BUFFALO, N.Y. — History was made in the Queen City Saturday as the Navy commissioned the new USS Little Rock LCS9.
It was the first time in the Navy's 242-year history that it commissioned a brand new ship alongside its namesake.
Hundreds of people braved the snow and cold at Canalside to witness the special ceremony which was attended by members of the public, politicians, and veterans who served on the original and now decommissioned USS Little Rock.
The USS Little Rock LCS9 is a Littoral Combat Ship, which is designed for operations close to shore. It can operate in as little as 14 feet of water.
The vessel has state-of-the-art weaponry and navigation systems and features a helicopter pad, a ramp for small boats, and can be used by small assault forces.
According to the U.S. Navy, the name of the old and new ships pays tribute to Arkansas' state capital. Arkansas' governor and the mayor of Little Rock attended Saturday's ceremony.
Local politicians included Representative Brian Higgins, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, and Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul.
The USS Little Rock LCS9 was built in Marinette, Wisconsin and cost nearly $500 million to build.
Commander Todd D. Peters is the ship's commanding officer.
The ship's sponsor, Janée Lambert Bonner, is the wife of former Congressman Jo Bonner of Alabama. The Secretary of the Navy chose her for the role, and she will be the only person officially associated with the ship throughout its life.