Omanghana
The United States Navy officially commissioned the USS Cleveland (LCS-31) on May 16, 2026, during a ceremony held in Cleveland, marking the vessel’s formal entry into active naval service.
The event represented a historic milestone for both the Navy and the state of Ohio, becoming the first time a U.S. Navy warship has ever been commissioned within the state.
The USS Cleveland enters service after nearly two years of post-launch preparations, testing, and sea trials following its original launch in April 2023.
The vessel also carries broader significance for the Navy’s fleet modernization efforts, as it is the 16th and final Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ship to be constructed and integrated into active service.
Its commissioning officially concludes the Freedom-class acquisition program, which began nearly two decades ago in November 2008 as part of the Navy’s effort to develop fast, modular warships optimized for near-shore combat operations.
The USS Cleveland is the fourth U.S. Navy vessel to bear the name of Ohio’s second-largest city. Its official motto, “Forge a Legacy,” pays tribute to Cleveland’s industrial and manufacturing heritage.
The ship was constructed by Fincantieri Marinette Marine at its shipyard in Wisconsin, with several materials and industrial components supplied by manufacturers based in Ohio.
The Freedom-class vessel measures approximately 378 feet in length and is designed to operate with a streamlined crew of about 90 sailors.
Powered by an advanced propulsion system, the USS Cleveland can achieve speeds exceeding 40 knots, allowing for rapid deployment and maneuverability in contested maritime environments.
The Littoral Combat Ship platform was specifically designed for operations in shallow coastal waters and near-shore combat zones. The USS Cleveland is modularly configured to support missions involving surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and mine countermeasure operations.
The principal address during the commissioning ceremony was delivered by Hung Cao. The ship will be commanded by Bruce Hallett.
Following the completion of commissioning activities, the USS Cleveland is scheduled to transit through the St. Lawrence Seaway before proceeding to its permanent homeport at Naval Station Mayport.
The commissioning comes at a time when the U.S. Navy is gradually shifting focus from the Littoral Combat Ship program toward the next generation of multi-mission warships, including the upcoming Constellation-class frigates, which are expected to play a larger role in future maritime operations.
Source: Omanghana
