Good morning . Ladies and gentlemen ,
welcome to Historic Baltimore ,
Maryland and the Commission of USS Carl
Levin DDG 120 . I'm Commander Jason
Holbrook , 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 live stream . We are here
today to commission the first ship of
the line to proudly bear the name of
the late Michigan . Senator , the
honorable Carl M . Levin serving twice
as the chairman of the Armed Services
Committee first in 2001 to 2003 . Then
from 2007 to his retirement from the
United States Senate . Carl Levin was
the champion of the United States armed
forces . Would all active duty service
members and veterans please rise .
Would all military families please rise .
Ladies and gentlemen , thank you for
your service and sacrifice . Please be
seated . Ceremony . Today is a time
honored tradition that began with the
commission of our first warship . A
captured British schooner , the
Margaretta . Since then , thousands of
ships have undergone the transformation
from silent holes to fully alive
warships . Our commissioning crew here
after known as Plank owners are in
formation among you and ready to bring
our ship alive . In just a few moments ,
the United States Navy Band will render
honors to the honorable Carlos Del Toro ,
Secretary of the Navy .
The guest , please rise and remain
standing for the arrival of official
party honors the presentation of colors ,
our national anthem and the invocation .
Ladies and gentlemen , our platform
guests , Captain Arnold Reznikoff ,
chaplain corps , United States Navy
retired our ceremony . Chaplain ,
Captain Mark Stefani , United States
Navy , Deputy Commodore Deron .
31 ,
Captain Seth Miller , United States
Navy , DDG 51 class shipbuilding
program manager ,
Rear Admiral Victor C United States
Navy retired Carl M Levins
commissioning committee , co chair and
long glass presenter ,
Brigadier General Joseph Nats , the
United States Army retired Carl M
Levins commissioning committee ,
chairman and long last presenter ,
Mr Charles F crew . President General
Dynamics Bath , Iron Works ,
Rear Admiral Thomas J Anderson . United
States Navy Program , executive officer
ships ,
the honorable Justin Williams , deputy
mayor , city of Baltimore , Maryland .
Admiral Mike M Gilda . United States
Navy , 32nd chief of naval operations .
Ladies and gentlemen , our ship
sponsors MS Kate Levin , Markle , MS
Laura Levin and MS Eric Levin escorted
today by command . Mass chief Mark
Milia US S Carl M Levin's command .
Mass chief ,
ladies and gentlemen , the honorable
Carlos Del Toro , the 78 Secretary of
the Navy , escorted today by commander
Kelly Kraft . United States Navy USS
Carl M Levins commanding officer ,
ladies and gentlemen , honors to the
honorable Carlos Del Toro platform ,
Han salute
platform . Ready to
advance the colors
platform for him . Hello ,
retire the colors
platform ready .
Ladies and gentlemen , Rabbi Reznikoff
will now deliver the invocation .
Let us pray . Oh God , who
bits the mighty ocean deep , its own
appointed limits . Keep we stand in awe
of the seas that reflect your creation
and of the handiwork of the men and
women , civilian and military alike
responsible for this proud and mighty
ship that will sail upon them as human
beings . We pray reflect meditate in
different ways . But United celebrate
today's commissioning of the USS Carl M
11 . Our navy's nation's newest ship .
One that will carry the bravest of the
brave , the men and women of the United
States Navy , wherever duty calls one
that honors and reflects the
extraordinary integrity , achievements ,
and moral courage of the man for whom
this ship is named Theodore Roosevelt ,
not only former president but assistant
Secnav first taught that a good navy is
the surest guarantor of peace , but
that peace itself is not the highest
good unless it comes as the handmaiden
of righteousness , justice between
people and justice between nations .
This ship and crew forever reflect our
nation's strength in pursuit of peace
with justice . And if they fight , if
fight , they must may they reflect the
honor , courage and commitment of those
who serve before and all those who
serve today . the torpedoes full steam
ahead and tenacious in the fight like
the man this ship was named for and may
we say amen ? Thank
you , Rakoff . We would like to thank
the United States Navy Band , the
United States Navy Ceremonial Guard and
the naval station Norfolk saluting
Battery for their support . Today .
