This is a big deal.
The Navy’s newest guided missile destroyer, the USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee, will be commissioned in Key West on May 13.
“If you’ve never seen a ship commissioning, you’re in for a treat. It’s by far one of the military’s most impressive traditions,” said Eddie Kertis, a member of the Key West Navy League who’s working with the local Commissioning Committee to raise funds for a week of events.
“The crew of the Higbee voted 9 to 1 to hold their commissioning in Key West, and we’re so excited to welcome them.”
The USS Lenah Higbee was christened and launched in 2021 in Pascagoula, Mississippi, but won’t become an official part of the U.S. Navy until it’s commissioned here. The Navy’s commissioning traditions date back to 1775.
The 510-foot Higbee has been at sea for more than a year as its crew tests and masters all its state-of-the-art systems before entering official service. The ship’s namesake, Lenah Higbee, was a Navy nurse pioneer. She was the first woman to receive the Navy Cross for her exemplary work as superintendent of the newly formed U.S. Navy Nurse Corps during World War I.
“During the commissioning ceremony, orders are given to hoist the colors (flag) and the commissioning pennant,” states the Navy website. “At the moment the commissioning pennant is broken at the masthead, the ship becomes a Navy command in her own right, and a member of the Navy fleet.
“The most iconic part of the ceremony occurs when the ship’s sponsor gives the order, ‘Officers and crew of the USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee, man our ship and bring her to life.’ Crew members run aboard the ship and man the rails side by side as the ship’s systems come online.”
Before the commissioning…
In the weeks leading up to the May 13 commissioning, the Key West Navy League, Military Affairs Committee and other organizations are working tirelessly to involve the Key West community and raise money for commissioning-week events.
Local elementary school students are taking part in a coloring contest featuring an outline of the ship.
The Girls Night Out organization’s monthly happy hour event will benefit the Commissioning Committee on Tuesday, March 7 at the Hemingway Rum Co. from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
“Girls Night Out Ladies will be treated to a welcome rum cocktail, live music, a multi-prize raffle, munchies and desserts, and a cash bar with special pricing. An entry donation of $5 gets you your first raffle ticket. Additional tickets may be purchased,” states a press release.
The Navy League will be hosting many events in the coming months to raise money and awareness of the importance of such a major military event happening in Key West.
The commissioning ceremony, the culmination of a week of events for the crew of 350, their families, and as many as 5,000 visitors, will be open to all, with free tickets available. For more information on the Higbee commissioning and the Navy League, Key West Council visit higbeecommissioning.org or navyleaguekeywest.org.
