Good morning ladies and gentlemen ,
welcome to the zenith city , beautiful
Duluth Minnesota and the commissioning
of the USs Minneapolis ST paul L . C .
S 21 . I am commander brian chemists ,
the ship's executive officer . It is my
privilege to be your master of
ceremonies . Today we welcome those
with us in person and our friends and
family as they participate in today's
event via the World Wide Web . We are
here today to commission the second
ship of the line to brown proudly bear
the name Minneapolis ST paul . The
First USS Minneapolis ST Paul was a Los
Angeles class submarine SSN 708 and was
commissioned in 1984 . She participated
in operation Desert Shield in the gulf
war and was the first submarine to
carry tomahawk cruise missiles
specifically designed for strikes
against Iraq . She was decommissioned
in 2008 . We are honored to have former
members of her crew with us today .
We're also honored to have Duluth
native and former hanoi Hilton pOW
Commander David wheat , United States
Navy retired with us today . Commander
wheat , please stand and be recognized .
Would all veterans please stand and be
recognized .
Ladies and gentlemen , thank you for
your service .
This crew is proud to carry on the fine
tradition of service and to bear the
name of America's twin cities . Our
ceremony today is a time honored
tradition that began with the
commissioning of our first warship , a
captured British Schooner , the
Margarita in 1775 . Since then ,
thousands of ships have undergone the
transformation from silent halls to
fully alive warships . Our
commissioning crew hereafter known as
plague owners are informal formation
among you and ready to bring our ship
alive in just a few moments . The Navy
band and new home saluting battery will
render honors to the honorable tim WALZ .
Will the guests please rise and remain
standing for the arrival of our
official party honors , the
presentation of colors and our national
anthem . Ladies and
gentlemen , our platform guests .
Lieutenant Jeffrey Spindle , chaplain
Corps , United States Navy . Our
ceremony chaplain ,
Mr Bryant's khan Chairman , Uss
Minneapolis ST paul commissioning
committee . Mhm .
MS Carly Olsen and Miss Nicole Sundberg
are matrons of honor .
Mr brian chrissy . Deputy officer in
charge supervisor , shipbuilding , Bath
Natasha Marinette .
Captain Neil Ron Dorff . United States
Navy Retired are long grass glass
presenter .
Captain Andy Gold , United States Navy
littoral Combat Ships Program Manager .
Okay . Captain David Miller , United
States Navy Commander , Littoral Combat
Ship Squadron two mm hmm .
Mr Mark Van drove . Chief Executive ,
Executive Officer , Secretary Marinette ,
Marine
Mr john Rambo . Vice president and
general manager . Lockheed martin .
Integrated warfare systems and sensors
sensors .
Rear Admiral Casey martin , United
States Navy Program . Executive Officer .
Unmanned and small combatants .
Yeah , the honorable Melvin
carter . Mayor City of ST paul
Minnesota .
The honorable Jacob Frye Mayor , City
of Minneapolis Minnesota .
The honorable Emily Larson Mayor , City
of Duluth Minnesota .
Vice Admiral scott deacon . Deputy
Chief of Naval Operations for war
fighting requirements and capabilities .
The honorable eric Draven . The
undersecretary of the Navy .
The Honourable Pete Stauber , United
States , Representative State of
Minnesota . 8th District .
Mm hmm .
The Honourable Betty McCollum . United
States Representative State of
Minnesota . 4th District .
The honorable amy Klobuchar , United
States Senator State of Minnesota .
Ladies and gentlemen , our ship's
sponsor , Miss Jody Greene , escorted
today by senior chief Edward Parade .
Uss Minneapolis ST paul commands senior
chief
ladies and gentlemen , the honorable
tim walz Governor State of Minnesota ,
escorted today by Commander Alfonso
White , United States Navy Minneapolis
ST paul's commanding officer .
Ladies and gentlemen , honors to the
honorable tim walz . Platform ,
hand salute .
Yeah ,
yeah . Talk
Okay .
Mhm ,
mm hmm . Okay .
Yeah .
Right .
Yeah .
Platform ready to
advance the colors .
Platform .
Mm hmm .
Oh say , can you
see by the dawn's
early light ? What so
proudly we hailed
at the twilight's
screaming whose broad
stripes and bright stars
through the perilous
fight or the
ramparts we watched
were so gallantly
streaming and this
is rick . The bombs
bursting in air
gave proof through the
night that our flag was
still there . Oh
say dies that star
spangled
for the end of the bridge
and the home of the
brain
retire the colors .
Platform ready to
ladies and gentlemen Chaplin spender
will now deliver the invocation .
Good morning Shipmates , family friends .
This is a great Navy day . I invite you
to pray with me . Let us pray
creator God , thank you for this great
Navy day . Let us rejoice and be glad
in it as we breathe life into this ship
today , I ask your blessing on our
honored guests today for Senator
Klobuchar congressman mccollum ,
congressman Stauber , undersecretary
raven , Assistant secretary burger .
