USS Richard M. McCool, Jr. Joins the Fleet

Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla. – The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD 29) was commissioned at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, on September 7.

The week-long festivities saw the ship’s crew, joined by sponsor Shana McCool and McCool’s great-grandchildren, participate in events hosted by local businesses and Navy’s Blue Angels. The Pensacola Blue Wahoos, Marine Aviation Training Support Groups, and 350 Junior ROTC and Navy League Sea Cadets also attended.

During the ceremony, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro highlighted the heroism of the ship’s namesake, Capt. Richard M. McCool Jr., who exhibited exceptional bravery during World War II. Del Toro emphasized the Navy’s commitment to continuing McCool’s legacy through the procurement of additional amphibious ships.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti underscored the important role the LPD will play in the Navy-Marine Corps team. “The commissioning of this warship enhances our fleet, offering more options to our nation’s leaders in deterring and combating threats,” Franchetti stated.

Gen. C.J. Mahoney, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, discussed the advanced capabilities of LPD 29, highlighting its new integrated SPY-6 radar and Next Generation Surface Search Technology. “This vessel significantly boosts reconnaissance capabilities for Fleet and Joint Force Commanders,” Mahoney noted.

Capt. Jeff Baker, the ship’s commanding officer, expressed gratitude to the crew and community. He drew inspiration from McCool’s Medal of Honor speech, emphasizing the unity and importance of the crew. “This ship’s potential is immense, and it requires the dedication of all 330 officers, chief petty officers, and enlisted crew,” Baker said.

LPD 29, named in honor of Medal of Honor recipient Capt. Richard M. McCool Jr., is equipped with some of the most advanced defense systems. Capt. McCool showcased his heroism during the Battle of Okinawa, displaying extraordinary leadership and bravery despite his own injuries.

In addition to his combat heroics, McCool’s legacy includes various command positions and public service engagements post-retirement. His lifetime of service has been memorialized with this new warship.

The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ships, like LPD 29, are fundamental to the Navy-Marine Corps’ amphibious warfare missions. These modern warships are designed for versatility and equipped to operate with advanced systems such as the MV-22 Osprey and upgraded Amphibious Assault Vehicles.

LPD 29 is the 13th ship in its class and the first U.S. Navy ship to bear the name Richard M. McCool Jr. It represents a significant addition to U.S. naval capabilities, particularly in expeditionary warfare.