What is a Commissioning?

Commissioning a U.S. warship is a tradition that has been in practice since the commissioning of a captured British Schooner, the Margaretta, in 1775. It is the most significant event in the life of a ship.  Commissioning marks a ship’s entry into active service in the Naval fleet as the ship’s commanding officer and crew take over to maintain her in times of peace and war.   

Why is the Commissioning of the USS Marinette so special?

This is only the third time, in the history of commissioning a US Navy ship, that a ship bears the name of the city in which it was manufactured (built). Along with the USS Marinette, there have been the USS New Orleans made in Louisiana, and the USS Mobile made in Alabama.

What is the Commissioning Ceremony?

The commissioning ceremony is the sole responsibility of the Commanding Officer who executes the ceremony on behalf of the Secretary of the Navy. The ceremony normally takes just over an hour to complete and is conducted outdoors in the vicinity of the ship, regardless of the weather (lightning storms are the only exception in which the ceremony would be delayed until it would be safe to resume). The ceremony is funded by the U.S. Navy and is expected to have an attendance between 4,000 – 5,000 people.  Tickets are required for entry.  Tickets are limited and only available at USSMarinette.org.   

Why is there a Commissioning Committee?

By federal law, the U.S. Navy may use the ship’s construction and Navy funds to host the commissioning ceremony. However, only those costs deemed necessary to execute the ceremony are funded by the Navy. As a non-profit volunteer organization, the Commissioning Committee has the long-standing tradition of supporting the Navy by hosting various events and receptions during the week leading up to the event.

What events are planned for the week of the Commissioning the USS Marinette?

The Commissioning Committee will host several events during the week leading up to the commissioning ceremony. Those events include a tailgate-style “Crew Picnic” event kickoff, a “Sponsor’s Luncheon”, as well as a “Chairman’s Reception.” The final event will be the “Platform Breakfast” with a short reception for attendees of the commissioning ceremony.

Where will the USS Marinette Commissioning Ceremony take place?

The commissioning for the USS Marinette will take place in the banks for the Menominee River on the Menominee, Michigan shore at the KK Integrated Logistics Dock.

Who bears the cost of the week’s events leading up to the Commissioning of the USS Marinette?

The Commissioning Committee is responsible for fundraising to cover the costs needed for the commissioning. This includes social events, crew gifts, etc. Any remaining funds will be used for the legacy of the ship and its crew.

Will fundraising of the USS Marinette hinder other non-profit fundraising in the Marinette, Menominee, Peshtigo area for 2023?

The Commissioning Committee does not expect any significant impact on local Non-Profit fundraising efforts this year, the committee expects to receive the majority of the funding from businesses outside the area, although some local businesses and individuals will be asked for contributions as well.

What is the difference between a Christening and a Commissioning?

A naval ship is christened as her sponsor breaks a ceremonial bottle of champagne across the bow and grants the ship its name.  This ceremony is often performed in conjunction with the launching of the ship. 

The commissioning is the final step in the passage from the ship’s builder, to acceptance by the Navy. During the commissioning ceremony, the commanding officer and crew members take over operations and maintenance of the ship as she officially becomes a member of the US Navy’s fleet.          

Can I attend the USS Marinette Commissioning Ceremony?

A limited number of tickets will be available to the general public.  Tickets must be requested in advance at USSMarinette.org.  Name and contact information is required for each individual who requests a ticket, and for security purposes, tickets are strictly non-transferable.     

Will tours of the ship be available?

Tours of the ship will be available to the public after the commissioning ceremony concludes on September 16th, 2023. Tours will be led by crew and available only to those with tickets to the ceremony itself.

Will there be alternate viewing location for those without tickets?

For those without tickets, the best way to view the commissioning ceremony will be a live feed of the event.  A link will be available at USSMarinette.org before the commissioning ceremony begins.