Additionally , we would like to thank
and acknowledge the Maryland Department
of Transportation , Maryland Port
Authority and their amazing team Naval
District Washington , the Baltimore
City Council , the United States Navy
League and the Carl M Levin
Commissioning Committee for their
generosity and support . Will the
guests please be seated .
Ship's company , parade , rest ,
ladies and gentlemen , the honorable
Justin Williams .
Good morning . And thank you chaplain
for calling a favor . Get the rain to
stop just now . Welcome to
Secretary Del Toro , distinguished
guest , honorable members of the USS
Carl Levin's crew and fellow citizens
on behalf of the city of Baltimore and
Mayor Brandon M Scott . It is my
distinct privilege to extend a warm and
heartfelt . Welcome to all of you as we
gather here today to celebrate the
commissioning of the USS Carl Levin as
the deputy mayor who is responsible for
economic development . Let me say that
while you're here , I hope that you
stay through the weekend in all our
hotels , spend lots of money , have a
crab cake at our restaurants and then
before you leave , have a crab cake for
the road .
Baltimore , a city that is renowned for
its vibrant spirit and resilient
character has a storied naval history
that has left an indelible mark on the
fabric of our community from the days
the Clipper ships to versing the high
seas during the revolutionary war to
repelling the mighty brightest navy
right over there at Fort mchenry to
forge in the steel and building the
ships that won the war in the Pacific .
Our city's legacy has been long
intertwined with the Navy's legacy . As
we commission the USS Carl Evan . We
pay homage to the generations of
sailors and shipbuilders who have
called Baltimore home . We remember the
sailors who once set sail from our
harbor , braving the unknown . And we
remember the ship builders whose skill
and craftsmanship built the vessels
that defended our nation's freedom .
The USS Carl Levin named in honor of
the late senator who dedicated his life
to public service and fought for the
values we hold dear , carries the
weight of our city's na heritage just
as Baltimore's shipyards once hum with
activity , constructing the ships that
protected our shores . This mighty
vessel will carry forward the torch of
Baltimore's naval legacy and soaring
our continued commitment to the defense
of our nation today . As we commission
the US S Carl Levin , let us reflect on
the sacrifices made by those who came
before us . Those who laid the
foundation for Baltimore's proud naval
tradition . Let us
remember the brave men and women who
defended our freedom and we captured
our way of life . They inspire us to
embrace our responsibilities as
custodians of this great legacy to all
the distinguished guests who joined us
today . I thank you for not only
granting us to do with your presence ,
but I thank you for having your
presence , which honors the
commissioning this remarkable vessel .
It also strengthens the bonds of
friendship and camaraderie that exists
between our city and the navy to the
courageous men and women who will serve
aboard the USS Carl Levin . I commend
your dedication , bravery and
selflessness . You embody the spirit of
Baltimore , resilient , determined and
unwavering in the face of adversity as
you sail the seas . Please know that
our city , our entire city stands
beside you supporting you and praying
for fair winds and following seas again
on behalf of Mayor Brandon Scott , the
city council and our entire
administration , congratulations to
everyone involved and who helped make
today possible . May God bless the crew
who proudly serve as greyhound . God
bless the US Navy . God bless the city
of Baltimore and God bless America .
Thank you .
Thank you , Deputy Mayor Williams ,
ladies and gentlemen , Mister Charles F
crew .
Good morning , distinguished guests ,
Commander Craft , and the crew of the
Carl M Levins family and friends .
I am honored here to represent the
nearly 7000 men and women of General
Dynamics Bath Iron works . This ship
represents another chapter in our 139
year legacy and it's the
latest chapter in four centuries of
shipbuilding along the banks of the
Kennebec River . In Maine ,
ships built in the city of Bath have
developed a reputation among the
sailors who have sailed on them . Bath
built is best built . We
strive to be worthy of the reputation
of a bath built ship by demonstrating
our commitment to safely executing high
quality work each day and every day .
This is the 38 th Arley Burt class
destroyer built by Bath iron works ,
producing these magnificent ships .
