Story by YNSR Alondra Garcia, RCC Great Lakes Public Affairs
GREAT LAKES, Ill. (NNS) – Sailors assigned to Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Great Lakes observed The Freedom-class Littoral combat ship, the USS Indianapolis (LCS-17) as it sailed in Naval Station Great Lake waters on October 20, 2019.
LCS-17 is currently on its way to its official commissioning in Indianapolis, Indiana. It is making multiple stops before it reaches Naval Station Mayport, its first official homeport.
The ship’s main intention was to meet with NOSC Staff and surrounding leadership, to provide an insight to ship life aboard the LCS-17. A mix of local Reservists stationed at NOSC Great Lakes and local supporters were allowed onboard for one time experience. They were provided a tour of berthing, the galley and work spaces.
CDR Colin J King, Commanding Officer, LCS-17, said that he wanted to give the new Sailors at Naval Station Great Lakes a chance to see a Navy ship.
“We wanted to give some of the new Sailors that work there a chance to see a warship since it is not something that often happens near the Great Lakes Naval Station,” said King. “They can look out their window right now and see a warship sitting out on the Great Lakes; they can get a sense of what their job in the Navy is going to be.”
Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Kayla Ricker, a Full-Time Support Reservist stationed at NOSC Great Lakes, said that seeing the warship sail by was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“Touring the USS Indianapolis was very exciting for my career,” said Ricker. “I have orders for the USS Benfold in Japan next March, so visiting the Indianapolis has made me very anxious and excited for Sea Duty. It made me feel like a Navy Sailor being out on the ship and I can’t wait for the next step in my career.”
Ricker also said that the crew members of LCS-17 were respectful and welcoming to those who came onboard the ship, and she can’t wait for the chance to visit again.
LCS-17, the fourth Navy vessel named after Indianapolis, Indiana, is slated for commissioning in a ceremony at Burns Harbor, Indiana October 26, 2019.
For more news from RCC Great Lakes, visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/rccgreatlakes.
| Date Taken: | 10.20.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 11.01.2019 10:32 |
| Story ID: | 350147 |
| Location: | GREAT LAKES, ILLINOIS, US |
| Hometown: | INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, US |
| Web Views: | 112 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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