WEBVTT 00:18.149 --> 00:20.260 Good morning , ladies and gentlemen . 00:21.010 --> 00:24.020 It is my distinct honor and privilege 00:24.030 --> 00:27.250 to welcome you to Eastport Maine for 00:27.260 --> 00:29.316 the commissioning ceremony of the US 00:29.316 --> 00:32.180 Augusta . I am Commander Kaylin Hickey , 00:32.189 --> 00:34.669 the ship's executive officer , on 00:34.680 --> 00:37.799 behalf of the crew of us S Augusta , I 00:37.810 --> 00:39.699 would like to express our sincere 00:39.699 --> 00:42.139 gratitude for joining us here today . 00:43.569 --> 00:45.736 Before our celebration begins , please 00:45.736 --> 00:49.500 silence your cell phones . We are here 00:49.509 --> 00:52.180 today to celebrate the commissioning of 00:52.189 --> 00:56.020 us S Augusta , the second US ship 00:56.220 --> 00:58.164 to bear the name of the capital of 00:58.164 --> 00:59.164 Maine 01:08.349 --> 01:12.319 US Augusta , SSN 710 was a 01:12.330 --> 01:15.819 Los Angeles class submarine which was 01:15.830 --> 01:19.019 commissioned in January 1919 85 . 01:19.779 --> 01:21.946 She was assigned to the Atlantic fleet 01:21.946 --> 01:24.112 in home ported in Groton , Connecticut 01:25.349 --> 01:28.330 in October of 1986 . She suffered an 01:28.339 --> 01:30.510 underwater collision and returned to 01:30.519 --> 01:33.419 Groton for repairs in July 01:33.430 --> 01:35.720 1987 . She would complete service 01:35.730 --> 01:38.769 trials for the wide aperture sonar 01:38.779 --> 01:41.180 array system with prototype sonars 01:43.319 --> 01:45.500 in 2003 . She served in support of 01:45.510 --> 01:48.199 operation Iraqi Freedom launching 01:48.209 --> 01:50.370 Tomahawk missile strikes with 100% 01:50.379 --> 01:52.620 completion of all assigned tasks . 02:00.510 --> 02:02.730 Augusta changed her home port in 2008 02:02.739 --> 02:05.040 to Norfolk naval shipyard and was 02:05.050 --> 02:08.089 decommissioned later that year . This 02:08.100 --> 02:10.929 ship and her crew are honored to bear 02:10.940 --> 02:14.000 the name us Augusta and to continue the 02:14.009 --> 02:17.559 proud legacy of courage handed to us by 02:17.570 --> 02:19.737 those who have gone before us . On the 02:19.737 --> 02:21.119 first us S Augusta , 02:26.929 --> 02:28.949 would all veterans and active duty 02:28.960 --> 02:30.682 service members please stand . 02:39.789 --> 02:41.845 Ladies and gentlemen , thank you for 02:41.845 --> 02:42.845 your service . 02:47.490 --> 02:50.160 Would all military families please rise 02:50.169 --> 02:51.419 and be recognized ? 02:56.860 --> 02:58.889 Thank you for your support of our 02:58.899 --> 02:59.899 service members . 03:05.830 --> 03:07.886 Our ceremony today is a time honored 03:07.886 --> 03:09.608 tradition which began with the 03:09.608 --> 03:11.774 commissioning of our first warship . A 03:11.774 --> 03:13.552 captured British schooner , the 03:13.552 --> 03:17.399 Margaretta . In 17 75 the 03:17.410 --> 03:19.577 Margaretta was taken a bit more than a 03:19.577 --> 03:21.632 stone's throw from our commissioning 03:21.632 --> 03:24.539 site . Today , we are truly honored to 03:24.550 --> 03:27.139 be down east in amongst the descendants 03:27.149 --> 03:29.809 of the revolutionary war heroes that 03:29.820 --> 03:32.369 planned and captured our navy's first 03:32.380 --> 03:35.710 ship at Burnham Tavern over in Machias 03:35.789 --> 03:36.509 Maine . 03:44.330 --> 03:46.441 Since the capture of the Margaretta , 03:46.441 --> 03:48.619 thousands of ships have undergone the 03:48.630 --> 03:51.449 transition from silent hull to fully 03:51.460 --> 03:54.990 alive us navy warships , my 03:55.000 --> 03:57.929 shipmates our crew who are here after 03:57.940 --> 04:01.000 known as Plank . Owners are information 04:01.589 --> 04:05.389 and we are ready in just a few moments . 04:05.399 --> 04:07.759 Navy band northeast will render honors 04:07.770 --> 04:10.350 to Vice Admiral John Fuller , United 04:10.360 --> 04:11.240 States Navy . 