The many today who represent Minnesota
in the state and local government and
all of those who have had a hand in the
creation of this magnificent ship . I
pray that this ship and those who serve
on it would embody the hopes , cares
and values of the people of the twin
cities and the twin ports and the great
state of Minnesota , for which she is
named . And God just as Minnesota is
known as the Star of the north . I pray
that you would be our true and greater
North Star . I pray this for Commander
White and his plank owning crew , for
all who will serve on the Uss
Minneapolis ST paul . Let all who serve
on this ship embody the highest
standards of naval service and
leadership . Honor , courage ,
commitment , give them wisdom to know
the right and the will to always carry
it out , strengthen them body , mind
and spirit for the battles ahead . Give
them all your presence and your holy
spirit , especially for Commander White
and those who will follow him in the
days when the burden of command weighs
heavy , give them fair weather and all
their voyages . But if dangers come be
there strong Tower of Defense ,
preserve us from the dangers of the sea
and the violence of enemies . Make us
strong in the fear of God and the love
of righteousness that we may serve well
in support of the high ideals upon
which our nation and navy were founded .
This we pray in the name of the king of
kings and Lord of Lords . Amen .
Thank you chaplain spindle . We would
like to thank Navy Band , Great Lakes
Lieutenant Nicole M . Rome . The Twin
Cities Squadron C Cadet Color Guard and
the new old saluting battery for their
support today . Additionally , we would
like to thank and acknowledge Uss
Minneapolis ST paul commissioning
committee , the Minnesota Council , the
United States Navy League and the
Duluth Seaway Ports Authority for their
generosity and support . Will the
guests please be seated , Ship's
company parade rest
ladies and gentlemen . The honorable
amy Klobuchar .
Thank you . Hello everyone and welcome
to the USs Minneapolis ST paul
commissioning ceremony . And to all our
out of town guests Welcome to Duluth ,
a town where the women are strong . The
men are good looking and all the naval
ships are above average . Uh , and
yes , we consider this tropical weather
in Duluth . I heard it called a navy
day haze gray on the way .
It is great to be with all of you at
the ports today with the governor
veteran himself . Congresswoman
McCullum who works every day in her key
position with appropriations to get
funding for our military congressman
Stauber . Who knows well the sacrifices
that service members and their families
make . As many of you know , his wife
is an Iraq war veteran who made history
as the first female command chief of
the one 48th fighter wing year in
Duluth . Mayor Larson , a good friend
who's been doing incredible work for
this city . Mayors , Melvin carter ,
carter and Jacob Pry , We welcome you
up to Duluth undersecretary of the Navy
raven , former deputy undersecretary of
the Navy Jody Greene , who is a proud
native of Northfield Minnesota , thank
you for being this ship's sponsor And
of course Captain White , thank you for
your work as commanding officer and
most of all I want to welcome and thank
all of the service members and the
veterans and their families . Thank you
for your service . Thank you for
your sacrifice . There is no limit to
the respect you've earned or the depth
that we owe you today is the day
after all the hard work that 100 and 40
sailors and crew members put in to get
this ship ready , we finally see the
light at the end of the tunnel or as
the Mayor of Duluth aptly puts it the
lighthouse on the horizon because today
the USs Minneapolis ST paul officially
joins the fleet of the Navy . This is a
particularly special day because , as
you all know , the Minneapolis ST paul
is the first ship to ever be
commissioned in the state of Minnesota .
We've only been a state governor since
1858 . So our guests that our patience
has finally paid off as one of the
Navy's fastest combat ships . This ship
was built with american iron ore , iron
range , iron ore , something we truly
love up here in Minnesota and for me as
a point of personal privilege , my
grandpa was a minor . His entire life
worked 1500 ft underground and he
always wanted to be in the navy , but
he had to raise his eight brothers and
sisters . He had kids , He got married
and he never got that chance because he
didn't get to graduate from high school .
Um , but he would be so proud right now
when he thinks of that ore in this ship .
Um and how you got this done this
ship is a true marvel of american
engineering . She is a great testament
to all of those who had a hand at
building her and preparing her for sea .
She represents the best of the U . S .
Navy's longstanding commitment to
progress and innovation , a commitment
that has given us the largest and most
powerful navy in the world . We are so
proud of the name , the Uss Minneapolis
ST paul and the ship's motto , which
translates to , I will either find a
way or make one is a perfect
reflection of the resolve and
determination of our state's service
members and our veterans . That
commitment to doing everything possible
to protect freedom is more relevant now
than ever . We have all been moved at
this very moment of the bravery of the
Ukrainian people taking up arms to
protect their country , sending a
warning shot to any tyrants around the
world to believe that free democracies
are up for grabs in vibrant blue and
yellow . They are showing us what
courage and conviction are all about .
They are showing that they too will
either find a way or make one . And
with our help , with the advice and
help of the United States military and
our country , they are standing up to
the inhuman barbarism of Vladimir Putin
America stands with democracy . America
stands with Ukraine .
And right now our service members are
in europe shoring up events . Embodying
the bravery of generations of military
heroes . It's through their steadfast
commitment to our nation's values ,
that America has maintained its role as
a beacon of hope and freedom for all .
