissioning of our first warship, A captured British Schooner, The Margarita in 1775. Since then, thousands of ships have undergone the transformation from silent holes to fully alive warships. Our 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 the honourable Scott peters. Well, I guess please rise and remain standing for the arrival of our official party honors, the presentation of colors, the national anthem and the invocation. Ladies and gentlemen, our platform guests in the audience. Mr. Jesse Mendez and Mr. bobby Keith brothers to Miguel Keith and our long glass presenters Commander Don via dog chaplain corps, United States Navy Retired Commander, Christina, Humphrey’s United States Navy Officer in Charge. Uss Miguel Keith Gold Crew. Mr. timothy, Roberts. Program manager, Strategic and theater Sealift Program. Executive Office Ships. Captain joseph Toot, United States Navy, supervisor of shipbuilding bath. Captain Kendall. G Bridgwater, United States Navy Commander, Military Sealift Command, pacific Mr. Tom Garcia. Co chair Uss Miguel Keith commissioning committee, Vice Admiral timothy Leflore, United States Navy Retired co chair Uss Miguel Keith commissioning committee. Mr. William McKay. Expeditionary C based Program Manager. General Dynamics Anasco. Captain brian Rush on the United States Merchant Marine Master, US sickness, Miguel Keith, we’re admiral thomas Anderson, United States Navy Program. Executive Officer Ships Lieutenant General Carson s. Heckle, United States Marine Corps, Commanding General, First Marine Expeditionary Force. The honourable James Gertz performing the duties of the Under Secretary of the Navy. Admiral Craig? S. Faller, United States Navy Commander, United States Southern Command. Ladies and gentlemen, joining us remotely our ship’s sponsor. Mrs Eleonora Delores Keith, Mother of Miguel Keith. Our ships matrons joining us remotely. Miss Teresa Lewis and with us today. Mrs mary easily. Mrs Rickel Keith Beck, Miss Michelle Young and Miss Terry Delarosa escorted today by senior chief sung on you. Senior Chief blue Crew and senior chief Philip photo Miguel Keith. Command senior chief gold Crew. Ladies and gentlemen, the honourable Scott peters, United States, Representative state of California 52nd district escorted by Captain Troy Frederick, United States Navy commanding Officer, Uss Miguel Keith ladies and gentlemen, honors to the honourable Scott peters platform hand salute. Yeah. Mhm. Yeah. Yeah. Yes yeah. Mm hmm. Yeah yeah yeah. Okay platform, ready to advance. The colors. Platform and salute. Yeah. Mhm. Prison. Oh say. Can you see by the dawn’s early light? What so proudly hell at the twilight’s last gleaming whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous rollers fight or the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming and the rockets red glare. The bombs bursting sing in there. Can you prove through the night that our flag was still there? Oh say, does that star spangled then? Not yet. Wait or the Land of the Free and the home of the brave retire the colors right word park platform, ready to ladies and gentlemen chaplain, be a dog, will now deliver the invocation. Yeah. Mhm. Let us pray their God. The men and women of the USs Miguel Keith Represent some of the best and the toughest 21st century sea going sailors. They will soon depart from the friendly shores of san Diego two and hospitable elements at sea. When pays by the enemies made this train, see warriors will confront their opponents. The same courage demonstrated by the combined Action Programme team member. Lance corporal Miguel Keith. Semper in Pigna, meaning always in the fight and win the battle. Help us the Lord to continue reflecting on your daily goodness and always remember the invaluable lesson learned from the life of our hero Miguel Keith during his final deployment to Quang Ngai Province, Miguel wrist and gave his life a bob and beyond the call of duty 51 years ago. Today. May we never forget his example of valor and our responsibility in the pursuit of peace. Help us remain faithful and truthful as declared in the Marine Corps motto, semper Fidelis. Always faithful to the navy, to our core and our beloved country. Always faithful to the cost of defending our freedom, our faith and family. We ask this in your holy name and then yeah, thank you chaplain via dog. We’d like to thank the Naval Air Station, North Island Color Guard and saluting battery as well as our very own IT sheriff jones for their support this morning. Well yes, please be seated, ship’s company parade rest. Ladies and gentlemen, the honourable Scott peters. Mhm. Thank you And good morning welcome to the commissioning ceremony of the USs Miguel Keith and S. B. Class ship designed to support several critical national security roles. I am honored to join in this ceremony today at Naval Air station, North Island, in this proud military town, built by San Diego’s very own general dynamics anasco. Uss Miguel Keith will serve as crucial strategic asset to military sealift Command, which provides the Navy and the Department of Defense with ocean transportation, logistics as well as as service support to our nation’s war fighters. Uss Miguel Keith has demonstrated her readiness during a series of at sea and pier side trials. Soon she will, she will be joined by up to 250 military and 34 military sealift Command personnel who will embark with her under the command of Captain Troy Frederick as she sets sail to support our national defense, Uss. Miguel Keith is prepared to meet any challenge in defense of our freedoms. Just as her namesake Marine Corps Marine Corps Lance corporal Miguel Keith was when he courageously made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of