04:14.240 --> 04:16.519 Will the guest please rise and remain 04:16.529 --> 04:18.307 standing for the arrival of our 04:18.307 --> 04:21.720 official party honors the presentation 04:21.730 --> 04:24.730 of colors , our national anthem and the 04:24.739 --> 04:28.640 invocation . Ladies and gentlemen , our 04:28.649 --> 04:32.269 platform guests , Commander 04:32.279 --> 04:35.140 Justin Bernard , chaplain corps United 04:35.149 --> 04:37.709 States Navy . Our ceremony chaplain 04:45.190 --> 04:47.940 Commander Ryan Boning United States 04:47.950 --> 04:50.640 Navy officer in charge supervisor of 04:50.649 --> 04:52.890 shipbuilding Gulf Coast detachment , 04:52.899 --> 04:53.559 mobile , 05:00.200 --> 05:02.660 Mister Charles Vos and Miss Michelle 05:02.670 --> 05:05.140 Stanhope are long glass presenters , 05:11.260 --> 05:14.700 Mr Coy Vos , co chairman us S Augusta 05:14.709 --> 05:16.153 commissioning committee . 05:21.450 --> 05:23.859 Captain Matthew Layman , United States 05:23.869 --> 05:26.899 Navy li to combat ship program manager , 05:33.429 --> 05:35.709 Captain Mark Crawford , United States 05:35.720 --> 05:38.170 Navy commander LI to combat ship 05:38.179 --> 05:39.070 squadron one , 05:44.529 --> 05:47.220 Doctor Laura Hooks , vice president and 05:47.230 --> 05:49.209 General Manager General Dynamics 05:49.220 --> 05:50.260 mission systems . 05:56.100 --> 05:58.850 The honorable Chris Gardner , executive 05:58.859 --> 06:01.026 director , Eastport Port Authority and 06:01.026 --> 06:02.859 Washington county commissioner , 06:07.769 --> 06:10.459 the honorable Mark o'brien . Mayor , 06:10.470 --> 06:11.803 City of Augusta Maine , 06:19.679 --> 06:21.839 Vice Admiral select James Downey , 06:21.850 --> 06:23.809 special assistant to the Assistant 06:23.820 --> 06:25.764 Secretary of the Navy for research 06:25.764 --> 06:27.431 development and acquisition . 06:32.619 --> 06:36.130 What our 06:36.329 --> 06:39.309 ship sponsor , the honorable Lee Ingle 06:39.320 --> 06:41.700 softly escorted by senior chief petty 06:41.709 --> 06:44.640 officer , Jonathan Arrove Augusta's 06:44.649 --> 06:46.038 command , senior chief , 07:02.290 --> 07:04.559 ladies and gentlemen , Vice Admiral 07:04.570 --> 07:07.989 John Fuller , the 42nd naval Inspector 07:08.000 --> 07:10.510 General escorted today by Commander 07:10.519 --> 07:12.940 Christopher Paul Nazi Augusta's 07:12.950 --> 07:14.117 commanding officer . 07:29.559 --> 07:31.970 Ladies and gentlemen , honors to Vice 07:31.980 --> 07:34.750 Admiral John Fuller platform hands 07:51.079 --> 07:52.769 platform . Ready to 07:58.950 --> 08:00.519 advance the colors 08:22.720 --> 08:24.230 platform . Look . 08:46.109 --> 08:48.619 Oh , where is that ? 10:08.859 --> 10:10.309 Retire ? The colors 10:29.570 --> 10:32.010 platform ready to . 10:37.409 --> 10:39.298 We would like to thank the United 10:39.298 --> 10:41.950 States Navy band northeast , the main 10:41.960 --> 10:44.239 Army National Guards third battalion 10:44.669 --> 10:48.479 126 Aviation Regiment US Air Force 10:48.489 --> 10:52.090 101st air refueling wing and joint USS 10:52.109 --> 10:55.359 Augusta Main National Guard color guard 10:55.369 --> 10:57.591 for their participation in our ceremony 10:57.591 --> 10:58.591 today . 11:06.950 --> 11:09.172 Ladies and gentlemen , chaplain Bernard 11:09.172 --> 11:10.839 will deliver the invocation . 11:15.299 --> 11:18.280 Good morning . Let us pray . 11:20.609 --> 11:22.831 Almighty God . We come before you today 11:22.831 --> 11:25.053 on the banks of this beautiful city and 11:25.053 --> 11:27.260 bay to commission and bring to life us 11:27.270 --> 11:30.039 Augusta . As friends , family and 11:30.049 --> 11:32.160 shipmates have come from near and far 11:32.160 --> 11:34.382 to this very special place to celebrate 11:34.382 --> 11:36.493 this remarkable moment in the life of 11:36.493 --> 11:38.660 this ship . We come to you in prayer . 