USS Detroit Sailors Visit Namesake City
08 December 2021
DETROIT -- Sailors assigned to the Freedom-variant, littoral combat ship USS Detroit (LCS 7) visited their namesake city Dec. 2-6, to strengthen ties with the people of Detroit and tour local points of interest.
The trip was largely organized by the Metropolitan Detroit Chapter of the Navy League of the United States, a local civic organization dedicated to promoting the sea services in the greater Detroit area. The visit spanned the entire region, including corporate headquarters and neighboring communities. They also journeyed to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where they met with midshipmen of the Naval ROTC unit.
Although Detroit does not maintain a significant Naval presence, the Sailors were surprised to learn of the city’s rich maritime tradition, a history that includes their own ship. They visited the Dossin Museum on Belle Isle, where they learned about the important role the city of Detroit played in the War of 1812, as well as the development of maritime commerce in the Great Lakes region. They were also reminded of their ship’s unique connection to the city, where the USS Detroit was commissioned on Oct. 22, 2016.
For Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Taurus Williams, the trip was more than an introduction to his ship’s namesake city. A native of Detroit, Williams was proud to return to his hometown, noting that “it was incredibly special to reconnect with my city, and to share my connection to the Navy with my friends and neighbors.”
The trip concluded with a dinner honoring the crew in nearby Dearborn, where they were joined by members of the Navy League and local community leaders, including Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones. The crew was also joined by USS Detroit sponsor Mrs. Barbara Levin, wife of the late Sen. Carl Levin.
“Meeting Mrs. Levin in Detroit highlighted the unique and special connection our ship has with our namesake city,” said Cmdr. Joseph Caldwell, USS Detroit Blue commanding officer. “The Sailors of USS Detroit are honored to represent the people of this incredible city and are extremely blessed and grateful for their support and hospitality.”
LCS ships allow the Navy to strengthen its partnership with other navies and coast guards. A fast, agile, high-technology surface combatant, Detroit serves as a platform for launch and recovery of manned and unmanned vehicles. LCSs perform maritime security operations, theater security cooperation engagements, and freedom of navigation patrols, keeping open critical maritime commerce routes. They are able to patrol the littorals and access ports where other ships may be unable.