I know that this ship along with her
captain and crew will make Minnesota
proud and even more importantly , I
know that all its sailors and service
members will continue to make America
proud just as you have throughout your
service , Just as the men and women of
the United States Navy have done for
generations . You will either find a
way or make one . Thank you for
inviting me today . I am so honored to
be here . Uh this is the best that
America can bring and thank you for
this special moment , especially the
kids out there . I know your parents
said , I know it's cold but you're
going to remember this forever !
Remember it forever . Thank you . Okay ,
thank you . Senator Klobuchar Ladies
and gentlemen , Mr john Rambo .
Good morning ladies gentlemen and
distinguished guests . I'd like to
begin this morning by offering
congratulations and a special thank you
to Governor walz . Senator Klobuchar
Representative Mccollum ,
Representative Stauber Mayor Larson ,
Undersecretary raven Mayor fry mayor
carter Vice Admiral Con rear Admiral
Martin , our sponsor Miss Jody Greene
and all former and future sailors of
USs Minneapolis ST paul . I'm honored
to be here today to represent Lockheed
martin who together with our industry
partners and the U . S . Navy stand
ready to deliver this incredible ship
to the operational fleet .
I'd like to thank our employees and
those of our industry partners for your
resilience and dedication to mission
during the last several unprecedented
years . You demonstrated exceptional
commitment and delivered exceptional
results . I appreciate your
extraordinary efforts and the personal
sacrifices that you and your loved ones
made to make this day possible . Having
spent time with the shipyard leaders
and employees who have poured so much
of themselves into this ship . I know
this day is an especially proud moment
and the culmination of years of hard
work and dedication . Congratulations !
The freedom variant of LCS demonstrates
the commitment of the U . S . Navy's
industry partners including Lockheed
martin Fincantieri Marinette Marine
Gibbs and cox and a vast number of
other maritime suppliers and small
businesses to build the fleet that is
needed for the future . We are proud of
our partnership with the US Navy and of
the ship that we're delivering to them
today while she embraces innovation and
is filled with the latest technology .
It will be the skill and bravery of the
crew that brings her to life with her
dedicated officers and sailors . Uss .
Minneapolis ST paul will become one of
the fleet's most lethal and versatile
warships . I know you'll make
minnesotans and all americans proud
as we look to building the future and
the next generation of naval
superiority . It can also be helpful to
look to the past In this case , a 190
to address to Congress , in which Teddy
Roosevelt said a good Navy is not a
provocation to war . It is the surest
guaranty of peace . 120 years later ,
the urgent call for peace and stability
around the globe has never been greater .
Which is precisely why the USs
Minneapolis ST paul was set to see .
Thank you again to everyone who made
today possible . We wish you godspeed
fair winds and following seas . Thank
you . Yeah ,
thank you Mr Rambo . Ladies and
gentlemen , Vice Admiral scott deacon .
Okay , get this down the normal height .
Hey , on behalf of the Chief of Naval
Operations , Admiral Mike Gilda , I can
say what an honor it is to be there
today . And Senator , thank you for
that for the the praise that you gave
to the crew back there and I I haven't
spoken with him , but I will speak for
him and I can say that . I would
probably say it is their honor and
privilege to serve and I can say it's
an honor to represent the navy today
for me , part of this unforgettable
experience as we welcome the U . S . As
Minneapolis ST paul to the fleet and as
a naval aviator flew off aircraft
carriers and talking to some of the
folks in the pre reception and looking
in their eyes and seeing the sense of
pride they have for their community ,
what this ship means to them . And I
know I didn't speak with many of you
but I spoke with a few that is not lost
on me and for an aviator's stand up at
this time . It's pretty cool and cool
pun is intended . I think my
pennsylvania blood is thinning a little
bit . Secretary raven . Governor
walz , Senator Klobuchar congresswoman ,
mccollum , congressman , Stewart , mr
Green and mr Rambo proud uss
Minneapolis ST paul , plank owner ,
crew , distinguished guests And family
and friends . Thank you all for
preparing LCS 21 for this day .
I know it takes a team effort and
something of this magnitude doesn't
just happen . I offer particular thanks
to Lockheed martin and thinking terry
Marinette marine ship owners who have
delivered another fast , efficient and
agile warship to our navy and look
around this is an impressive crowd
gathered here to celebrate this
important day for our navy team . I
recognize how special it is to be
together for this milestone and to
spend this day bringing the newest ship
of our fleet to life in this way and
more so to do it In the beautiful
state of her namesake cities is indeed
special . The great cities of
Minneapolis , ST paul and other and our
Navy share a long and enduring legacy .
Five previous ships , two , each from
Minneapolis and ST paul . And one
previous ship honoring the twin cities
have distinguished the names across
every major maritime conflict in our
nation's history spanning nearly two
centuries , Arguably the most battle
tested the cruiser Indianapolis 2nd to
carry the name , earned an astounding
16 battle stars . As a result of her
actions in World War Two , the crew
fought in locations such as coral sea ,
Midway Guadalcanal
casa for anger . The Philippine sea in
Okinawa . These collective actions
represents a history we are proud of
and more importantly , the future we
can depend on and perhaps past . His
prologue , today's uss Minneapolis ST
paul designed to operate in near shore
environments while capable of open sea .
