August 2, 2010
USS Missouri (SSN-780) commissioned; nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine becomes part of the U.S. Navy fleet
A new ship bearing the name of the Show-Me State became part of the U.S. Navy fleet on Saturday (July 31), with the commissioning of the USS Missouri (SSN-780) at the Naval Submarine Base in Groton, Conn.
GROTON, Conn. - A new ship bearing the name of the Show-Me State became part of the U.S. Navy fleet on Saturday (July 31), with the commissioning of the USS Missouri (SSN-780) at the Naval Submarine Base in Groton, Conn. Several hundred Missourians were among the 3,000 people who gathered on a pier for the commissioning ceremony. After the ceremony, the crew of the Missouri hosted public tours of the boat.
"The name USS Missouri is legendary in American and naval history, as this ship's namesake predecessor was where the surrender documents were signed to end World War II," Gov. Jay Nixon said, in referring to the battleship USS Missouri (BB-63) and the surrender of the Japanese aboard the ship in 1945 in Tokyo Bay.
"This is a proud moment for all Missouri as another ship with that storied name joins the fleet," the Governor said. "I appreciate the support of thousands of Missourians in making this commissioning possible, and I urge all our citizens to give their support to this crew and to all those in our armed forces."
Gov. Nixon participated in the setting of the first watch during the ceremony, passing the long glass telescope to the boat's navigator, Lt. Mark Treen. The long glass is the traditional symbol of the officer of the deck's authority in a ship of the line.
The Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Cong. Ike Skelton of Lexington, Mo., was the principal speaker at the ceremony. Congressman Skelton's father was a sailor on the battleship USS Missouri (BB-11) during World War I. Becky Gates, the ship's sponsor and the wife of U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, gave the traditional order to the Missouri's crew of 134 officers and enlisted men to man the ship. Others speakers included Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Admiral Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations.
The USS Missouri (SSN-780) is the seventh Virginia-class nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine to be commissioned into the Navy. The boat is commanded by Commander T.A. Rexrode.