Takes hundreds of thousands of hours of
engineering design and planning
ship fitting , welding , installation
of pipe cable ventilation and
insulation , thousands of gallons of
paint and a robust test and activation
crew partnerships with the world class
systems . Manufacturers like Lockheed
Martin Raytheon General Electric
Rolls Royce and supervisor of
shipbuilding that helps to inspect and
accept the ships for our navy . I
had the opportunity to watch this ship
transform from a very complex build
project into an army bark
destroyer . It was most
pronounced when this ship went off for
sea trials . It was an amazing ,
almost undescribable transformation
that happened in the blink of an eye .
Most of the members of our shipbuilding
family could not be here with us today
in person but to all the men and women
who put their hearts and souls into
this incredible and complex ship . We
salute you for your commitment to your
craft . It is my privilege to represent
you today as we present this bath built
ship for commissioning . This
ship represents a tremendous investment
in the safety and security of our
future . And I have great confidence
that this ship in the hands of our US
Navy sailors , it will excel at its
mission , protecting our country and
our families , godspeed USS , Carl M
Levins . Thank you .
Thank you , Mr Krug . Ladies and
gentlemen , Admiral Michael Gilda .
Good morning , everyone on a day like
this at a moment like this . I'm just
going to say good morning shipmates .
It's good to be here with you on this
historic day . This ship in front of
you will sail the high seas for the
United States of America for the next
four decades . And it's an honor to be
here in Baltimore . Somebody said to me
this morning , it's good to have the
navy back in Baltimore . Baltimore is a
navy town . We never left .
What a great day this is for our navy
and for our nation . Today , we carry
on a navy tradition that extends back
to 17 75 as we hoist the commissioning
pennant and announce to the world that
this mighty warship and its splendid
crew are ready to carry out their
mission . Today marks the culmination
of over four years of work since the
USS Carl Levin's keel was laid in
February of 2019 . Since then ,
thousands of people , many of them here
in the audience have dedicated their
tremendous talent and craftsmanship and
skills to the noble cause of bringing
this warship to life . All of you
should be justly proud to see your work
come to fruition to our industry
partners , including the men and women
of bath , iron works and to the members
of the Carl Levin Commissioning
Committee . Thank you for your
patriotism and for your dedication .
You help make America the arsenal of
democracy for the world to our state
and our local government officials ,
community leaders from here in
Baltimore and the Baltimore Council of
the United States Navy League . Thank
you for hosting this great event in
your historic city and to the ship's
sponsors , Senator Levin's daughters ,
Kate Laura and Erica . Thank you for
your family's support to our Navy and
to our sailors . It is not lost on us
that the man that we call . Professor ,
assistant attorney general and Senator ,
you call dad , thank you for sharing
his legacy with us and we hope that you
feel welcome as extended members of our
big navy family as I was reflecting
on the legacy of Senator Levin and
reading about the many qualities his
closest friends and colleagues admired
in him . There was one word , there was
one quality , they kept repeating
integrity . One of his colleagues said
that he had all the tools of a great
senator , including integrity . Another
colleague said he was a man of
substance , character and integrity .
Many in the Senate simply just named
him Mr Integrity Time
magazine named Senator Levin as one of
our country's best 10 best senators .
They use words to describe him , like
not just honest but totally honest .
They called him a foot soldier for
justice and a senator who pursued the
powerful on behalf of the powerless .
I think of all of Senator Levin's great
qualities . This one stood out to me
because along with accountability and
initiative and toughness , integrity is
one of our core navy values . Integrity
is what keeps us internally and
externally consistent so that we tell
the truth and that our conduct is
always upright and honorable integrity ,
strengthens our resolve to act
consistently with our professional
values . Integrity , earns trust and
integrity builds confidence . It is the
very foundation crew of our war
fighting effectiveness . Senator Levin
lived a life of service with integrity
and his example inspires us as we
commission this ship and this crew
today , the men and the women
of the US car 11 behind you represent
some of the best and the brightest in
our navy , they are ready . They
are prepared to go into harm's way if
required and they will carry out the
orders of our nation . They will serve
aboard a mighty US destroyer , the
backbone of the United States Navy and
support a variety of missions in the
Pacific fleet . Far forward , deterring
our adversaries and strengthening our
relationships with our partners and our
allies . They will sail far away ,
keeping the oceans free and open to
ensure not only our prosperity and
security , but the prosperity and
security of all . And as they do these
things like their ship's namesake ,
they will serve with integrity . These
are the men and women who underwrite
our Navy's commitment to our country
and to the constitution whose course it
directs to the crew of the USS car
11 and to your families who support and
serve alongside you may God bless you
this great ship and your many voyages
to come . Now , it gives me great
pleasure to introduce our 78 Secretary
of the Navy . He is a man who has
demonstrated inspiring and successful
leadership , time and time again , both
in public service and in private
business . He is a devoted patriot , a
true servant leader and a shining
example of the American dream . Ladies
and gentlemen , please join me in
giving a warm welcome to our Secretary
of the Navy , the honorable Carlos Del
Toro .
