USS Kingsville Sets Sail: Official Commissioning in Corpus Christi

Last week, the crew of the USS Kingsville forged significant connections with their namesake city, including a luncheon at the Henrietta Memorial Museum and a tour of the historic King Ranch. They met with the Mayor of Kingsville, Ms. Katherine Kline, the ship’s sponsor, and her parents, Dr. Rich and Mrs. Sue Sugden. The U.S. Navy values the bond between its vessels and their namesake communities, and such early ties are expected to bolster longstanding relationships.

During the commissioning ceremony, leaders and distinguished guests extended well wishes to the crew of Kingsville for their upcoming journey. The principal address was delivered by Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Financial Management and Comptroller, the Honorable Russell Rumbaugh. Other speakers included Vice Adm. Brad Skillman, the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Integration and Capabilities, Congressmen Vicente Gonzalez, Jr., and Michael Cloud, Kingsville Mayor Sam Fugate, and Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo.

Rumbaugh emphasized the significance of the ceremony, stating, “A ship commissioning is one of the ways the U.S. Navy keeps itself tied to the nation it serves. It’s why we name ships after cities and states. And what better moment to celebrate our long and intimate relationship than commissioning a ship named after Kingsville?”

Cmdr. Ludwig Mann III, commanding officer of Kingsville, affirmed that the ship was manned and ready. The ship sponsor then gave the traditional order to “Man our ship and bring her to life!” This moment was complemented by a flyover from T-45C aircraft assigned to VT-21 from Naval Air Station Kingsville, symbolizing the ship’s official entry into service.

Vice Adm. Skillman shared his confidence in the crew’s readiness, stating, “This experience is a unique one and should be cherished. You will create a culture that I am sure will last as the Kingsville way for decades to come.”

The Kingsville Commissioning Committee hosted an evening reception aboard the USS Lexington Museum the night before. This event honored the dedication of the crew, culminating in a fireworks display.

The USS Kingsville, the 18th Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), is named in homage to the city of Kingsville and the King Ranch, which continues its bond with Naval Air Station Kingsville, established in 1942.

Independence-variant LCS ships are fast, mission-tailored vessels equipped for operations in both near-shore and open-ocean environments. They are designed to address 21st-century coastal threats, supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions worldwide.

The mission of the Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, remains focused on preparing and equipping the Surface Force to provide fleet commanders with robust naval power, ensuring control of the sea and projection of power ashore.

For more updates, visit Arizonanews.org.