his platoon in Vietnam. Lance corporal Keith completed recruit training at our very own historic Marine Corps recruit depot san Diego and completed combat training at Marine Corps Base camp Pendleton. When deployed to Vietnam in 1970 as a machine gunner, His platoon combined action platoon 132 came under fire by enemy forces who substantially outnumbered his unit. The Okay endured personal serious gunshot wounds. He pressed on. He secured defensive positions fired repeatedly on the enemy and what stood a grenade impact during the fight as he charged at another incoming attack. Lance corporal Keith was tragically killed in action 51 years ago today by an enemy soldier while defending his platoon, Keith earned the medal of honor posthumously for his unwavering valor. Today we honor his memory and we enshrine his name in naval history with the commissioning of USs Miguel Keith. The motto on the coat of arms reads always in the fight, a fitting tribute to a marine who gave his life while protecting his fellow service members. I often think about how proud I am and how proud we all are of the role san Diego plays in our national defense and about how proud I am to represent this region and the brave military men and women who live here in the United States Congress. San Diego is home to the nation’s largest concentration of military personnel And home to the second largest concentration of post 9-11 veterans more than most SAn Diegans. No, the great sacrifices that these men and women in uniform have made in service to our nation, no matter how much our region and our economy evolved, we are still at our core of proud Navy town with a cherished navy history. These navy ships that stand century in and around san Diego Bay are a constant reminder of that history and of our critical role in defending this great nation. Welcome home to the USs Miguel Keith. I extend my sincere gratitude to our service members, their families and especially to the family of Lance corporal Miguel Keith participating here and remotely to Miguel’s mother, Diadora. Delores Keith, family friend mary easily and siblings terry, Delarosa, Michelle, young Rachael Keith, beck, Philip, Mendez Jesse, Mendez, Lonnie, Keith and bobby Keith. We honor your sacrifice. I can congratulate all of you on this meaningful and historic occasion. We wish uss Miguel Keith and all who sail on her in selfless service to our great nation, fair winds and following seas. Thank you. Mhm. Thank you. Representative Peters, ladies and gentlemen, the honourable Diane Feinstein, United States Senator, state of California joining us remotely. I’d like to just say a few words of thanks to all the men and women who are associated with this great ship, hyphen base. And I want to re recall 1970 with McKay Miguel Keith Charging ahead mortally wounded, showing the true heroism that many Americans have died possessing. And I want people there to know that this is special. This is a unique vessel, both a vessel as well as a base and are unique to. First of all we are all americans. We serve under a great constitution. We appreciate and respect our way of life and to those of you who have given the ultimate gift of service. I want to say thank you and particularly service in the United States military. So thank you. Have a great day and may every day be a good one for this brand new vessel. The Miguel Keith. Thank you. Thank you. Senator Feinstein. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. William McKay. Good morning. It’s my honor to be here representing the 4000 shipbuilders of General Dynamics anasco. At today’s commissioning ceremony, the Nascar team is honored and humbled to have built this ship. Our team consists of some of the most experienced shipbuilders in America and we are justifiably proud of every ship we build and every ship we repair. But this one is special. Both because of the ship’s namesake, what he represents as an american and because of what the navy Nascar team had to overcome to get the ship here today. While the ship was being constructed in the grading doc several years ago, the boundary wall or case on that keeps water out of the dock failed. Within a matter of minutes, 21 million gallons of water flooded the dock and the ship causing significant damage. We were fortunate that night that no one was injured. However, the ship was badly damaged. The entire Nascar team came together that night without hesitation. No one questioned the tireless hours that had to be worked or the hard task that had to be undertaken as one team, the men and women of Nascar and the Navy, quietly methodically and with a sense of purpose set up on a journey to recover the ship. Without that effort, we would not be here today. Today marks a new chapter. We are not only commissioning a US Navy ship. Perhaps even more importantly, we’re honoring Miguel Keith for his ultimate sacrifice to our country. Miguel’s story is remarkable because it describes an ordinary american from san Antonio texas who joined the marines and fought to preserve this great country and all of its ideals, not just for americans but for people all over the world demonstrating courage, sacrifice, patriotism, citizenship, integrity and commitment. Let me tell you why the ship is worthy of the name Miguel Keith. The ship is remarkable with many capabilities that will allow our service men and women to carry out missions, including air, mine, countermeasure, counter piracy operations, Marine security operations, humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions, Special operations and Marine Corps Crisis Response. The ship is designed to support MH 53 and MH 60 helicopters, MV 22 tilt rotor aircraft and unmanned drones. She