Tasking joins the navy at a time of
shifting global pandemic dynamics ,
as the nation faces as an assertive
china arising Russia and other
ambitious , authoritative states .
Strategic competition in the 21st
century is a contestant environment .
We must work with our allies and our
friends to reserve the rules based
order that we all love .
I will say this ship whether in the
tutorials or an open ocean is part of
day to day operations . Our navy and
our nation will rely on Minneapolis ST
paul in this area of strategic
competition and this mission focused
platform and it's ready . Crew are up
to the task Uss Minneapolis ST paul .
Shipmates , we know you were ready .
We know where you'll get ready . And
now if we ask you to go into harm's way
under the leadership of your commanding
officer , you will in fact be ready and
perform . Congratulations and thank you
and to your families , make us all
proud to be part of the Navy family .
Today . Sale proudly . Us manana ST
paul . Sale proudly . Indeed ! Thank
you .
Thank you . Vice Admiral Con Ladies and
gentlemen . The honorable Pete Stauber .
Good morning everyone . It's a pleasure
and a privilege to be here with you all
celebrating this moment that will
remain in Minnesota's history and the
naval history . As Senator Klobuchar
talked about the steel . Uss
Minneapolis ST paul come from the
iron ore mined at hibbing taconite
steel . The steel industry is a
strategic national security for this
nation . For this reason . As you
look behind us , this beautiful ship ,
the steel , the iron ore made for the
steel . It was mined by our friends and
neighbors that we have a rich history .
We helped when World War One and World
War two . The Iron Range did . This is
the product we live in a dangerous
world as we can see the current
events in europe right now .
The crew . The Minneapolis ST paul are
the best of the best . I've had the
privilege of meeting Commander White
many of his sailors . The leadership
that he commands and the great
sailors that are with him are second to
none . They're the best of the best .
And as they board this ship , she's
gonna sail across the world protecting
the constitution of this country ,
protecting the United States and
protecting our allies . We are so
proud to be here at this commissioning
ceremony to witness this for us many of
us once in a lifetime , the
commissioning of a ship that's honoring
two beautiful cities in our state ,
Minneapolis and ST paul to Commander
White and the sailors . God speed to
you . We have the United States
nation behind you . In whatever
endeavor we ask of you . God bless
you and God bless the United States of
America .
Thank you Representative Starbird .
Ladies and gentlemen , the honorable
tim walZ , Good morning
MS Green . MS Sundberg MS Olson
to Senator Klobuchar , congresswoman
McCullum , congressman Stauber
to the mayor's mayor carter . Mayor fry
and Mayor Larson to our
veterans and those who wore this
nation's uniform and protection of our
freedoms to my fellow red
legs from the new Orleans battery and a
special welcome and thank you to the
crew and family of the Uss Minneapolis .
ST paul . It's an honor to be in this
space . Thank you to the United States
Navy for the invitation and thank you
to the Navy League for all your efforts
planning to make this commissioning so
extraordinary . We don't commission
artillery pieces in the army and that
is unfortunate .
It's a unique opportunity to gather the
mayors of three of our great cities in
Minnesota , but an opportunity to
gather us as minnesotans as an
americans . It's all too rare . The
opportunities today for us to set in
space together maybe next to somebody
you've never talked to and share the
values and the sense of pride and the
sense of hopefulness and the sense of
responsibility that this nation has to
the world . We're not just a country
were an ideal , an ideal that has
inspired generations . We're not just a
country that has a military . We're
backed by these people you see behind
us who are sent to do the nation's work
and in so many times they're doing it
in the far corners of the world for
people they don't know , providing
opportunities for them to live their
lives in peace and freedom . So for
just a few short moments today , if you
get an opportunity , there are true
heroes amongst us . There are people
that have endured the unimaginable for
us . But there's also neighbors sitting
next to you with the same hopes and
dreams and in this nation , there's a
few who raised their hands and are
willing to say , we'll do what's
necessary . So you can live your lives
in peace and security and I for one .
am incredibly grateful that the Navy
brought this to Minnesota to let us
share in this unique opportunity to see
the commissioning of the United States
Navy warship minnesotans as you see .
And I hope the folks from out of State
C that we don't just pretend to this
were a people of grit , resiliency and
bravery . And those are reflected in
the values of the United States Navy
and the crew of the USs Minneapolis ST
paul to the crew when you sail the
world's oceans to whatever nation calls
you in order to defend the freedoms
that we enjoy . Know that the pride and
patriotism of all minnesotans sales
with you may , the Uss Minneapolis ST
paul protect you and know that you are
always welcome back home in Minnesota
May . God bless the Uss Minneapolis ST
paul and those , all those who served
with her fair winds and following seas .
Thank you Governor walz . Ladies and
gentlemen , the honorable eric raven .
