MOBILE, Ala. — Over the last several years Mobile, Alabama, has become one of the premiere shipbuilding cities in the world once more. To reflect that growth and the accomplishments of the city, Mayor Sandy Stimpson wants a new Mobile-built ship to be named after his hometown.
Stimpson recently sent a letter to Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus making just such a request.
“As you know, Austal and those Mobilians that work here are producing incredible warships that not only meet the needs of our Navy today, but warships that can adapt to meet the evolving needs of the future,” wrote Stimpson. “You have seen firsthand the quality of workmanship that goes into each LCS and JHSV built here.
“Knowing that LCS’s are named for ‘regionally-important U.S. cities and communities,’ the purpose of my note is to ask for your consideration in naming a future LCS or Fast Frigate the USS Mobile to honor our city and its workers.”
If the Navy decides to grant Stimpson’s request it would be the branch’s 5th ship of the name. The previous USS Mobile, a Charleston class amphibious cargo ship, or “L-Ship” saw action in the Vietnam and Gulf wars. She was decommissioned in 1994. The USS Mobile prior to that was awarded 11 Battle Stars in WWII for her efforts in the Pacific theater.
“2015 has been a magnificent year for Mobile,” Stimpson continued. “The Port of Mobile is ranked 12th in the nation in terms of tonnage handled and ‘Destination Mobile’ is becoming an increasingly global brand. This is a city on the rise recognized not only as a home to Austal, but Airbus will start delivering the A320 commercial aircraft next year. By the end of 2017, Airbus is expected to produce 4 aircraft a month.
“Mr. Secretary, I think it is right to say that a little piece of Mobile goes into each of the Independence class LCS ships made here at Austal. I as that you consider naming the 5th USS Mobile as a tribute to those putting their heart and soul into every ship they build. What better way to recognize the superior craft and workmanship Mobilians put into each one of these ships.”
Austal’s large shipyard, which employs more than 4,000 Alabamians, currently builds Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) and Joint High-Speed Vessels for the Navy.
It is entirely up to the Navy to name its warships, and Secretary Mabus has recently signaled a return to the tradition of naming them after cities, presidents, and military heroes after being criticized for naming them after Democrats and civil rights leaders during the first part of his tenure in the Obama administration.
Mobile @MayorStimpson to Navy Secretary: Let’s get a ship named after Alabama’s Port City https://t.co/YOElewLK6J
— Elizabeth BeShears (@LizTBeShears) October 26, 2015
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