is equipped with a flight deck and forward accommodations area that can support 250 personnel like its namesake ship is a force multiplier. She can respond quickly and effectively to crises and reduce demand on large surface combatants. The ship is capable inherently flexible and perhaps most importantly in an age of constrained budgets, affordable in every sense of force multiplier docked here at the aircraft carrier Pierre, you get a perspective of just how large the Miguel Keith really is. What we are commissioning today is not just a ship, It is an embodiment of America american unity and purpose, a beacon of freedom and freedom and hope to those in need around the world. Captain Frederick, future crew of the USs Miguel Keith, The men and women of General Dynamics anasco. Wish you all fair winds and following seas, May God bless this ship and all who sail upon her. Thank you. Thank you Mr. McKay. Okay, ladies and gentlemen, Lieutenant General Carson, s heckle. Good morning that Commander Humphrey sykes for, for hosting us today and doing some good jobs. Rmc over here. I appreciate good morning on this beautiful and awesome day. An exciting day for us for the Marine Corps. Certainly for the key family, I’d like to start by thanking our sponsor, Miss Ellie, Adora Delores Keith and all of Lance corporal keith’s relatives who are with us today in person or virtually our elected officials, fellow flag officers, members of the Senior executive service and all our distinguished guests. Welcome. We’re here today to commission this great ship, the USs Miguel Keith, an expeditionary mobile base vessel. It is an alternative platforms Just like this one that are gonna help us break the paradigm of how we deploy and employ the joint force in the future. It was at the 242nd Marine Corps birthday in November of 2017 that then Secretary of the Navy, the honorable Richard Spencer who by the way, also served in our beloved corps announced this ship would carry the namesake Lance corporal Miguel Keith. As a tangible reminder to every american that marines honored their legacy. The marines carry the warrior spirit spirit and that like lance corporal Keith, United States Marine Corps will not back down in face of adversity. It is only fitting that the motto of this beautiful ship is simple and Julia, which translates to always in the fight. Let’s talk about Mikael for just a few Miguel for a few seconds. He was born in san Antonio texas, June 2 1951 and ended up in Omaha Nebraska before enlisting in the Marine Corps at the age of 17. It’s fitting that the ship built here in San Diego is only 8.5 miles away from where Miguel attended Marine Corps recruit depot SAn Diego in May of 69 where he trained and earned the title. Marine improved himself ready for the rigors of combat. He deployed to the far east as a machine gunner in november of 69 where he served with First Marine Action Group, Third Marine Amphibious force. Combined Action groups were squad sized groups that embedded with local security forces in South Vietnamese Hamlets. It was there on May 8 1970, The Lance Corporal Miguel Keith, mortally wounded, sacrificed his life in Vietnam at the young age of 18, selflessly ensuring the success of his brother Marines and their unit faced with a heavy ground attack. By greatly outnumbering enemy force. Lance corporal Keith demonstrated the epitome of courage and warrior spirit. When five enemy soldiers approached his platoon’s command post, he rushed the enemy. He ran toward danger. He advanced, placing himself in grave danger. After thwarting the attack grenade detonated next to Miguel, knocking him to the ground and inflicting severe wounds. This did not deter him though, despite the pain and weakness from loss of blood, Lance Corporal Keith again brave concentrated enemy fire to charge an estimated 25 enemy soldiers that were massing to attack yet again, the first will face neck accurate fire like all marines eliminated for the enemy while the rest fled, basically ran for cover. His courageous and inspiring performance in the face of almost overwhelming odds, contributed in large measure the success of this platoon and routing a numerically superior enemy force and for his actions. Lance corporal Miguel Keith was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously. This Keith, terry, Michelle, Rakell, Filip, Jesse, Lonnie and bobby. I want to personally thank you for your son and brothers. Ultimate sacrifice. He died a true american hero. He was no ordinary man. This was a young man who felt charged with the care of his, of the marines to his left and right. His warrior spirit will carry current and future generations of service members aboard this ship as they deploy around the world and service to our great nation. The U. S. S. Miguel Keith will provide flexibility of the marines to deliver combat power at great distances, including the sort of small and dispersed formations that are the successors to the combined action programme that Miguel was part of in 1970. I’m gonna end here, but before I do I’d like to again thank the family of Lance corporal Miguel Keith for their sacrifice for secretary Spencer for naming the first ship of his tenure after a marine of such exceptional character and everyone else that is here today. Semper Fidelis and simple program. Okay, thank you. Lieutenant General heckle to be ladies and gentlemen. The honourable James skirts. What a great day for our navy, our Marine Corps and our nation. Thanks for everybody coming out today, whether you’re out there in virtual land or here with us president so that we can not only bring our newest warship to life in front of your eyes, but do so, honoring one of America’s greatest heroes as corporal