Earlier this afternoon, a special ceremony took place that saw three silver place settings transferred from one home to another. These were not your typical homes, mind you. The settings made their way from the decommissioned USS Little Rock CLG-4 to the newly commissioned USS Little Rock LCS-9.
The Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park passed along the place settings to their new home aboard the LCS-9, where they will be proudly displayed in the Ward Room, the Chief’s Mess, and a display case for the general crew.
LCS 9 arrived in Buffalo on Monday, December 4, four days earlier than scheduled. While in port, the crew of LCS 9 was treated to a number of activities including Bills and Sabres games, catered meals from local restaurants including Chef’s, ice skating at Canalside, visits to Niagara Falls and night life in the Chippewa entertainment district.
“Our goal was to treat the crew of LCS 9 to the best Buffalo has to offer and make this commissioning week something they will never forget.” commented Maurice L. Naylon III, chairman of the USS Little Rock LCS 9 Commissioning Committee. “I was overwhelmed how the people of Western New York embraced the men and women of the crew and showed their support by braving the cold temperatures for the commissioning ceremony last Saturday.”
An estimated 8500 people packed Canalside on Saturday, December 16 for the official commissioning ceremony.
“It will be bittersweet to watch this majestic ship leave our inner harbor after more than two years of planning and preparation. It was a privilege and honor to play a role in this historic event; something I will always treasure.” added Naylon.