JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Naval Station Mayport welcomed its newest navy ship — the USS Marinette — Monday morning.
The USS Marinette, also known as LCS 25, is a Freedom-class littoral combat ship named after Marinette, Wisconsin. It launched three years ago.
It’s the latest littoral combat ship to call Naval Station Mayport home.
The USS Marinette is a part of the Navy’s Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ship fleet.
MORE: Naval Station Mayport welcomes British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales
A series of warships equipped with advanced sensors, missiles, and cutting-edge cyber systems to help sailors on missions.
Jennifer Granholm, the secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy is the ship’s sponsor and gave the first order to “man our ship and bring her to life.”
“I am honored to be one of her many parents and I was very humbled when I was asked to be her sponsor. I am particularly proud that she is named after a great city. May the USS Marinette join the mighty Navy American fleet! Thank you to those of you out here to crafted our warrior, who laid our keel, who welded her to precision. May she carry with her on her missions around the globe the spirit of her namesake.”
Jennifer Granholm, secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy
Sailor Zach Brunns said it’s a moment he and his family have been waiting for -- more than 100 days.
“It’s great to be home, it’s been a long trip,” he said.
When we asked his brother-in-law what he missed the most about Zach, Michael Gonzales said, “Just spending time with him hanging out, watching football on Sundays and just kind of doing handyman stuff together.”
Michelle Gonzales, Zach’s sister-in-law, said, “His wife has been missing him terribly and it’s really rough when you’re a couple without children and you don’t have each other at the holiday time. And I know she misses him and I’m glad he’s going to be home for her -- and I’m glad for him.”
Zach’s wife didn’t want to speak about it, but did become emotional when she finally laid eyes on him.
Captain Shane Brewer expects the ship will sail for its first mission before the end of this year or at the beginning of next year. In the meantime, he’s enjoying being home for the holidays.” Brewer said this is about being able to eat Thanksgiving dinner with his family, “That was my goal about six months ago and coincidentally throughout some challenges, we were able to pull that off.”
While USS Marinette is the only Navy vessel built, christened, and commissioned in its namesake city.
Its new journey begins today at its new home on Naval Station Mayport.