Thank you . Good morning Baltimore .
All right . Thank you , Admiral Gilday
for the introduction . And for more
importantly , your superlative
leadership of our Department of the
Navy . Before I begin my formal
comments . Let me again , thank the
rabbi and the chaplain . Because last
night at the dinner , I asked them ,
pulled them both aside and I said ,
rabbi , chaplain , we got a tough job
ahead of us here tomorrow . I need you
to make sure that there's no rain for
this beautiful ceremony . And I'm very
pleased that they both came through ,
they are obviously connected upstairs .
So how about another round of applause
for our chaplain and our rabbi . I
will admit I was a little worried this
morning . I also want to take a moment
now to recognize our 75th Secretary of
the Navy , the honorable Ray Mabus
secretary . Please stand it . I have
the distinct pleasure of being able to
speak today , but it was actually
Secretary Mabus who named this ship .
Thank you for the wisdom of the naming
the ship . Mr Secretary . I also want
to especially thank Senator Levin's
daughters , Laura Kate and Erica for
serving as the sponsors of their
father's name , ship the USS Carl Levin
DG 120 . According to naval tradition ,
a ship sponsors spirit and presence
guides her and her crew throughout her
time in service , we are indeed honored
that you are here with us today and you
will forever be the connection between
the ship , her crew and your father .
And as a special , thank you to Senator
Levin's wife Barbara for your presence
here this morning for over 50 years .
You graciously shared Senator Carl
Levin with the American people . We
simply cannot thank you enough for your
contributions to making our nation as
strong as it is today as you served
alongside your throughout his years of
public service , both in Michigan and
the United States Senate . Additionally ,
I want to recognize the USS Carl Levin
Commissioning Committee , chaired by
Rear Admiral Victor Sea and Brigadier
General Joe Nets for all the work that
they accomplish in getting us here to
this moment . And my heartfelt
gratitude to mayor Scott in the city of
Baltimore for their warm welcome to
this city . I spent five years pretty
much living in this city because my
youngest son is a graduate of Johns
Hopkins University . So I have a
fondness for this city for that
university and especially for its crab
cakes . It is great to be here in one
of our country's historic maritime
cities as we celebrate this milestone
for our fleet and our nation . As I
prepared for this event today , I
couldn't help but reflect on the role
that Baltimore has played throughout
our nation's history from witnessing
the rocket's red glare during the war
of 18 12 to leveraging the might of its
shipyards to construct hundreds of
vessels during World War II . And today
Baltimore is permanent home of the USS
Constellation and the US Tourk museums .
Baltimore indeed continues to embrace
its maritime heritage by supporting the
US Coast Guard's public shipyard ,
hosting the annual Maryland Fleet Week
and serving as the venue for us to
welcome our warships to the fleet . And
what a privilege it is to be here with
you this morning in the city as we
welcome USS Carl Levin to our navy .
Admiral Gilda mentioned earlier , the
crew of the USS Carl Levin and the
industrial partners have worked
tirelessly over the past several years
to bring this mighty warship to life .
We wouldn't be here today without them
Commander Craft command , Mash Chief
Milam and the officers and crew of the
USS Carl Levin . I know the sense of
pride that you are filled with today
and your eagerness to get under way for
your very first mission . Over 20 years
ago when I served as a commission and
commanding officer of the US Berkeley ,
my crew and I had the exact same
feelings the world that Us Boley sailed
into in the wake of September 11 . Th
2001 was not unlike the world that we
face today . There are a palpable sense
of uncertainty as to what the future
held today . Once again , our sailors
and our marines face challenges around
the globe and every environment that we
operate in from the sea bed to the
stars as well as in the Cyber domain .