I am so thrilled to be with all of you
to celebrate the USs Minneapolis ST
paul , the newest freedom class
littoral combat ship in the United
States Navy . While I was sworn in as
undersecretary of the Navy just last
month , I deeply understand the value
and need of naval ceremonies . I have
always stood in admiration of any ship
ceremony I have been fortunate enough
to attend . Additionally , I am pleased
to stand before you today and say ,
this is my first ship commissioning as
a representative of the Navy , I cannot
fully express my gratitude and what an
honor it is to be welcomed by you and
to perform this duty . LCS 21 is the
second ship to be named after
Minnesota's twin cities or as
Minnesota's may affectionately referred
to as the city's honoring the citizens
and their proud history of naval
service . The twin cities represent the
great state of Minnesota's economic ,
cultural and political center . The
twin cities play a significant role in
our nation's economic network and now ,
more than ever , it is fitting that a
littoral combat ship ship is named for
Minneapolis ST paul honoring the legacy
of work and contributions of the people
which ultimately impacts our daily
lives nationwide and globally .
I am pleased to celebrate this moment .
While in Duluth , Duluth is also a
twin city and known as the twin ports .
While also maintaining the largest
ports on the great lakes . It holds the
status of the Furthest inland ports
granting access to the Atlantic Ocean
2300 miles away . Duluth not only has a
well established and thriving maritime
community , it also has experience with
hosting the Navy granting ships like
USs freedom U . S . S . Clark
USs Samuel B Morrison the privilege to
ports here , but today marks a historic
moment for Minnesota sports . Today is
the first time that a ship named after
Minnesota will be commissioned in
Minnesota and the welcome from the
minnesotans and the city of Duluth has
been outstanding . Thank you all
today's events are not only a
celebration of this state , this city
and this crew . The significance of the
addition of this ship to the Navy's
fleet . At this important place touches
our nation and our world . The United
States is a maritime nation . Our
welfare is inextricably linked to the
sea . This part of Duluth Superior
see itself sees bulk cargo , tens of
millions of tons transported And around
900 vessel visits each year .
And the C enables the global economy as
well , 90% of global trade
travels by the sea . $5.4
trillion of annual U . S . Commerce and
31 million american jobs depend on
oceangoing trade . Undersea cables ,
transmit 95% of international
communications And $1 trillion dollars
in financial transactions every day .
And it is ships like the USs
Minneapolis ST paul that allow our navy
to protect these economic interests and
advance our global security
commissioning . The Minneapolis ST paul
means we continue to deliver fast agile
and network surface combatants to the
navy like other warships in our fleet .
The Minneapolis ST paul is designed to
operate in near shore environments
while capable of ocean , open , open
ocean tasking . It will contribute to
keeping the navy adaptive and ready and
also maintaining the free flow of
commerce , deterring military
aggression and facilitating quick
responses to natural disasters across
the globe today and through this ship ,
we honor the strength and resolve of
our shipbuilders who keep the Navy on
track to continue building the right
mix of capabilities we need for our
force . Uss Minneapolis ST paul
exists today because of the outstanding
work by Lockheed martin in the
Fincantieri Marinette Marine
Corporation's shipyard at Marinette
Wisconsin . The shipyard and its
workers have spent untold hours
building the ship that we today bring
to life and welcome to the fleet . We
cannot thank these americans enough for
the hard work that they have done .
What an accomplishment . The
commissioning of the United States
naval warship is a key milestone , not
only for the hull or the crew , but for
the ship's sponsor . MS Jody Greene is
no stranger to the Department of the
Navy and its traditions having served
honorably as our deputy undersecretary
of the Navy for for policy for nearly a
decade . MS Green from your first
ceremony with her , the keel laying
where your initials were etched into
the hull of the ship , to the
christening ceremony and now this
milestone her commissioning , you have
established your you have established
the roots of your relationship with the
ship . Her crew and each commanding
officer . They will benefit greatly
from your passion and experience both
in and out of uniform the Minneapolis
ST paul and all who will sail her are
lucky to have you as a sponsor . We are
proud to call you plank owner and you
are forever an honorary member of the
first crew . I hope this journey has
been exciting and I look forward to
your future endeavors with her for
the sailors , crew and officers of
Minneapolis ST paul . You have been
entrusted with a modern marvel . I have
full confidence that you are trained ,
manned and equipped to manage every
situation that is thrown your way in
times of conflict and in times of peace ,
around the world and around the clock ,
our Navy and Marine Corps are present
protecting our way of life . And now we
have another ship in the fleet . Doing
just that . Thank you again for the
honor of being here today for hosting
this outstanding event and for all the
support you provide to our nation and
our armed forces and welcome Uss
Minneapolis ST paul to the fleet . It
is now my honor and privilege to
welcome our principal speaker to the
platform , the honorable Betty McCullum ,
United States Representative
Minnesota's fourth District and Chair
of the House Defense appropriations
subcommittee .
Well , good morning welcome to the
distinguished guests behind me but a
very special welcome to all of you who
have joined us here today . It's a
pleasure to be here in beautiful Duluth
or as we refer to it as the Bold North
as chair of the House appropriations
subcommittee Defense . A resident of
Minnesota . Born in Minneapolis living
in ST paul and spending many years when
my father was stationed at the base
here in Duluth . It is an honor to be
here at this very special ceremony
and to share the day with you as we
commission the Uss Minneapolis ST paul .
