Cleveland Gets a Warship — And We're Here for It
May 2026 | Salty Shirts Blog
If you live in Northeast Ohio and haven't heard the news yet, buckle up — Cleveland is about to make naval history.
On May 16, 2026, the U.S. Navy will officially commission the USS Cleveland (LCS 31) right here in Cleveland, Ohio. SURFLANT And this isn't just any commissioning ceremony. This will be the first time in 250 years that a U.S. Navy warship is commissioned in the State of Ohio Usscleveland — a milestone that puts our city at the center of American naval history.
A Ship Worth Celebrating
The USS Cleveland is a Freedom-class littoral combat ship and the fourth commissioned vessel in naval service to carry Cleveland's name. Wikipedia She's also something of a legend in the making: Cleveland is the sixteenth and final Freedom-class littoral combat ship ever built. Wikipedia
Her motto? "Forge a Legacy." The ship's crest features an anvil and a red stripe, symbolizing the city's steel manufacturing roots, and sixteen rays of sun representing her place as the sixteenth Freedom-class ship. DVIDS If that doesn't scream Cleveland, we don't know what does.
A Week-Long Party on the Lake
The commissioning isn't just a one-day event — it's a full week of celebration. Community Day on Sunday, May 10 is free and open to the public, connecting the crew with the people of Northeast Ohio for a day of excitement. Usscleveland There will also be a limited number of public ship tours available during Commissioning Week, giving guests a rare opportunity to step aboard and see this world-class naval vessel up close. Usscleveland
And for those on the water, private boats and watercraft are invited to join the USS Cleveland Welcome Flotilla on Lake Erie to welcome the ship as it arrives in Northeast Ohio. Usscleveland How cool is that?
This Is Our Moment
Cleveland has always been a city that works hard, builds things, and takes pride in its identity. The USS Cleveland is the embodiment of all of that. Whether you're a lifelong Clevelander, a Navy veteran, or just someone who loves this city and the lake it sits on — this is a moment to show up and celebrate.
And hey, if you want to wear something worthy of the occasion, we've got you covered. 😉
Grab your Sea worthy "salty but fresh" tee's from Clevelands own Salty Shirts
The commissioning ceremony on May 16 will be livestreamed — details available at dvidshub.net.