USS New Olreans Commisioned in Namesake City

March 12, 2007

Sailors from USS New Orleans (LPD 18) and Marines from the 14th Regiment manned the rails of the San Antonio class ship March 10, bringing it to life during a commissioning ceremony in the ship's namesake city. The celebration of the first ship to be built and commissioned in her namesake city began with a 19 gun salute. The ship is the fourth ship to bear the name New Orleans and is the second ship to be commissioned in its class.

Honored guests addressed ship’s company, family members, and citizens of the "Crescent City." New Orleans mayor, Ray Nagin, spoke about the strong connection the ship and the city share. “I believe the ship and the city have a lot in common. We both survived Hurricane Katrina and we have both rebuilt after the storm,” said Nagin. “Those experiences have endowed us with dignity, and today we both stand as examples of America’s perseverance and faith." The ship’s commanding officer, Cmdr. John B. (Brad) Skillman, agreed that the ship has strong ties to the city where she was built, christened, and commissioned.

“This ship truly belongs to the city of New Orleans, never more so than after the hurricane,” said Skillman. “[The ship] survived a CAT 5 hurricane because the ship’s system design built to protect her worked.” Adm. Gary Roughead, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, not only noted the ship's ability to withstand the storm, but also looked forward to what the ship and its crew will accomplish in the fleet.

“We expect much from a ship that comes alive today with the spirit of New Orleans, the pride and confidence of the builders and the plank owners," said Roughead. "For more than 150 years U.S Navy ships and Sailors and Marines have played a vital role in the Navy Pacific region in war and in peace.” The ship is scheduled to get underway March 12, and will ultimalty sail to join the Pacific Fleet in its home port of San Diego. Skillman assured the city of New Orleans his crew is capable and ready to fulfill its role in the Pacific Fleet and U.S. naval history.

New Orleans mayor, Ray Nagin, spoke about the strong connection the ship and the city share. “I believe the ship and the city have a lot in common. We both survived Hurricane Katrina and we have both rebuilt after the storm,” said Nagin. “Those experiences have endowed us with dignity, and today we both stand as examples of America’s perseverance and faith." The ship’s commanding officer, Cmdr. John B. (Brad) Skillman, agreed that the ship has strong ties to the city where she was built, christened, and commissioned. “This ship truly belongs to the city of New Orleans, never more so than after the hurricane,” said Skillman. “[The ship] survived a CAT 5 hurricane because the ship’s system design built to protect her worked.” Adm. Gary Roughead, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, not only noted the ship's ability to withstand the storm, but also looked forward to what the ship and its crew will accomplish in the fleet. “We expect much from a ship that comes alive today with the spirit of New Orleans, the pride and confidence of the builders and the plank owners," said Roughead. "For more than 150 years U.S Navy ships and Sailors and Marines have played a vital role in the Navy Pacific region in war and in peace.” The ship is scheduled to get underway March 12, and will ultimalty sail to join the Pacific Fleet in its home port of San Diego. Skillman assured the city of New Orleans his crew is capable and ready to fulfill its role in the Pacific Fleet and U.S. naval history. “The crew is ready to take this ship to sea. I have never been so fortunate to serve with so many fine Sailors in my time of service,” said Skillman. "Have no worries about the future of the United States if these young men and woman are the representative of what we can produce. You can trust us with your name, your spirit and your ship.”

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Amie Roloson, Commander, Navy Reserve Force Public Affairs