US Navy Commissions A New Ship, USS Fort Lauderdale

The USS Fort Lauderdale, the Navy’s newest amphibious transport dock ship, was commissioned in Florida.

“To the Sailors and Marines who will serve aboard the USS Fort Lauderdale, thank you and your families in advance for the service you will provide and the sacrifices you may be required to make,” Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro said on Saturday.

“The moment you bring this amphibious transport dock online, you will strengthen our entire Joint Force’s integrated deterrence capability.”

The commissioning ceremony marks the official entry of the ship into the fleet. It was christened in August 2021 before being delivered to the US Navy last November, and despite being named after a city in southern Florida, it will be based at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia.

According to a Navy news release, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., served as the principal speaker during the ceremony and said it was “an honour to be involved” with the warship’s commissioning.

“It’s another chapter in the city’s momentous history, friendship, and respect for the United States Navy,” the lawmaker said.

“My commitment to our military is unwavering. I will always support our troops and veterans, and I will honour those who continue to serve.”

The ship was sponsored by Meredith Berget, the assistant Navy Secretary for energy, installations, and the environment, who issued the first order to “man our ship and bring her to life.”

“The Navy names ships after notable people, places, and ideas. When naming the USS Fort Lauderdale, the Navy certainly chose a special location “Berger stated. “I am honoured to be the sponsor of this magnificent ship.”

The USS Fort Lauderdale is a San Antonio-class ship designed to transport 700 Marines and their gear in support of amphibious assault, special operations, and expeditionary warfare missions.