Miguel Keith. Thank you for the family for being here with us. You make a remarkable day, truly, truly special and we’re honored by your presence participating in these commissioning ceremonies brings to me the two great, I think traditions of our country and it always charges me up when we get together for these things because these two great traits of teamwork and commitment are evident everywhere. You look here, the teamwork and commitment of the shipbuilders, the suppliers, the government folks to build such a great warship for our navy. The teamwork and commitment of the sailors. You see there on the pier and your families who’ve been working hard to hone their craft, to be ready to go, to take charge as we hand over this, worship the team working commitment of all the americans who support our military and their families, particularly in the great city of san Diego, where the support is felt everywhere. You look around this great city and for the remarkable teamwork and commitment and sacrifice of americans like Lance corporal Miguel Keith who gave everything for his team and for his country. It’s an exciting time in our Navy and Marine Corps. Right now, We are retooling as a naval force and this ship joins that force as we look to the future. We’re going to ask a lot of this ship. We’re going to ask a lot of this crew and I’m confident they’re up for the charge. I’d like to thank everybody who came today to put the ceremony together and for all of you for your support. I know you’re going to give the ship this crew, their families as they do the hard work. The nation is going to ask of them now and in the future. It is now my distinct honor to introduce our guest speaker for today. Animal Craig Fowler. He’s currently the commander of the United States Southern Command, an exceptional leader and I can think of no one better to finish up this ceremony and provide his insights on both where we’re going on our Navy and Marine Corps as well as all the remarkable aspects of a daylight today, sir. Thank you Wednesday’s Good morning. It is a remarkable day and as senator said, we are all americans and what a song. My favorite song, the national anthem and that I never hear doesn’t fail to bring chills my spine and today it was just sung so beautifully. A round of applause for you. One of the ship’s crew, We are inspired and honored to be here in the presence of Miguel’s family. I know his mom is listening in. Brothers and sisters are here and join us virtually. And that connection, your connection to this warship. This crew will live on and the spirit of your brother and your son we’ll live on and his legacy will be honored. So we thank you above all things today. This is a day about thanks and inspiration and we thank you for your service and sacrifice. None of us can begin to imagine what you have been through. But your presence here today honors all of us. Thank you very much. Mhm. Yeah. I’m honored to be up here with friends, friends of the military and the Department of Defense and our Navy who understand the value of a strong Navy Marine Corps team like congressman Peters, the hometown congressman here, Leadership of our secretary, Honda Yogurts, my shipmate, Lieutenant General heckle from the Marine Corps Mr. McKay and our industry general Dynamics. A key leader. They’re part of our team without our industrial base. We don’t have the world’s finest Navy and Admiral tim Lafleur and Mr. Tom Garcia for your hard work and the commissioning crew to bring this day forward. But I want to go back to the family because we are especially honored by you terry, Michelle, Richelle, Jesse, bobby Philip, Lonnie, granddaughter, Teresa and more cousins and relatives and mom. You know your son, your brother paid the ultimate sacrifice and this warships attribute attribute to his legacy. Shipbuilders, the taxpayers are Congress, the city they all helped bring today forward. But I’d like to turn to the crew as well. Captain Frederick, Captain Marshawn to bring this together. As was mentioned by other speakers in a pandemic. The work, the sacrifice, the hours, the rahm your families and you deserve the credit for today and you will continue to move this ship forward in the future. Well done. Yeah. Ship is named after inspiring leader Marine 51 years ago. Today. You heard the citation, the Medal of Honor citation being read General heckle ran through Miguel’s career and in more detail the action of that day. But can any of us truly imagine, close your eyes for a minute and try to think the sound of gunfire, like the worst violent storm any of us have ever been through. The Syrian heat, suffocating humidity, the chaos and confusion of battle, the smell of death and destruction. When many would have stepped back, Miguel stepped up, He led the charge and singularly and courageously focused on his team above all else. And he made a difference, a difference at last to today. From this example, we can learn many vital lessons. Many going forward. I’d like to focus on three 1st. Never, ever give up in anything. I know our Navy Marine Corps team will never give up in anything. No matter the odds, we have got to stay committed. We’ve got to keep going when there are 1000 reasons to step back, Move forward. Take that next step second. Never doubt your ability. Team to get the mission done, be both courageous and competent as we saw Miguel do that day. One man, Lance corporal Keith was able to deter a numerically superior enemy. He made no excuses. He moved ahead. What Miguel did was about the team, this ship, our Navy and Marine Corps team. We’re only as good as the sum of our parts. We’re only as good as the caliber and character of our crew. And I’m proud to say there are