11:38.660 --> 11:40.771 Lord ask that you would be near to us 11:40.771 --> 11:43.619 as we do . Just that father , the ship 11:43.630 --> 11:45.686 that sits moored proudly before us . 11:45.686 --> 11:47.852 Today has come this far because of the 11:47.852 --> 11:49.909 hard work of so many talented people 11:50.289 --> 11:52.456 from a myriad of industries across our 11:52.456 --> 11:54.869 great nation whose life's work is to 11:54.880 --> 11:57.047 provide the very best for our nation's 11:57.047 --> 11:59.780 defense . We give you thanks for those 11:59.789 --> 12:01.845 efforts today , Lord , as we cast an 12:01.845 --> 12:04.011 eye now on the fruit of that labor and 12:04.011 --> 12:07.039 the work of their hands , I lifted up 12:07.049 --> 12:09.216 boldly this morning , Lord , the plank 12:09.216 --> 12:11.630 owner , crew of this ship who will in 12:11.640 --> 12:14.030 just a few moments snap to attention , 12:14.090 --> 12:16.650 bring her to life and provide the very 12:16.659 --> 12:19.109 soul that no engine , no weapon , no 12:19.119 --> 12:21.309 sensor nor any man made thing could 12:21.320 --> 12:25.202 ever . This crew each fearfully and 12:25.211 --> 12:27.267 wonderfully made is the heartbeat of 12:27.267 --> 12:29.541 their ship . And so I ask that you 12:29.552 --> 12:31.441 would give them great courage and 12:31.441 --> 12:33.496 strength for both the routine day to 12:33.496 --> 12:35.932 day and to indeed go forth and protect 12:35.942 --> 12:38.053 the frontier . Should our nation call 12:38.053 --> 12:40.601 on them to do so ? Would you grant 12:40.611 --> 12:43.372 wisdom to commander Paul Nazi and every 12:43.382 --> 12:45.591 sailor chief and officer in his charge 12:45.914 --> 12:48.136 that they might all embody the grit and 12:48.136 --> 12:49.874 determination that are so 12:49.883 --> 12:52.050 characteristic of those who call their 12:52.050 --> 12:55.473 namesake city of Augusta home . Would 12:55.484 --> 12:57.706 you come now , Lord and be present with 12:57.706 --> 12:59.817 us in this place as we celebrate this 12:59.817 --> 13:02.473 time honored tradition together today 13:02.484 --> 13:04.651 and welcome the good ship Augusta into 13:04.651 --> 13:07.124 the world's greatest navy for . I pray 13:07.133 --> 13:09.300 all of these things in your strong and 13:09.300 --> 13:11.466 holy name and all of God's people said 13:11.466 --> 13:14.085 with me , amen and amen . God bless you . 13:17.036 --> 13:19.276 Thank you , chaplain Bernard . Will the 13:19.286 --> 13:20.675 guest please be seated , 13:24.806 --> 13:27.236 Augusta parade , rest , 13:29.205 --> 13:31.335 ladies and gentlemen , the honorable 13:31.346 --> 13:32.366 Chris Gardner , 13:40.099 --> 13:42.321 ladies and gentlemen , on behalf of the 13:42.321 --> 13:44.488 people of Eastport and the surrounding 13:44.488 --> 13:46.266 communities , the Eastport Port 13:46.266 --> 13:48.321 Authority is honored this morning to 13:48.321 --> 13:50.432 welcome Admiral Fuller Admiral Downey 13:50.432 --> 13:52.488 Commodore Crawford General Preston , 13:52.570 --> 13:54.590 past Maqua Chief Rena No , and the 13:54.599 --> 13:57.080 honorable Dean softly along with other 13:57.090 --> 13:59.090 distinguished guests and family and 13:59.090 --> 14:00.979 community members and of course , 14:00.979 --> 14:03.169 Captain Paul Nazi , the officers and 14:03.179 --> 14:05.880 the crew of the US Augusta to this our 14:05.890 --> 14:08.789 historic port of Eastport Maine . This 14:08.799 --> 14:11.609 event is a first for the port intended 14:11.619 --> 14:13.675 to host a commissioning of our state 14:13.675 --> 14:16.479 capital's namesake . Adds to an already 14:16.489 --> 14:19.130 rich maritime and naval history on this 14:19.140 --> 14:21.520 waterfront . This naval connection to 14:21.530 --> 14:23.909 Eastport dates back to the turn of the 14:23.919 --> 14:26.159 century but became cemented as part of 14:26.169 --> 14:29.090 our fabric . Back in 1913 