The regimes in Iraq and North Korea
continue to act as destabilizing forces
in their respective regions ,
conducting illicit and illegal
activities in our maritime commons in
Europe . Russia continues its illegal
and unjust aggression against Ukraine ,
violating its territorial integrity and
national sovereignty . We will continue
to support our Ukrainian partners in
defense of their homeland as part of
President's Biden strategy . Let there
be no doubt in the Indo Pacific . The
People's Republic of China continues
the rapid expansion of its own navy as
part of its objective to create a world
class military by 2027 it is imperative
that we the United States of America
stand ready to support our
international partners and our allies
as we confront common challenges that
endanger the freedom of millions as
well as disrupt the flow of commerce
around the world . In order to do so .
Our nation needs to maintain a strong
joint force . Our nation needs to
maintain a strong Navy and Marine Corps
as the foundation upon which the
success of that joint force exists .
This ship before you and our entire
naval fleet supports not just the joint
force but our entire nation by
guaranteeing our unencumbered access to
a free and open maritime commons that
serves as the lifeblood of our economy ,
as I've said before , economic security
is indeed national security and vice
versa . Senator Levin understood our
nation's national and economic security
requirements as a maritime nation to
field the capable lethal fleet backed
by well trained sailors and marines
throughout his decades of service ,
both as a member and as chair of the
Senate Armed Services Committee .
Senator Levin was a staunch advocate ,
not just for the people of Michigan ,
but for our service members as well as
their families . And I'd like to ask
all the families of all our service
members in active duty on the Carl
Levin and elsewhere throughout the
United States Navy and Marine Corps to
please stand for a moment and be
recognized .
Thank you for your contribution to our
national security . Senator Levin
worked tirelessly to ensure that they
received the pay and the benefits that
they deserve . He also led oversight
efforts to improve efficiency and
reduce cost overruns in defense
procurement an endeavor . Our
department carries on today as we focus
on remaining responsible stewards of
taxpayer funds . USS . Senator Jack
Reed said it best in his remarks ,
memorializing Senator Levin's
dedication to our national security and
I quote in times of War and peace , his
contributions as chairman of the Senate
Armed Services Committee continued to
make our nation stronger and protect
Americans from harm . But Senator Levin
was more than just a public servant .
He was a dedicated husband , a father ,
a grandfather who worked hard to
provide for his family . Like all of us
here today , he wanted to leave behind
a country , a world that his Children
and grandchildren could grow up in
without worrying for their own peace
and security . And that is why we
honored to recognize his contribution
to our nation throughout his lifetime
of public service , as well as his
dedication to our Navy and Marine Corps
throughout his 36 years in the Senate
by commissioning this warship in his
honor today . As I close , I realize
that I cannot promise the crew of the
carl Levin that they will always have
fair winds in following seas . But I do
know is that whatever the weather ,
whatever challenges they may face ,
they are ready to stand and watch for
our nation aboard our newest warship ,
just like Senator Levin . I know that
you , the crew of this namesake ship
will always be tenacious in the fight .
Thank you again for joining us this
morning for this truly special occasion .
May God bless our sailors or marines ,
our civilians and the crew of the US S
Carl Evans and their families . Thank
you .
Thank you , Secretary Del Toro , sir .
I would be honored if you would now
placed Carl M Levin in commission Manor
Place , Carlos Levin in commission .
Yes , sir . On behalf of the
president of the United States , I
hereby place United States ship Carl M
Levin in commission . May God bless and
guide this warship and all who shall
sail in her
executive officer , hoist the colors
and commission P sir .
Ship's company ,
the commission pennant and professional
navies began to take form late in the
17 th century . All ships at the time
were selling ships and it was often
difficult to tell a naval ship from a
merchantman . Navies began to adopt
long narrow pennants to be flown by
their ships at the main mass 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 commission quartermaster
hoist the colors and commission pin it
sir .
Captain , the colors and commission pin
are flying proudly over USS . Carl
Levin . Ladies and
gentlemen , please be seated .