none better. Each and every day though, each and every day, you’ve got to remember you are crucial for the success of this ship and our Navy. And don’t forget it. Three three lessons. It’s the highest honor to sacrifice for something bigger than yourself. In fact, serve for something bigger yourself. And I would thank everyone here today for being part of that service. Whether it’s for your fellow shipmates, friends or your nation or your God have faith. Our core values of the Navy Service, Naval Service, Honor, courage, commitment. Miguel certainly, certainly epitomized those values. And he earned the highest trust of a grateful nation forever. And now that same fighting spirit. Those values are imbued in this ship. Simpering pen. Gonna always in the fight. I had the privilege of speaking with Mrs Keith. Earlier this week, I asked her, what’s the one thing that comes to mind? First thing when you think of your son? Without hesitation, she said love without hesitation. She said love As the Bible states in John 15 greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends, greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends. Lance! corporal Keith embodied that love. This ship embodies his spirit and this crew will carry that spirit forward. Maybe, maybe we’ll see the ship in the Caribbean or the south atlantic, maybe the south china sea, maybe the strait of Hormuz, but wherever it is, this crew will be ready and carrying Miguel’s spirit forward. This crew is going to be on the front line of the global competition we are in today and maybe conflict this ship and her crew will be defending our nation against the many threats we face. As Secretary Austin said last week in Honolulu, we’re seeing a galloping advance in technology that requires us to understand faster, decide faster and act faster. And this is the crew and the ship that will do that in all domains, not just to see, but in the air, land, space and cyber china is watching this nation’s long term pacing threat is china. The chinese Communist Party with its insidious and corrupt influence, seeks global dominance and wants to impose its version of international order to win and continue winning this global competition. We must be at the top of our game. We’ve got to keep developing the best technology, the best ships like you see here today. And I’m confident we will just continue to recruit and retain and educate the best merchant Mariners, sailors, marines, Airmen, Coast Guardsmen, soldiers and civilians. We must continue to partner with the best, highest end international partners and the merging parties that want to be with us in the side of democracy, each of us must strive to be the best trusted person sales Hands down. If we do this. If we continue to do this and live by our core values as individuals and as a nation, no enemy want to fight us, they’re going to say, not now, not today, not tomorrow, not ever. And that’s our goal. We’re going to train to fight. We’re going to train with the same commitment and courage and sense of teamwork in love is landing gifts and we can bring it. But we’re also going to train with compassion as ambassadors for this great nation of ours, a team that can put forth the combat power of the Navy Marine Corps or a hand of comfort and friendship, A winning hand that’s based on values, a winning hand that’s based on being can do a winning hand that steps up just like Miguel did when the going gets tough and we’ll do this and we’ll expand our security and our freedom, one person, one crew, one ship at a time. So crew. My charge. To use know your job and do it, Do it with gusto and integrity. It’s absolutely what Lance corporal Keith would have demanded of all of us and everyone here. My charge to all of us today is follow Lance corporal keeps example. Every one of us can be a little more selfless, a little more courageous and a lot more willing to put the needs of others in front of the needs of our own. Just like Miguel did 51 years ago today. God bless America. God bless this fine ship. God bless the keys family and thank you all for what you do to keep our nation safe. Thank you Admiral for those inspirational words and your leadership, sir. Secretary Courage. I’d be honored if you join me and place Miguel Keith in commission on behalf of the President of the United States and for the Secretary of the Navy. I hereby place the United States ship. Miguel Keith in commission May God bless and guide this. Worship and all who sail on her. Thank you. Secretary Gertz. Executive Officer hoist the colors and commission pennant. Hi, sir. The commission pennant in professional national navies began to take form Late in the 17th century. Ship’s company heartened john all ships at that time were sailing ships. It was often difficult to tell a naval ship from a merchant man. Navies began to adopt long, narrow penance to be flown by their ships at the main mast head to distinguish themselves from merchant ships. The commission pennant will fly continuously until the ship is decommissioned. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise. Direct your attention to the large screens as we hoist the colors and commission pennant. Navigator, hoist the colors and commitment, aye, aye, sir. Captain. The colors and commission pendant are flying proudly over uss Miguel Keith Very well. Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated. I will now read my orders from commander, Naval Military personnel, Command to Captain Troy Kendrick, United States Navy subject bloopers, Order number 9580 of one april 2020. When directed by reporting senior detached from President duty and report to U. S. N. S. Miguel Keith Blue crew as commanding officer upon commissioning of USs Miguel Keith report for duty as commanding officer. Captain Merchant, I relieve you, sir. Yeah. Really very league sir. Have to follow a United States ship. Miguel Keith is in commission and I am in command. Hello. Executive officer. Set the watch. Hi, sir. Yeah, yeah. Officer of the deck set the first watch. All right sir, the officer of the deck is the commanding officers. Direct representative and while on watch is responsible for the safe operation of the ship and crew. The long glass is a traditional symbol of an officer of the decks authority in a ship of the line, we are honored to have Lance corporal Keith Brothers. Mr. Jesse Mendez, Mr. bobby Keith, Mr. Philip. Mendez and Lonnie Keith. As part of our ceremony, Philip and Lonnie are watching from the safety of their homes, Jesse and bobby will pass the long glass on behalf of all four brothers to our first officer of the deck Lieutenant Justin Woods from san Diego California, the petty officer to watch his information systems technician, first class Albert Salvador from san Diego California. The messenger of the watch. This culinary specialist. First class vanessa mora. Also from san Diego California. And the box is made of. The watch is Boston’s made 1st class Norman Farrell from Prince George’s county Maryland. Mhm. Mhm. Uh huh. Mhm. Set the watch on that section one. The Washington said sir. Very well, captain. The watch is set very well. Yeah, we are delighted to have four of our five matrons of honor with us today. Mrs mary easily. Mrs terry, Delarosa, Miss Michelle, Young and mrs Rachael Keith beck ladies, I’d be honored if you would join me at the podium. Our ship’s sponsor, Laura Delores Keith Kristen This ship on October 18 2019. Unfortunately, she couldn’t attend today’s ceremony but she is watching from the safety of her home. Mrs Keith has graced us with prerecorded remarks because all his friends are then abroad skin was joined. So he did too. And he just came and said, Mother, I’m joined the marines. I said no you’re not. I got to go and finish the job. He said no, you stay here are all right to you. But he didn’t get to run to me no more. He got killed right away. So happy they still remember him because I never forget him. Never, ever. Yeah. Yeah. Officers and crew at the U. S. Miguel gig energy. Bring it to love. Oh yeah. All right. Yeah. America yeah. Yeah. Mhm. Yeah. Yeah. Mhm. Oh yeah mm. Ladies and gentlemen, the crew of the USs Miguel Keith salutes you. We are preserving America’s Navy. Miguel Keith ready to. Well the guests please be seated. Captain U. S. S. Miguel Keith is manned and ready. Very well having a follower. Uss Miguel Keith is man already reports for duty very well. Request mission to break your flag sir. Bring my flag. Executive officer, bag of the Commander, United States Southern Command High sir. Navigator. Break the flag of the Commander, United States Southern Command, aye, aye sir. Yeah. Mhm mm. Captain, the flag of the Commander, United States Southern Command is flying proudly. Miguel Keys. Ladies and gentlemen, Captain Troy Frederick, United States Navy Commanding Officer, US. Thank you.. Parade rest. Good morning. Welcome first. I would like to thank mrs Eleonora Delores Keith, beloved mother of our ship’s namesake, Lance corporal Miguel Keith. It’s a special honor to have you with us virtually today. Along with sister and matron of honor, mrs Teresa Lewis as well as brothers and honorary long glass presenters. Mr. Philip Mendez and Mr. Lonnie Keith were also honored to have in attendance. Our matrons of honor and sisters to Miguel Keith, Miss Terry, Delarosa, Miss Michelle. Young, Mrs Rachael Keith beck. And longtime family. Friend, wife to Miguel’s best friend, john mr very easily. Miguel’s brothers and our long glass presenters. Mr. Jesse Mendez and Mr. bobby Keith. Representative Peters. Admiral Faller, Secretary Gertz. Lieutenant General heckle. Rural Admiral Anderson. Our commissioning committee Chairman, Vice Admiral Lafleur. Retired and Mr. tom Garcia. Captain Patrick Keller, perspective, Commanding officer, Uss Miguel Keith Gold Crew. Have you ever missed? I didn’t mention my lovely wife, Loretta and daughter Taylor attended virtually. They are the absolute center of my life and if not for them, I would not have the understanding here today. Their hard work words simply cannot express how grateful I am. So I’ll just simply say, thank you. Distinguished guests, families, friends, those present and watching from home. Thank you for taking the time to join us in the commission of the USS. Miguel Keith Sp five. The Navy’s newest warship. Today marks the beginning of a journey, a journey that will secure Uss Miguel Keith achievements in the animals of our navy and our nation. And I’d like to acknowledge the herculean efforts made by Captain brian Marshawn and his crew, professional Mariners as well as the efforts of the outstanding military crews that I and commander Christina Humphries are fortunate to lead their hard work has set the ship up for what will be a journey filled with operational achievements critical protecting our nation’s freedom. With that said U. S. S. Miguel Keith is scheduled to deploy to the indo pak on theater of operations during a period of great power competition. This ship and crew will deliver added capacity and capability that will enable coalition and joined forces to integrate in support of missions that span all phases of military operations. We will stand ready to work with allied partners in support of common interests and shared visions. We’ll defend our national interests by taking the fight to the enemy and providing critical aviation, prepositioning, logistical and command and control capacity to the fleet