Milwaukee has been chosen to host this summer’s commissioning ceremonies for the USS Freedom, the Navy’s newest class of warship, beating out Chicago for the honor.
The vessel is a $300 million, 377-foot ship that was built in Marinette, WI and was christened late last year. The celebration and commissioning ceremonies will take place in August and September, will span several days, and are expected to draw approximately 5,000 people from around the country to our city. At the commissioning, the USS Freedom will officially be given the “United States Ship” designation.
This is going to create HUGE excitement for us locals this year, and it will bring Milwaukee into the national spotlight and showcase what a beautiful, vibrant city we have.
Nothing this big has happened since I’ve lived in Milwaukee and I’m really excited to live so close and be able to head down to the lakefront and take in all the fanfare. And to think of all the business this will bring to Milwaukee’s restaurants and hotels that week – it’s wonderful!
Here’s an article from November telling about the competition between Milwaukee and Chicago to host the events. I love the quote from the spokesman for Mayor Richard Daly – that Chicago “absolutely” expects to win.
Ha!
Rock on, Milwaukee!
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