Now , I was proud to be with many of
you at the Christine ceremony in 2019
and I keep a photograph of myself with
some of the women sailors that were
taken as the launch was happening and
it's on the hall wall in my
congressional office in Washington , D .
C . So you're with me always .
Although if you think back 2019 was
only three years ago , the world was a
very different place . The COVID-19
pandemic had not struck . And although
we face challenges from adversaries
abroad , the Russian invasion of
Ukraine had not yet laid its stark
truth about the threats to democracy in
the hands of autocrats around the world .
The strength of America's national
security and the democratic values we
all hold dear are being tested today .
Like they have not been tested in our
lifetimes . But there's no doubt in my
mind that the officers and the crew of
the USs , Minneapolis and ST paul are
ready to meet the challenge of this new
geopolitical era and they're going to
meet it head on . So I want to thank
the men and women here today at the
United States Navy and of course of all
our armed forces for their service to
their nation and the civilians who
stand alongside them to help them with
their mission , You've all been called
to serve . But those of you who are the
uniform , put more on the line when you
raise up your hand and take your oath
of office to service . So I want to
thank you for your dedication and I
want to thank you for what you're doing
to keep our communities and our
nation's safe . And I also think it's
important that as I said , we recognize
some of the civilians that help us as
well too . So thank everyone at
Lockheed martin then can tear a marine
and gibbs and cox maritime solutions .
These men and women from Wisconsin and
michigan worked hard to build the ship .
They worked with 12,000 suppliers over
40 states , including some right here
in Minnesota and we owe them a debt of
gratitude for their years of work ,
including during the toughest times
during the COVID pandemic to get this
ship built . But we do that because
we're one team and those who built who
built this ship , we're part of their
team as people here in the United
States , proud of the work that they've
done as well as proud of the crew that
will be serving on her . It's all of
you , the crew . You're the strength
and the determination of the american
people . You're the backbone of our
national security . You're representing
everyone in uniform today . But we're
here to celebrate something special .
It's the twin cities being honored and
the entire state of Minnesota . So
Governor wall , Senator Klobuchar and
my colleague Pete starboard It is , We
have to remind everybody about our deep
connection to the water where the land
of 10,000 freshwater lakes . including
the beautiful lake Superior that we're
lucky enough to be here with today .
But we're also the proud headwaters of
the Mississippi River . The geographic
divide in our nation between east and
west , that great river is the home to
the twin cities . The twin cities that
symbolized not only the heart of
America's greatest river , but the
unification of our nation as well . Now
I know you heard some of this from the
previous speakers , but as a former
social studies teacher , Governor Walz
one as well , we want to say that
history sometimes is worth repeating .
So here's some trivia for you about the
Minneapolis ST paul as well as
other parts of our history . So
our twin cities have a proud naval
tradition . Every corner of the globe
has been represented . The first USs ST
paul was an ocean liner converted to an
auxiliary cruiser , the first cruiser ,
the USs Minneapolis to both serve in
the spanish american and first world
wars in World War Two . The second crew
cruiser to bear the name Minneapolis
fought with great valor across many
defining battles in the pacific theater
has been mentioned . The battle of the
coral sea and the battle of Midway ,
the second cruiser , the USs ST paul
was presented for formal surrender when
Japan surrendered to the United States
in Tokyo Bay at the end of the war and
then it went on to serve well into the
70s , both in the Korean and Vietnam
War . The first Navy vessel named for
the twin cities . Together , the first
US as Minneapolis , ST paul was a Los
Angeles attack submarine , which as you
heard , defended our shores during the
Cold War and into the 21st century . So
this is a hollowed naval tradition , a
rich history of these names . The
officers and the crew . The Minneapolis
ST paul will carry with them just as
the officers and crew of the previous
ships bear these names defended
democracy and ensured America's
national security on the oceans . And I
know so will all of you will be
boarding the ship in Congress as it's
been pointed out . It's my honor to
serve as chair of the appropriations
for the defense subcommittee and it's
my job to ensure that the officers and
crew of the USs , Minneapolis and ST
paul have the training the equipment
and then all that will be necessary to
complete their missions and to come
home safely to their families . And I
do that with my colleagues on the dais .
With me know that we have the most
technology sophisticated navy in the
world history , but our adversaries
make no mistake are making advances .
So it's my commitment to you that
Congress will continue to strongly
support our navy and keep our edge over
our competitors . Ships like the USs
Minneapolis ST paul are going to be
critical , encountering global threats
we face as a nation . We need to make
sure that we guarantee freedom of the
seas are locked littoral combat ships .
They're fast , they're agile , but the
freedom variant designed to operate in
many different ocean environments and
when the United States Navy guarantees
to defend our liberty and our freedom
wherever it may be threatened , we know
we need a littoral combat ship to help
do that job . So again , to all of
those of you who worked to build the
ship , thank you for your years of
diligent craftsmanship to the officers .
To the crew of the Minneapolis ST paul .
