USS Fort Worth celebrates 10 years at sea

Published on September 07, 2022

Before 2009, Fort Worth never had a Navy ship to call its own. That all changed that March, with the U.S. Navy’s announcement to honor Fort Worth — a city built on national defense— with its own namesake ship: a Freedom-class littoral combat ship named the USS Fort Worth.

The Navy’s historic decision came after years of hard work and advocacy by U.S. Rep. Kay Granger, R-Fort Worth, and former Secretary of the Navy Gordon England. As the former president of the General Dynamics Fort Worth Aircraft Co. (later Lockheed-Martin), he knew firsthand the city’s rich history of supporting the armed forces.

The USS Fort Worth was part of a new class of warships, called littoral combat ships, being prepared for the Navy. The ships would be fast, maneuverable warships ideal for shallow water.

In 2012, the USS Fort Worth was officially commissioned. At 388 feet long, the USS Fort Worth is smaller and stealthier than most warships, making her especially effective in her missions.

View a video about the ship’s commissioning on Sept. 21, 2012.

Since her commissioning, the USS Fort Worth has embodied the steadfast, pioneering spirit of the city around the world. She has sailed the Pacific in important operations from her home port in San Diego, California. Her coat of arms bears the Texas flag, a longhorn and the motto “Grit and Tenacity.”

The city’s ship enjoys plenty of support here at home. A nonprofit group, the USS Fort Worth Support Committee, works to champion the achievements of the city’s ship and her crew, raise awareness of her naval service and maintain strong ties of friendship, heritage and the spirit of Fort Worth throughout the life of her service.

The organization is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the commissioning of the USS Fort Worth from 5-8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11.  The ship’s commander and five members of the crew will be joining. Participants will hear an update on the ship, enjoy some great food and have the opportunity to thank volunteers and honor members of the crew. Purchase tickets online.

Photo: Numerous Fort Worth elected officials and supporters attended the 2012 commissioning of the new class of warship.

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