USS DETROIT BLUE AND GOLD COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED

DETROIT --  Following the keel laying ceremony in Marinette, Wisc. on November 8, 2012, attending members from the Metropolitan Detroit Council, Navy League of the United States commenced their efforts to organize a USS DETROIT (LCS 7) Blue and Gold Committee in support of the ship's crew and her launching and commissioning.  The committee was formed within the month and is chaired by yours truely, CAPT John McCandless, USNR (Ret).  Commissioning is slated for 2015 and is expected to be held on the Detroit waterfront.

Needless to say, the commissioning of our namesake Littoral Combat Ship will be a major event in the Motor City, which has a rich history in supporting our Navy and sister Armed Services.  Known as the "Arsenal of Democracy" during World War II, Detroit still plays a major role in designing and building vehicles and other components and systems for our defense industry.  We expect to have enthusiastic support of business leaders of large as well as small corporations, key civic leaders, educators, political officials, union organizations, veteran organizations and the public.  As the major committees are formed, we will publish opportunities for readers to become personally involved or involve their veteran organization, church or service club.  Stay tuned.






 

The keel laying ceremony for LCS 7, the future USS Detroit, took place at Marinette Marine Corporation’s shipyard on Nov. 8, 2012. Pictured from left to right: U.S. Navy Commander Nate Schneider, LCS Program Manager’s Representative, Supervisor of Shipbuilding Bath, Detachment Marinette; Joe North, Lockheed Martin Vice President of Littoral Ship Systems; Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), Mrs. Barbara Levin, ship sponsor; Chuck Goddard, President & CEO Marinette Marine Corporation, U.S. Navy Rear Admiral James Murdoch, Program Executive Officer, Littoral Combat Ships; Monsignor James Dillenburg, Keel Laying Chaplain. (Photo/caption: Lockheed Martin website.)