WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), joined by U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), U.S. Representatives Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Marcia Fudge (D-OH), and Tim Ryan (D-OH), announced that the U.S. Navy has finalized the contract to build the USS Cleveland, a Freedom Variant Littoral Combat Ship, and will soon commence construction.
The USS Cleveland will be built by Fincantieri Marinette Marine Corporation on the shores of the Great Lakes in Marinette, Wisconsin and will hold the hull number LCS 31. Over the past five years, Fincantieri Marinette has sub-contracted $14.6 million to 14 Ohio contractors and suppliers. Upon the ship’s successful completion, the ship will be commissioned at the Port of Cleveland before joining its fleet in Mayport, Florida.
“I’m proud to see the Navy has named Littoral Combat Ship 31 after the great city of Cleveland. Our brave men and women of the United States Navy deserve the best, most advanced weapons systems in the world and this ship will be cutting edge, with state-of-the-art technology and weapons systems. LCS 31 will be the fourth ship to bear the name of the great city of Cleveland, and we look forward to her christening in 2023,” said Senator Portman.
“It’s fitting that the U.S. Navy chose Cleveland to represent American strength and resilience. Northeast Ohioans have a long, proud history of serving our country and this ship will pay tribute to our servicemembers, veterans and their families,” said Senator Brown.
“The USS Cleveland will not only honor the great city of Cleveland, it will also honor the brave servicemembers past and present who call the city home. It’s so fitting that this ship will be built on the shores of the Great Lakes, where many hardworking Ohioans are expected to contribute to the ship’s construction. When it comes to the security and defense of our great nation, the patriotic citizens of Ohio will always be there,” said Rep. Kaptur.
“This fourth edition of the USS Cleveland will continue a long line of Navy warships that honor Cleveland, Ohio. I am proud that as one of the newest Littoral Combat Ships, the USS Cleveland will project American Naval might throughout the world and reflect the same great qualities of America’s heartland – strength, adaptability and tenacity,” said Rep. Ryan.
“It is not a coincidence that this is the fourth time the Navy has chosen to name their newest combat ship after our city. Cleveland is a city full of proud, resilient people. Together, we thrive in the face of adversity, despite our individual circumstances. The U. S. Navy honors the patriotic and hard-working residents of our great city with the naming of the USS Cleveland – a great littoral combat ship,” said Rep. Fudge.
“This is another step in bringing the future USS Cleveland to life with identifying the ship’s hull number of LCS 31. Our Navy has a long and storied history in and around the City of Cleveland and the Sailors of our future namesake will take on the tremendous task of carrying on a legacy of naval excellence, while maintaining the traditions and heritage that come with such distinction,” said Under Secretary of the Navy Thomas B. Modly.
Ohio contractors and suppliers who have worked with Fincantieri Marinette Marine Corporation in the past five years are:
· WESCO Distribution Incorporated (Cincinnati)
· The Hellan Strainer Company (Cleveland)
· PBM Inc (Cleveland)
· Lease Administration Center (Mason)
· RFD Beaufort Inc (Canton)
· ESMET Inc (Canton)
· DFAS-CO JDCBB (Columbus)
· Capital City Group Inc (Columbus)
· Carlisle & Finch Co (Cincinnati)
· HDT Engineering Services (Solon)
· Acquisition Logistics Engineering (Columbus)
· National Brass (Columbus)
· Corrosion Fluid Products (Cincinnati)
· Kaman Fluid Power LLC (Akron)
