The US Navy has held a commissioning commemoration ceremony for the 11th Independence-variant littoral combat ship (LCS), USS Kansas City (LCS 22), at Naval Base San Diego.
The ceremony follows administrative commissioning of the LCS through naval message in June last year.
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Post its administrative commissioning, USS Kansas City successfully completed certifications and participation in Resolute Hunter exercise last month.
US Navy Under Secretary Meredith Berger said: “It is important that we are taking the time now to fully celebrate this final milestone for Kansas City and to properly welcome her to sunny San Diego.”
US Cyber Command Fleet commander vice-admiral Ross Myers, Fifth District US Representative (MO) Emanuel Cleaver II and Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas also attended the ceremony.
Meyers said: “The dedication professionalism, and sacrifice you display have fuelled the ship’s success already.
“The pandemic did not stop the crew from making an immediate and positive impact.”
In December 2017, the US Navy laid keel for LCS 22 at Austal USA’s shipyard, marking the commencement of the vessel’s construction.
The LCS was christened in September 2018 and is the second vessel to bear the name Kansas City.
The 377-ft long USS Kansas City has a beam of 103ft and can operate at speeds of over 40k with a crew of around 70 personnel.
The US Navy’s LCS is a fast, agile and networked surface platform designed to operate in near-shore environments.