Please know that you carry with you the
confidence from everyone in the twin
cities in the state of Minnesota . Well
our entire nation , I know that in
these times of peace or in times of
conflict , we know that when you're
called upon that you will answer that
call and you will answer it in the
finest naval traditions for those who
have served before you . So thank you
to your service , You have made your
nation proud . I wish for you . Smooth
seas , sunny skies and all the best
that life can bring you in the future
as you serve . God bless you .
Thank you . Representative mccollum .
Okay . Yeah . Secretary raven . I would
be honored if you would now place
Minneapolis ST paul in commission
on behalf of the President of the
United States and for the Secretary of
the Navy . I hereby place United States
Ship . Minneapolis ST paul in
commission May God bless and guide this
warship and all who shall sail in her ?
Oh my God ,
thank you . Secretary raven . Executive
Officer , horse the colors and
commission pennant . All right , sir .
Ship's company attention .
The commission pennant and professional
national navies began to take from late
in the 17th century . All ships at that
time were sailing ships and it was
often difficult to tell a naval ship
from a merchant man . Navies began to
adopt long narrow pennants to be flown
by their ships at the main mast head to
distinguish themselves from merchant
ships . The commission pennant will fly
continuously until the ship is
decommissioned . Ladies and gentlemen ,
please rise , I direct your attention
to the ship's mast as we hoist the
colors and commissioned pennant .
Quartermaster , hoist the colors and
commissioned pennant , aye , aye , sir .
Captain . The colors and commissioning
pennant are flying proudly over Uss .
Minneapolis ST paul . Very well ,
Ladies and gentlemen , please be seated .
I will now read my orders from
commander . Naval military personnel .
Command Commander Alfonso White ,
United States Navy subject . Cooper's
Orders number 95801 , april 2020 . When
directed by reporting senior detached
from President duty and report to pre
commissioning unit . Minneapolis ST
paul as commanding officer upon
commissioning United States ships .
Minneapolis ST paul . Report for duty
as commanding officer . Vice Admiral
Con United States Ships . Minneapolis
ST paul is in commissioning and I am in
command .
Thank you sir . Yeah .
Mhm . Okay .
Executive officer set the watch . All
right sir .
Mhm . Thank you .
Off the deck . Set the first watch .
All right , sir . The austin deck
is the commanding officers . Direct
representative and while on watch is
responsible for the safe operation of
the shipping crew . The Long glass is a
traditional symbol of an office index
authority in a ship of the line . We
are honored to have retired Navy
Captain Neil Ron Dorff with us today .
Captain Ron Dorff commanded the first
Uss Minneapolis ST paul , S . S . N 708
during operation Desert storm . He will
pass the long glass to our first off
the deck . Lieutenant junior grade
joseph Morello from Long island new
york . The pdf of the watch is sonar
technician . Second class Derek miller
from Allentown pennsylvania . The
messenger watch , Izbasa made seaman
Natalie my hand from east Northport new
york . And the best estimate of the
watch . Izbasa mates . First class
Anthony thomas from Long Mount colorado .
Set the Import Watch on Deck Section
one , sir . The watch is
set very well .
Captain . The watch is set very well
bringing the ship to life The spirit of
the U . S . Navy warship is the
embodiment of her sponsor . Our sponsor
Miss Jody Greene , a veteran of more
than 31 years of public service to our
nation christened the ship in Marinette
Wisconsin on june 15th 2019 and imbued
the ship and crew with her sense of
service and grace Jody . I would be
honored if you would give the order to
man our ship and bring her to life .
Good morning , distinguished guests ,
ladies and gentlemen , Crew of the
Minneapolis ST paul and your families
and friends . It is an honor of a
lifetime to be named a ship's sponsor .
I will forever be grateful to the 75th
Secretary of the Navy , Ray Mavis for
naming me the ship's sponsor of the Uss
Minneapolis ST paul as the deputy
undersecretary of the Navy . From this
great state of Minnesota , I had the
opportunity to bring the Navy to this
state of Minnesota to the cities of
Minneapolis and ST paul and Duluth and
superior and the surrounding areas .
For many Navy weeks here . But those
conversations became more powerful and
more exciting when we began to talk
about the future . L . c . s . 21 .
Those conversations began 6.5 years ago .
six . And a half years . We have been
planning for this day as a crew . You
have already proven your strength and
determination . You prepared this ship
to take her place in the fleet during
challenging times . All eyes were
on you as you continue to make this
pathway and congratulations ! You have
made it to this commissioning day
as you have seen and heard this morning
and all . Week long . The great state
of Minnesota is a navy ST and the
people of Minneapolis and ST paul in
the twin harbors are so proud of you .
I have been blessed to spend quality
time with the crew over the last few
years through visits , phone calls ,
text messages . We began our bond .
We laughed together and some of us even
cried together .
I look so forward to hearing your
stories as you sail the world's ocean
representing the United States of
America while carrying the ship's
namesake cities of Minneapolis ST paul
for all to see her to your family and
friends in the audience with us today .