when a young 14:29.099 --> 14:31.650 31 year old two term New York senator , 14:31.659 --> 14:33.548 by the name of Franklin Roosevelt 14:33.548 --> 14:35.919 became the youngest assistant Secretary 14:35.929 --> 14:39.000 of the Navy . At that time , that young 14:39.010 --> 14:41.066 senator , of course was later better 14:41.066 --> 14:43.010 known as President Franklin Delano 14:43.010 --> 14:44.954 Roosevelt and his long time summer 14:44.954 --> 14:47.789 cottage . Well , would be literally in 14:47.799 --> 14:50.299 view here today . Should the fog have 14:50.309 --> 14:52.690 cooperated on our neighboring 14:52.700 --> 14:54.700 Campobello Island ? But since those 14:54.710 --> 14:56.932 times of FDR bringing the Navy to these 14:56.932 --> 14:58.821 waters , the community as a whole 14:58.821 --> 15:01.039 through its support of all and its 15:01.049 --> 15:03.216 dedication of all men and women in all 15:03.216 --> 15:06.059 uniforms has repeatedly been able to 15:06.070 --> 15:08.650 allow us to bring the navy back because 15:08.659 --> 15:10.881 of the city's love for its navy and its 15:10.881 --> 15:12.881 service members in its country as a 15:12.881 --> 15:14.937 whole , Eastport has become somewhat 15:14.937 --> 15:17.048 famous throughout the ranks of vessel 15:17.048 --> 15:19.048 commanders as one of the best stops 15:19.048 --> 15:20.992 that the navy can make . This is a 15:20.992 --> 15:23.215 reputation and a relationship that I do 15:23.215 --> 15:25.830 believe will last for many , many years 15:25.840 --> 15:28.140 to come . And in speaking of history , 15:28.150 --> 15:30.206 as was referenced today , Washington 15:30.206 --> 15:32.539 County as a whole is very proud as it 15:32.549 --> 15:34.549 has even stronger connection to the 15:34.549 --> 15:36.549 history of our country's navy . And 15:36.549 --> 15:38.716 that of course , dates back as the exo 15:38.716 --> 15:40.882 had mentioned in 17 75 when that group 15:40.882 --> 15:42.993 of revolutionaries bravely decided to 15:42.993 --> 15:45.284 capture the MS Margaretta at the famed 15:45.294 --> 15:47.645 battle of Machias . And that literally 15:47.655 --> 15:49.599 is just a few short miles up these 15:49.599 --> 15:51.844 shores . And with that capture that 15:51.854 --> 15:53.934 vessel in those nearby waters . The 15:53.945 --> 15:56.065 navy literally commissioned its ever 15:56.075 --> 15:59.549 first vessel . So here , almost 250 15:59.559 --> 16:02.340 years later , it's only fitting that 16:02.349 --> 16:04.516 the modern commissioning ceremony come 16:04.516 --> 16:07.849 home and finally be celebrated at its 16:07.859 --> 16:10.510 birthplace here in Washington County 16:10.520 --> 16:11.520 Maine . 16:18.229 --> 16:20.229 And as I close , the port authority 16:20.229 --> 16:22.229 cannot begin to thank all those who 16:22.229 --> 16:24.285 have helped to plan and execute this 16:24.285 --> 16:26.507 event that has been ongoing this week . 16:26.507 --> 16:28.562 The numbers are far , far too many , 16:28.729 --> 16:30.840 but all that credit belongs to all of 16:30.840 --> 16:32.951 them and to this community and to all 16:32.951 --> 16:35.062 of you , it's because of your support 16:35.062 --> 16:37.229 for your navy that this has worked out 16:37.229 --> 16:39.229 as well as it could and better than 16:39.229 --> 16:41.969 anyone could have expected . So , on 16:41.979 --> 16:44.799 behalf of everyone here , I am sure 16:45.270 --> 16:48.000 that I will tell Captain Paul Nazi , 16:48.840 --> 16:50.896 the officers and crew of the Augusta 16:51.429 --> 16:53.651 that when it comes to the commissioning 16:53.651 --> 16:55.659 ceremony of the US S Augusta , this 16:55.669 --> 16:58.580 area has had the utmost pleasure of 16:58.590 --> 17:00.701 performing those duties for you . And 17:00.701 --> 17:02.146 thank you all very much . 17:06.979 --> 17:08.868 Thank you , Commissioner Garner , 17:09.979 --> 17:12.035 ladies and gentlemen , the honorable 17:12.040 --> 17:13.069 Mark o'brien . 