Fourth city namesake finally gets to call San Diego home

By Morgan M. Hurley | Editor Downtown News

As the sun finally broke through the familiar May-gray skies along the San Diego waterfront on Saturday, May 19, approximately 6,000 people stood by awaiting the commissioning of a new U.S. Navy ship that not only bears the name of America’s Finest City, but will be permanently stationed here.

The USS San Diego (LPD 22), is a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship, with a crew consisting of both sailors and Marines. It is the fourth naval vessel to bear the name San Diego, but the first to call it home.

After a transit through the Panama Canal in April from the Pascagoula, Miss. shipyard where its keel was first laid five years before and a month of final preparations after arrival in San Diego, both ship and crew were finally ready to officially enter the fleet, docked smartly alongside the USS Midway Museum at Navy pier near Broadway and Harbor Drive.

Previous ships also named after the Navy’s largest base in the Pacific theater were the USS San Diego (ARC 6), an armored cruiser which served from 1907 – 1918 and was the only ship lost in WWI; the USS San Diego (CL 53) a light cruiser that served during WWII from 1942-45; and, the USS San Diego (AFS 6) a combat stores ship that served from 1969-1993.

The CL-53 was the second most decorated ship of WW II, having traveled over 300,000 nautical miles and receiving 18 battle stars during its short time in service. Eight years ago in April of 2004, a memorial was dedicated to the ship and its crew just adjacent and south of where the Midway Museum now stands along Harbor Drive. It was at that same dedication plans were announced for LPD-22 to be the fourth U.S. Navy ship to bear the name USS San Diego.

Among the various politicians, government officials, dignitaries and other special guests in attendance, were also a half-dozen sailors from two of the three other ships named after San Diego. Retired Chief Machinist Mate (MMC) Francis Fenton was one of the sailors who served on the light cruiser during WWII.  Wearing his original dress blue uniform, the 96-year-old Fenton stood out as he made his way to his seat, grabbing the attention of every modern-day Chief Petty Officer in the area, many of whom made their way to shake his hand.

Fenton couldn’t have been prouder to be there. “It’s a great honor to be here and see these modern day sailors,” he said. “I feel like shipping over. I would like to be part of this, because you know what? I know this ship is gonna be the best ship in the United States Navy.”

The $1.3 billion USS San Diego joins 10 other San Antonio-class ships, eight of which are named after U.S. cities. Called a “technological marvel” by its builders, San Diego is the most advanced naval vessel in the entire world. It’s unique design allows it and other amphibious ships (referred to as “gators”) to use air ballast tanks to raise and lower the rear of the ship, creating a mobile landing dock used to launch the Marine detachment and their amphibious assault craft.

Just prior to the whistle that signaled the start of the commissioning ceremonies, Dept of Homeland Security personnel could be seen walking the perimeter as San Diego Sea Cadets passed out programs and water to the crowd.  Once the crew was called to attention and the festivities began, what could have been a long, dragged out ceremony was instead, run as tightly as a ship.

Mayor Jerry Sanders not only spoke, but was referenced in just about every speech given. Sanders gave the “key to the city” to the Commanding Officer of the USS San Diego, who later joked that after requesting a couple items from the city of San Diego adorn the insides of the ship, the response was almost overwhelming.

Sean Stackley, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition, gave a heartfelt speech that echoed the inaugural address of a former president and decorated Naval veteran.  “… but today, today the torch is passed to a new generation, of men and women in uniform, who proudly call themselves the San Diego. Who in our time of crisis, in this time of war, have answered the call to arms. Who share an unbreakable bond with the generations before them. Who together fully understand with full recognition and devotion what this nation is and what we owe it.”

The Navy official also addressed the various challenges around the world, the national disasters, and the sacrifices that all lie before the ship and its crew. “The ability to project power when necessary to deter any and all threats to our prosperity, our livelihood, our freedom, and the ability to provide aid when necessary,” he said.

Stackley then recognized Linda Winter, sponsor of the new vessel and wife of former Secretary of the Navy (under both Bush and Obama), Donald Winter while still addressing the crew. “Your sponsor bestowed you with great priviledge and great responsibility,” Stackley said. Mrs Winter christened the ship in Pascagoula in June of 2010.

Shortly after stating that “San Diego has been a great home for the United States Navy,” Admiral Mark Ferguson, Vice Chief of Naval Operations and principal speaker for the ceremony, began the process of bringing the ship to life.

“On behalf of the Secretary of the Navy and for the President of the United States, I hereby place United States Ship San Diego in commission,” the four-star Admiral said. ‘May God bless and guide this warship and all who shall sail herein.”

What unfolded next was the minutiae called Naval tradition. Hoisting the colors and the commissioning pennant high above the ship for the first time, presenting the long glass (telescope) to the first officer of the deck who then sets the first watch, and the command “Man our ship” which prompts all sailors and Marines previously standing still in rank to literally run aboard the ship with fight songs blaring loudly from the Navy band, and starting up the four diesel engines.

The commissioning pennant contains the ship’s unique new crest and shield, which is made up of images representing various aspects of naval tradition, the City of San Diego’s coat of arms, an artistic rendition of Juan Rodriquez Cabrillo’s flagship that landed in San Diego in 1542, the flag of the City of San Diego and 18 stars commending CL-53’s service in WWII.

In the three days leading up to the commissioning ceremony, the ship was open to the public and for media, with over 2,200 people passing over the ship’s brow during that time for tours. After the hour-long ceremony on May 19, approximately 4,700 more people stayed to eat cake and participate in shipboard tours.

All the pomp and circumstance that go into such a ceremony are deep-seated traditions within the annals of naval history, and great care is taken to insure each detail is carried out with perfection.  And so the first official task managed by the executive officer of the USS San Diego and carried out by its crew went off without a hitch, and in record time.