SECNAV Del Toro Celebrates Bipartisan Unity with USS Congress (FFG 63) Ship Sponsors on Capitol Hill

In a move embracing bipartisanship, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced the co-sponsorship of the future USS Congress (FFG 63) at an event held in the Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington DC, on November 19. The announcement underscores a rare collaboration, with sponsors representing both chambers of Congress and both major political parties.

Senators Tammy Baldwin and Joni Ernst, alongside Representatives Betty McCollum and Jen Kiggans, will serve as the ship’s sponsors. This brings together a diverse group of lawmakers, each playing a pivotal role in the vessel’s ceremonial association. Renowned for its symbolic and ceremonial importance, the sponsorship connects participants closely to the ship and its eventual crew.

“It is with great honor that we recognize these officials who embody the spirit of Congress,” stated Del Toro, highlighting the significance of their bipartisan participation. Senator Ernst, previously chosen by the 77th Secretary of the Navy Kenneth Braithwaite, expressed her commitment and pride in supporting the ship bearing such historic importance in national defense.

Joining the announcement, Senator Baldwin emphasized Wisconsin’s shipbuilding heritage, expressing pride in her state’s contributions to national security. “This vessel signifies America’s strengths and the skilled labor behind our defense efforts,” stated Baldwin.

Representative McCollum, echoing similar sentiments, appreciated the opportunity to be intertwined with the storied legacy of the USS Congress, one of the original six frigates of the US Navy. The history enriches the significance of their involvement and the responsibilities they uphold as sponsors.

Representative Kiggans, also a Navy veteran, reflected on the honor of having a ship that carries forward a notable Navy tradition. She remarked on the ship’s dedication to maintaining freedom and security across the globe.

The USS Congress, a Constellation-class guided-missile frigate, stands as a modern evolution of its storied predecessors. With multifaceted capabilities for air, anti-submarine, surface warfare, and beyond, this warship represents the cutting-edge approach of America’s naval strategy.