The rare commissioning abroad brought people together from across the globe.
It’s always a special occasion when a new ship is commissioned and brought to life with crew, family, and friends, but the recent commissioning of the USS Canberra (LCS 30) was particularly meaningful. Seapower recently got the scuttlebutt from Ron Spence, Commissioning Committee Gift Coordinator and learned a little more about how this particular commissioning was celebrated.
While nearly every commissioning involves recognition of those designated as plank owners, the individuals honored with that title for the Canberra received something extra special. “The plank owners’ plaques were made by a gentleman names Joseph Nolin, a native citizen from Australia who now lives in Portland, Oregon,” said Spence. “His company, Lumberjack Wood Products, custom made these plaques from authentic Australian Beech wood that Mr. Nolin brought from Australia.”
Spence said, “I felt having them made from Australian wood, by a native from Australia in the shape of the continent of Australia was very special and a great way to honor the commissioning.”
“I have seen many plank owners’ plaques, but nothing as unique as this one,” he said.
The Commissioning Committee also hosted a watch party in San Diego, attended by friends, families, and supporters of the of the new LCS, including many members of the United States Navy League, which has a long history of supporting and ship commissionings. “It was a wonderful experience,” said Spence, “especially when we heard family members say, ‘there is my daddy on TV.’”
“All of the events and gifts were put together by the women and men of the Commissioning Committee,” said Spence. Many of the members responsible had never met in person, “but they came together from across the globe to help make this a most memorable event,” he said.
“Something such as this had never been done before, but it was done, and done right,” Spence said.
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