commander. We’ll fight and win with the warrior spirit that would make Lance corporal Miguel, Keith proud. I’d like to say to mrs Keith and granddaughter Dominga, thank you for taking the time to speak with me yesterday. Please know that I am humbled and consider it the privilege of my lifetime to command this ship, named in honor of your son. He remains a hero to all who serve and his fighting spirit will forever be a part of this ship and all those who sail her. And I say to everyone, this ship will forever stamp boldly to uphold the motto of our ship’s namesake, always in the fight. So I’m closing on behalf of myself and the entire crew. I want to thank you the hundreds of men and women that worked tirelessly over the last three years to deliver this ship. We will not let you or the american people down. We are prepared to go into harm’s way, properly trained and ready to carry out our orders in defense of our nation and to work alongside those that share our common vision of freedom. Thank you and God bless mm. Ship’s company are 10 John well, yes, please rise and remain standing for a musical tribute to our ship’s namesake, Lance corporal Miguel Keith, followed by the benediction. Yeah, right. Let us pray. As we depart from this historic commissioning ceremony, we are reminded of the name Miguel, His beloved parents name our Marine Corps Hero Miguel, which means there is none as famous and powerful as God May. Each sailor station on board this expeditionary ship based will always remember the source or spiritual power which comes from you alone. Our omnipotent, all powerful God. While at sea, applying the ocean routes of the world, the sailors on board, Miguel Keith will observe your power in action and your impressive works on the deepest seas when they cry in their trouble. Lord help and save them from the distress. When you calm the storm to the with spirit and still the waves. When you bring them back safely to the harbor and their families may the Lord bless and you and protect you, may the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May. The Lord showed his favor and give you peace now and forevermore, in your holy name, we pray amen. Yeah, Good morning. I’m Captain Troy Hendricks, prospective commanding officer of the soon to be Uss Miguel Keith. Welcome to this virtual tour. The ship is named after Lance corporal Miguel Keith, who was a Vietnam veteran and Medal of Honor recipient who was killed in action during the Vietnam War On May 8 1970. The ship is scheduled to be commissioned On May 8 2021 and will mark the 51st anniversary. The ship was designed and built with 4th core capabilities in mind, aviation, logistics, prepositioning and command and control. I think you will see during this virtual tour that is an incredibly flexible platform and will provide significant capability and capacity to the fleet commander across all phases of military operations in order to make all this happen, it’s comprised of a hybrid crew, both civilian Mariners and military active duty service members. The above house is where the civilian Mariners reside. They are principally responsible for navigation, engineering and crane operations as well as refueling at sea. The mill crew is housed in the forward part of the ship and their primary responsibility is to execute all military operations and provide communications support to embark forces. Bottom line. Think of Miguel Keith as a floating staging base for command and control of special missions. Morning I’m BMC Helton on deck division on board U. S. S. Miguel keep from Germantown Maryland originally, but in the navy 18 years and I’ve been on board for one year. Exactly On board. Miguel Keith were responsible for the preservation of 51,000 square feet of space on the mission deck. We have the capability to still a variety of 24 equivalent unit cargo containers and supporting maritime special operation. We also oversee the launch recovery of 27 m ribs and a variety of special mission boats while assisting our civilian mariner counterparts during the punishment at sea morin and docking evolutions at every port. Good morning. My name is Sisi McGee. I’m from Chicago Illinois. I’ve been in the Navy for about a year and a half now and I’ve also been on board for about half that time. On a typical day underway. We prepare 200 portions of food daily with our crew of 96 about while underway supporting operations, we will be embarked anywhere from 100 to 300 additional airmen, marines and special forces on board to help support the influx of people. We use four freeze box and two refrigerated tus as well as to dry ones to give us disability to sustain which a larger crew. Hi, my name is aviation bulletins, Nate handler, first class Courtney Pool And I am currently the V one Lpo on board usns Miguel Keith. I am originally from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. I’ve been in the Navy about nine years and I’ve been on board since October 2019. My responsibilities is to ensure that there is all safe and effective movement of all aircraft as well as GSC equipment on the flight deck in the hangar bay, the kilo bay that we have is capable of minor maintenance. And on the flight deck we mainly catch H sixties age 53 The 22 as well as the fire scout in the Black Jack U. A. V. Good morning. I am aviation boasted Made Fuel second class Petty Officer Zachary Ellis. I’m originally from atlantic City, New Jersey. I’ve been in the Navy for approximately three years and I’m stationed onboard USs Miguel Keith E. S. P five, The keyboard division or the fuel is, as we are known, are responsible for all aviation fuel on board, responsible the maintenance of all aviation equipment and testing the fuel. To ensure