And those viewing the ceremony
virtually thank you for being here to
support these sailors . They need you ,
they need your support . They need your
love and while they are out defending
our nation and promoting peace and
stability . Commander White ,
Executive officer kim , It's senior
chief parade and to each and every one
of the crew of the USs Minneapolis ST
paul . I am so proud of you and this
ship . You are what make this
nation great with the audience as my
witness . I know that I was , I will
always be there for you as your sponsor .
I will be your biggest advocate and
supporter . I will sing your praises to
anyone who will listen . I will laugh
with you and I will cry with you . Our
bond will be forever .
Congratulations on this commissioning
day . May God bless this crew .
Our crew of the USs Minneapolis
ST paul . We will either find a way or
make one
officers and crew of the USs .
Minneapolis ST paul man our ship and
bring her to life .
Okay ?
Yeah .
No .
Mm hmm .
Mhm
mm hmm ,
mm hmm , mm hmm . Mm hmm . Yeah .
Ladies and gentlemen , the crew of Uss
Minneapolis ST paul salutes you . We
are proud to serve in America's Navy .
Minneapolis ST paul . Ready to . Will
the guests please be seated ?
We would like to thank the Minnesota
National Guard , Alpha Company 2147
assault helicopter squadron for their
support today .
Yeah .
Captain . Uss Minneapolis ST paul is
manned and ready . Very well ,
commodore Miller , US Minneapolis ST
paul is manned and ready . Reports for
duty . Thank you sir .
Yes sir .
Secretary raven request permission to
break your flag sir . Very
well . Executive Officer . Break the
flag of the Under Secretary of the Navy .
All right sir . Quartermaster . Break
the flag of the Under Secretary of the
Navy . Oh my God ,
Captain . The flag of the Under
Secretary of Navy is flying proudly
over Uss Minneapolis ST paul . Very
well . Ladies and gentlemen , Commander
Alfonso White , United States Navy
Commanding Officer . Uss Minneapolis ST
paul
Ship's Company Parade rest
Governor , walz Senator Klobuchar
Representative mccollum .
Representative , Starbird . Secretary
raven . Vice Admiral Con and other
dignitaries and honored guests . Thank
you for coming out today to support the
crew of US . Minneapolis ST paul . I'd
like to thank , my wife and daughter .
Amira . They are my foundation , my
motivation and my inspiration through
this life . I would not be anything
without you chris white .
Okay growth White , you would be with
me since the beginning . A brother , a
friend , a father , thank you
to my friend Tangie , the only person
that I can say have known me longer
than chris and has been there with him
and supported him through elementary
high school college and to the rest of
my family , thank you for being here
and to the ones that were not able to
make it and I appreciate the support
from a distance to our sponsor Miss
Jody Greene ma'am . Thank you for all
of your support for the ship the crew
and your decades of public service to
our nation has been an inspiration to
all of us and I thoroughly enjoyed
meeting you and your family and giving
the tour to the ship this week .
To our families . You are force
multipliers . You do the hard work at
home so we can do the heavy lifting at
sea . Thank you for your service and
your sacrifice that you may not wear
the cloth of our nation . You are
surely the thread that holds the fabric
together to the Minnesota Navy League ,
wow Bill
brian . I couldn't have asked for a
better Navy League to come up here and
all that you have provided us this week .
Thank you
to have success . You have to know the
objective the objective of getting us .
Minneapolis ST paul to Duluth Minnesota
was not a small task . It took planning
preparation , sacrifice to achieve the
objective . You needed dedicated
professionals . We have been blessed to
have those professionals in this crew .
The 100 plus that I get underway with
our fantastic there , commit to their
commitment to being the very best in
every area is unmatched . Their
sacrifice given for the love of this
nation is unbelievable . The crew will
continue to accomplish great things
because everyone is moving in the same
direction towards the same objective to
defend this nation . I have no
doubt that the U . S . Minneapolis ST
paul will have success in the future
because the crew understands the
objective and they are committed to the
mission . Minneapolis ST paul attend
hut . I will either find a way
take one . Thank you .
Okay ?
Will the guests please rise and remain
standing for the benediction that will
be offered by chaplain . Spindle !
Our benediction today comes from Psalm
107 versus 23 through 30 . I invite you
to join me in prayer again . Let us
pray eternal . Father
Strong , to save , as your word says ,
some went down to the sea and ships
doing business on the great waters .
They saw the deeds of the Lord His
wondrous works in the deep , but he
commanded and raised the stormy wind
which lifted up the waves of the sea .
They mounted up to heaven . They went
down to the depths . The courage melted
away in their evil plight . They reeled
and staggered like drunken men , and
were at their wits end . Then they
cried to the Lord in their trouble ,
and he delivered them from their
distress . He made the storm be still .
The waves of the sea were hushed . Then
they were glad that the waters were
quiet , and he brought them to their
desired haven . May it be so for the
crew of Uss Minneapolis ST paul for
everyone gathered here today , for the
people of Ukraine today , Godfrey , our
minds from anxiety , our hearts from
fear , and help us to live through your
power and love in your holy name . And
together we said . Amen ,
Will the guests please rise . Ladies
and gentlemen , please be seated and
remain seated for the departure of our
platform guests .