This is a big deal.

The Navy’s newest guided missile destroyer, the USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee, will be commissioned at 10 a.m. May 13 at Key West’s Outer Mole Pier.

“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. “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 510-foot USS Lenah Higbee arrives at Key West’s Outer Mole Pier on May 5. It will be commissioned in Key West on May 13. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

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.”

Those interested in viewing the commissioning ceremony live may do so at the following link: dvidshub.net/webcast/31425.

Mandy Miles drops stuff, breaks things and falls down more than any adult should. An award-winning writer, reporter and columnist, she's been stringing words together in Key West since 1998. "Local news is crucial," she says. "It informs and connects a community. It prompts conversation. It gets people involved, holds people accountable. The Keys Weekly takes its responsibility seriously. Our owners are raising families in Key West & Marathon. Our writers live in the communities we cover - Key West, Marathon & the Upper Keys. We respect our readers. We question our leaders. We believe in the Florida Keys community. And we like to have a good time." Mandy's married to a saintly — and handy — fishing captain, and can't imagine living anywhere else.