I will now read my orders from
commander naval military personnel
command to commander Kelly Kraft United
States Navy subject Buber's order
number 0314 of 1 April
2021 when directed by reporting senior
detached from present duty and report
to pre commissioning unit . Carl M
Levin as commanding officer upon
commissioning of USS Carl M Levi report
for duty as commanding officer Admiral
Gilda United States ship Carl Levin is
in commission and I am in command .
Very proud and
executive officer set the watch
forward . Mars
right face the
deck , set the first watch , sir .
The officer of the deck is the
commanding officer's 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 officer of the
deck's authority and a ship of the line .
We are honored to have Brigadier
General Joseph Nats . United States
Army retired and rear admiral Victor C
United States Navy retired our
commissioning committee chairs who will
pass the long glass to our first
officer of the deck in and Dean Hicks
from Oxon Hill , Maryland . The petty
officer of the Watch is interior
communications specialist , second
class Taylor Ross from Monroe ,
Louisiana . The messenger of the watch
is fire control man . Agis second class
Krishna Raval from Dallas , Texas and
the boss of the watch is senior chief
Bo mate Kendall Burnett from Houston
Texas
set the watch on deck section . One
sir , the watch is set very well
forward . Mark .
Captain , the watch is set very well .
Captain USS Carl Levin is manned and
ready and reports for duty , sir .
Very well . The fight sir .
Secretary Del Toro request permission
to break your flag , sir . Captain ,
break my flag , sir .
Executive officer break the flag of the
Secretary of the Navy
quartermaster . Break the flag of the
Secretary of the Navy .
Captain , the flag of the Secretary of
the Navy is flying proudly over USS
Carl .
Mhm . Ladies and gentlemen , Commander
Kelly Kraft , United States Navy
commanding officer US S Carl Levin
ship's company parade , rest .
It's been such an honor and a privilege
to be here . I think all of the crew ,
the shipbuilders and everyone out in
the crowd and in the country today who
has supported us through this journey .
As mentioned , it's taken years to
build this warship and I can't think of
a finer way to remember Senator Levin .
I especially want to thank my
girlfriend , my family , my friends and
everyone who has supported me
throughout my journey through the navy .
It's been an honor and a privilege to
serve as the commanding officer of a
pre commission unit . It was amazing
being able to sail down the Kennebec
and out to sea for the first time .
There's nothing like being able to
bring the crew together and accomplish
the mission . We've still got thousands
of miles to travel before we make it to
our home port of Hawaii . But I know
that this crew is the right crew for
the job . They will remain
tenacious in the fight
and they will lead this Greyhound to be
the most feared warship in the world .
Thank you .
My vote is completed .
Just come back up to the spirit of them .
The spirit of a US navy warship is the
embodiment of her sponsors , Miss Kate
Levin , Markle , MS Laura Levin and
Miss Erica Levin Christened the ship in
Bath Maine on October 2 , 2021 where
they imbued this ship and crew with
their sense of devotion and public
service . Ladies , I would be honored
if you would give the order to man our
ship and bring her to life .
Good morning everyone . I'm Laura Levin
and my sisters and I are thrilled and
deeply honored to be here in Baltimore
on this extraordinary occasion with our
mom , Barbara , our uncle Sandy Levin
and our families . And we just want to
say a few words to express our
gratitude . When dad retired from the
Senate in 2014 , he delivered his
farewell speech just as the Senate was
about to pass the defense authorization
bill . As chairman of the armed
services committee . Dad was once again
in charge of shepherding that crucial
annual bill through the legislative
process about six months of back and
forth in a congress that didn't agree
on much . So as he looked back on his
36 years in the Senate while also
securing the operation of the military
for the coming year . Our country's men
and women in uniform were very much on
his mind for dad , political battles
needed to be put aside whenever the
well being of our service members and
their families were at stake and that
exercise of coming together . It also
offered a great lesson in unity in his
final remarks . Dad noted that for more
than 50 years , Senate armed Services
committee members had managed to work
through their disagreements to pass a
defense authorization bill with
bipartisan support for a simple reason .
As dad put it , those who serve in the
military have inspired us year after
year to come together across lines of
party and ideology to support them .