that no contamination’s going to any aircraft, aviation support equipment or any special operations equipment, fuels may seem like a simple job, but many of our procedures are written in blood and without our support, our mission cannot be completed onboard DSP five. Good morning. My name is is to Beck. Uh huh. I I am originally from China lake California. I’ve been in the Navy for eight years and I’ve been on USS Miguel Keith for since 2019. I’m one of the flight deck troubleshooters onboard. I’m one of three SS and were responsible for all mechanical, hydraulic and electric repair and maintenance of ground support equipment and material handling equipment that would include such as the tow tractor for Towing aircraft. p 25 behind me for drills and real world flight deck and aircraft firefighting and all forklifts for removing ammunition and supplies around the ship. We maintain safe flight operations by ensuring proper operation and fought free status of all support equipment and material handling. Good morning. I’m information systems technician First class Albert Salvador. Emerging from signing SAn Diego California. I’ve been a name for 12 years and invent station on board the Miguel keeps in January 2019 behind me. You’ll see two distinctive metal context boxes known as the radio modules. The SB platform is unique in its way that it provides communications support to embark forces. These radio modules provide communications support to expeditionary forces such as marine expeditionary units and Special Operations Forces of all services. Let’s take a look inside and see how it’s designed to work. These radio rats to my left are designed to support green radio equipment commonly used by Ground forces for boots on ground operations. Embark Force can simply slide their radio into this rack and directly connect to our shipboard antennas located on the mass. These radios are capable of communicating to both ground forces and air assets. Be a line of sight, satellite communications, high frequency over the horizon and even provide anti jamming frequency hopping capabilities. It is also outfitted with super high frequency communication equipment that allows embarked forces to pull internet and network services unique to their mission. These services can be directly connected via fiber optic and copper table connections to an embarked forces. Tactical Operations center located two decks above and two decks below where I stand. Good morning. I’m information systems technician first class Erica holland. I’m originally from Chicago Illinois. I’ve been in the Navy for 13 years and stationed onboard The Miguel Keith since April six 2020. Follow me while I take a tour of a face known as take off. Yeah. Okay. This is to cops. It is used to both plan and maintain command and control of boots on ground evolution. This space is divided into three rooms. Entail planning and then other watch standards. Each rooms are outfitted with multiple screen displays for providing embarked force commanders with blue force tracking, surveillance, reconnaissance speeds, falcon view in tactical link in order to maintain maximum situational awareness during critical operations and exercises. Good morning. My name is Lieutenant chris mckee, callsign boo boo and I’m the ship’s operations officer in air boss. I’m responsible for planning the future schedule of the ship as well as overseeing all flight operations on our flight deck. So as you can see behind me, we have a 55,000 square foot flight deck comprised of four individual helicopter landing areas. Were capable of conducting multi spot operations simultaneously. Day night, good weather, bad weather doesn’t really matter. And we can take on a variety of aircraft, such as the H 60 the CH 53 For the MB 22. One of the most unique aspects of this ship, I think is our modular design that we can be outfitted for a variety of missions over the course of a short period. So one week we could be doing operations with the Marine Corps or with Navy Special Forces and the next week could be going down to do humanitarian aid and disaster response. It’s an honor to be serving on this ship with this crew. That’s going to take her on her maiden voyage overseas and I know she’s going to serve the country well throughout her lifetime. Thanks for stopping by welcome to the bridge of the USs Miguel Key. My name is Dennis Bondarenko and I’m achievement of this ship. Uh to give you a few characteristics of the ship, we are 785 ft long, with 164 ft wide. We also have approximately 80,000 tons of displacement. Mhm. As you can see, we have integrated bridge, which means that all of the equipment that actually talks to itself um information is shared between the radars, between the practices. Uh It also posed the information from the gPS from the areas automatic identification system. One of the places is our steering stand. Uh we actually able to control both of our writers right here either separately or simultaneously. Another interesting aspect of the ship is that The riders go all the way up to 65¬∞ as opposed to only 35, but only when we slow down below seven, nuts! Well, what makes this ship truly unique is actually our dynamic positioning system. The dynamic positioning system, also known as DP system allows us to essentially hover over the same spot in the ocean. It also allows us for complete and total control in our direction, which in essence helps with launching and recovering an aircraft from the flight deck, as well as creating lead to be able to launch and recover small boats from the mission deck. Thank you. And that concludes this tour, and I look forward to seeing each and every one of you at the commissioning on eight May 2021. Thank you.