Littoral Combat Ship USS Savannah Commissioned 

BRUNSWICK — The U.S. Navy commissioned its newest Independence-variant littoral combat ship, USS Savannah (LCS 28), Feb. 5 in Brunswick, Georgia, the commander, Naval Surface Forces, said in a release. 
 
“It’s fitting that it would find its home in Savannah — a city whose agility has allowed her to be a defining force in the entire scope of American history,” said principal speaker U.S. Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-Georgia). 
 
Diane Davison Isakson is the ship’s sponsor and wife of the late Johnny Isakson, former senator from Georgia. Their daughter, Julie Isakson Mitchell, served as the matron of honor. Meredith Berger, performing the duties of the undersecretary of the Navy, recognized Isakson. 
 
“It is said that the character and spirit of the ship’s sponsor serves to enrich, guide, and protect the ship and her crew,” said Berger. “You come from a family steeped in service. You’ve got Navy in your blood.” 
 
Guest speakers for the event also included Mayor of Savannah Cosby Johnson, Mayor of Brunswick Van Johnson, and Vice Adm. Carl Chebi, commander of Naval Air Systems Command. 
 
“The USS Savannah is poised to represent its motto across the globe, not for self but for others,” said Chebi. “Today as we commission her as an operating force of the U.S. Navy. The ship and her crew will carry on the legacy of the five other ships that had the honor to bear the name Savannah since 1798. They participated in the Mexican War, the Civil War, World War I, World War II and the Vietnam War. The sixth USS Savannah’s history has yet to be written but will be enriched in stories of honor, courage, and commitment.” 
 
During the ceremony, Savannah’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Kevin M. Ray, reported the ship ready, and Isakson gave the traditional order to “man our ship and bring her to life.” 
 
“To the city of Savannah, I assure you, the fine men and women of our crew, who I am humbled to lead, represent everything that is great about your city. Pride, patriotism, resiliency, diversity, and hospitality,” said Ray. “We will carry your name forward, wherever our Nation asks us to go, and we will represent you well.” 
 
Following commissioning, Savannah will sail to California to be home ported in San Diego, joining sister ships USS Coronado (LCS 4), USS Jackson (LCS 6), USS Montgomery (LCS 8), USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), USS Omaha (LCS 12), USS Manchester (LCS 14), USS Tulsa (LCS 16), USS Charleston (LCS 18), USS Cincinnati (LCS 20), USS Kansas City (LCS 22), USS Oakland (LCS 24) and USS Mobile (LCS 26).