BILLINGS- The U.S. Navy has selected Key West, Fla., as the site of the commissioning of the USS Billings this summer.
The commissioning will take place in August, though an exact date is forthcoming.
“There’s a lot of work to be done to plan and get ready for the commissioning, so it’s all hands on deck,” said Billings Mayor Bill Cole, chair of the commissioning committee. “We especially need financial contributions to fund the crew’s travel to Billings, events leading up to the commissioning, and a legacy fund that the captain can use reward distinguished crew members.”
The future USS Billings is the 17th littoral combat ship (LCS) to be delivered to the Navy and the eighth of the Freedom variant to join the fleet.
The ship’s builder, Lockheed Martin, officially delivered the ship to the Navy in Wisconsin on Feb. 1.
Click here for more information on how to donate or otherwise contribute to the commissioning ceremony.
