The U.S. Navy celebrated the commissioning of Independence-variant littoral fight ship USS Kansas Metropolis (LCS 22), Friday, December 17, at Naval Base San Diego. Kansas Metropolis was administratively commissioned on June 20, 2020, however as a consequence of restrictions on massive gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic on the time, no conventional commissioning ceremony was held. Along with Berger, Vice Adm. Ross Myers, Commander, Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. Fleet and a Kansas Metropolis native, was amongst those that spoke on the ceremony. Fifth District U.S. Consultant (MO) Emanuel Cleaver II and Mayor of Kansas Metropolis Quinton Lucas have been capable of converse just about on the ceremony.

Kansas Metropolis is the eleventh of the Independence-variant to affix the fleet and the second ship to be named for Kansas Metropolis. The identify Kansas Metropolis was assigned to a heavy cruiser throughout World Warfare II. Nonetheless, building was canceled after one month as a result of finish of the struggle. The identify Kansas Metropolis was additionally assigned to the Wichita-class replenishment oiler AOR-3 in 1967. This ship noticed service within the Vietnam Warfare and Operation Desert Storm and was decommissioned in 1994. Kansas Metropolis was christened in a standard ceremony at Austal shipyard in Cellular, Alabama, on Sept. 22, 2018. Since its administrative commissioning, USS Kansas Metropolis has been an energetic littoral fight ship within the U.S. Navy, together with profitable completion of certifications and participation in train Resolute Hunter in November 2021.

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Sailors assigned to Independence-variant littoral fight ship USS Kansas Metropolis (LCS 22) stand in formation throughout a commissioning commemoration ceremony on the flight deck.(U.S. Navy photograph by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Vance Hand/Launched)

“It will be significant that we’re taking the time now to totally have a good time this remaining milestone for Kansas Metropolis and to correctly welcome her to sunny San Diego,” mentioned Meredith Berger, performing the duties of the Below Secretary of the Navy and because the occasion’s keynote speaker.
“The dedication professionalism and sacrifice you show have fueled the ship’s success already. The pandemic didn’t cease the crew from making a direct and constructive impression,” Vice Adm. Ross Myers, Commander, Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. Fleet mentioned.
“Thanks a lot to everybody who supported us, the persistence to honor the ship on this commemoration was unyielding’” mentioned Capt. Christopher Brusca, the commanding officer of USS Kansas Metropolis.

USS Kansas Metropolis is 377 toes lengthy, has a 103-foot beam, and may function at speeds over 40 knots. She has a crew of roughly 70 personnel. To make sure the well being and security of the crew and all these in attendance throughout the ceremony on Friday, attendance was restricted and no public or media excursions have been held. Masks have been required in all indoor areas and inspired in out of doors areas. The Littoral Fight Ship (LCS) is a quick, agile, mission-focused platform designed to function in near-shore environments, successful towards Twenty first-century coastal threats. The LCS is able to supporting ahead presence, maritime safety, sea management, and deterrence.

NAVAL BASE SAN DIEGO Tracy Davidson, the ship sponsor of Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Kansas City (LCS 22) delivers the order to man the ship and bring her to life during a commissioning commemoration ceremony on the flight deck.
NAVAL BASE SAN DIEGO Tracy Davidson, the ship sponsor of Independence-variant littoral fight ship USS Kansas Metropolis (LCS 22) delivers the order to man the ship and produce her to life throughout a commissioning commemoration ceremony on the flight deck.(U.S. Navy photograph by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Vance Hand/Launched)