They not only protect us , they unite
us . So as we gather to send off this
great ship , the three of us remember
our dad by thanking and congratulating
the entire crew of the USS Carl Levin
who protect us and also unite us . We
also want to extend our thanks to their
families for their sacrifice . We are
humbled and honored to be part of your
celebration .
Good morning . I'm Kate Levin . And I
have the privilege of recognizing three
commanding officers who have led the
USS Levin with great care and utmost
professionalism . Ceo David Wagen led
the Nascent crew through its first
months . We thank him for the ship's
fitting seal and motto and for
personally welcoming our dad and our
family into the life of the ship .
Interim Co Nate Chase built a
supportive and inclusive culture on
board that really reflected and
reflects dad's values . We thank him
for his leadership and for his personal
support during our dad's final weeks
and now to captain Kelly craft who
over the last two years has indeed
brought this ship fully to life . We
have come to know his gracious and calm
manner , his extraordinary talent ,
his mastery , and his integrity in
building this operation and this
community , Captain Craft . We thank
you for your hospitality . We
congratulate you , Executive Officer
Holbrooke , Master Chief Malia and your
entire team . And we look forward to
staying in touch and visiting with the
crew in the future . Thank you .
Good morning . I'm Erica Levin and I'd
also like to extend my thanks to the
commanders and add a few
acknowledgements from our family to
start . Thank you to Secretary Del Toro
for being here today and to Secretary
Mabus as well . There are thousands of
navy personnel who have a hand in the
DDG program and we are thrilled that so
many of you are here today with your
families . We'd particularly like to
thank the Navy's team who manage
celebrations for new ships . Alicia
Anison , Debbie Simmons and others .
They worked so hard to make these
events come together also a most
heartfelt thanks to the USS Carl M
Levin . Commissioning committee and the
Baltimore Council of the Navy League .
So ably led by Rear Admiral Victor Sea
and Brigadier General Joe Nats . Thank
you all for bringing us to this day .
We're also joined today by
representatives from Bath Iron Works
and want to thank the Biw committee ,
I'm sorry , community for building this
amazing ship . Finally , we'd like to
acknowledge the many folks from Dad's
Senate and committee staffs whose
service in these offices is also
reflected in this ship's name as we
head . Now to that very exciting moment
of calling the crew aboard . We
remember what dad said at the keel
Laing about being the namesake for this
incredible ship . He couldn't imagine a
higher honor for an American citizen .
Fully understood and appreciated that
the crew will now put itself in harm's
way to protect the freedoms we all
enjoy . So today , once again , we want
to honor and thank the crew of the USS
Carl Levin Tenacious in the fight .
Bye ,
officers and crew of the USS , Carl
Levin man , our ship and bring her to
life .
Ladies and gentlemen , the crew of USS ,
Carl M Levins salute you .
We are proud to serve in America's Navy .
Carl Levin ready to
captain us . S Carl Levin is man and
ready .
Yes ,
ship's company parade . Rest
ship's company .
Will the guests please rise and remain
standing for the benediction that will
be offered by Rabbi Reznikoff .
Let us pray , Lord God who made the
heavens and the earth , the seas and
all that dwell there in . We give
thanks for the world and its beauty .
But those who go down to the sea and
ships know the granger of creation in a
special way . One poet wrote that ships
are the nearest things to dreams that
hands have ever made for in their
hearts . The soul of a song is laid the
prophets of ships and seas . Would they
proclaim to sing God's praise ? Ane
as we conclude , we commend again , the
men and women , this mighty ship . We
pray for the safety and success of the
crew that will sail in upon the waters
to distant shores . Levin's legacy of
integrity and moral courage , inspire
us to make our world a better place .
May the faith and courage of this crew
help them overcome all challenges and
adversity with hope and perseverance ,
tenacious in the fight . May those who
go down to the sea in this ship ? The
USS Carl M Levin inspire songs of
praise from all the lives they touch as
a symbol of strength and a beacon of
hope for all who dream of pray for
better times . And may we say amen .
Ladies and gentlemen , this concludes
our ceremony . Thank you for joining us .
Today , ships , tours will commence in
20 minutes . Please line up at the ford
brow to your left . If you wish to tour
the ship , the last tour will be at
2:45 p.m. Buses will run continuously
to your designated parking areas until
3:30 p.m.