17:21.769 --> 17:24.249 Good morning , everyone , distinguished 17:24.259 --> 17:26.818 guests , elected officials , ship 17:26.828 --> 17:30.448 sponsors , softly , veterans , service 17:30.458 --> 17:34.249 members and your families , friends 17:34.509 --> 17:35.509 and fellow main . 17:38.329 --> 17:40.385 Today , we gather for this momentous 17:40.385 --> 17:43.079 occasion as the US Augusta officially 17:43.089 --> 17:45.145 joins the fleet of the United States 17:45.145 --> 17:48.040 Navy as mayor of Augusta . It is a 17:48.050 --> 17:50.530 privilege for me to represent the great 17:50.540 --> 17:53.989 city of Augusta , my hometown and an 17:54.000 --> 17:56.056 honor to be participating in today's 17:56.056 --> 17:58.800 ceremonies . It is fitting that this 17:58.810 --> 18:00.754 ceremony takes place in Eastport , 18:00.754 --> 18:03.839 Maine . We are about 26 miles as the 18:03.849 --> 18:06.430 crow flies from the site of the first 18:06.439 --> 18:08.772 naval battle of the American revolution , 18:08.910 --> 18:10.799 the battle of Machias Bay and the 18:10.799 --> 18:12.521 capture of the British ships . 18:12.729 --> 18:16.300 Margaretta Eastport , the easternmost 18:16.310 --> 18:18.421 city in the United States and perhaps 18:18.421 --> 18:21.040 the foggiest on the eastern seaboard 18:21.050 --> 18:23.050 has the deepest port on the eastern 18:23.050 --> 18:25.400 seaboard and has enjoyed a long 18:25.410 --> 18:27.521 standing relationship with the United 18:27.521 --> 18:30.550 States Navy and we thank Eastport for 18:30.560 --> 18:34.229 hosting as for Augusta . 18:35.010 --> 18:37.177 It is the capital city of the state of 18:37.177 --> 18:40.339 Maine with a population of about 19,000 . 18:40.650 --> 18:43.040 It is the third smallest capital city 18:43.050 --> 18:45.849 in the United States . It is also the 18:45.859 --> 18:49.599 easternmost state capital Augusta is 18:49.609 --> 18:51.776 situated on both sides of the Kennebec 18:51.776 --> 18:54.420 river and was first settled in 16 28 as 18:54.430 --> 18:56.910 part of a trading post . It was then 18:56.920 --> 18:59.180 known by its native American name Kush 18:59.479 --> 19:01.760 Knock , meaning head of tide . 19:03.290 --> 19:05.290 During the height of the French and 19:05.290 --> 19:08.180 Indian War . In 17 54 colonists built a 19:08.189 --> 19:10.670 blockhouse named Fort Western . It 19:10.680 --> 19:12.829 stands today on the eastern banks of 19:12.839 --> 19:15.319 the Kennebec River and one of its block 19:15.329 --> 19:18.150 houses is part of the ship's logo 19:19.579 --> 19:21.630 ever since the mid 18 th century . 19:21.869 --> 19:24.091 There's been a history , there's been a 19:24.091 --> 19:26.430 military presence in Augusta including 19:26.439 --> 19:30.000 the Kennebec Arsenal as a rendezvous 19:30.050 --> 19:32.079 point for soldiers traveling to the 19:32.089 --> 19:34.859 front during the civil war . And with 19:34.869 --> 19:37.239 camp keys serving as a mobilization and 19:37.250 --> 19:39.250 training camp for soldiers . During 19:39.250 --> 19:43.209 world war I Augusta being situated 19:43.219 --> 19:45.108 on the Kennebec River was home to 19:45.108 --> 19:47.275 shipbuilding as well . From the moment 19:47.275 --> 19:49.163 colonists launched the first ship 19:49.163 --> 19:51.219 constructed , constructed in the new 19:51.219 --> 19:53.930 world in 16 08 , Maine has been a 19:53.939 --> 19:56.420 shipbuilding powerhouse and a seafaring 19:56.430 --> 19:59.760 state . All this is to say that Maine 19:59.949 --> 20:03.670 and its capital city has a history 20:03.680 --> 20:05.458 steeped in shipbuilding and the 20:05.458 --> 20:07.589 military and a continuing connection 20:07.599 --> 20:10.369 with the US Navy . I want to assure the 20:10.380 --> 20:13.140 commander and officers and the brave 20:13.150 --> 20:15.150 men and women who will serve as the 20:15.150 --> 20:17.954 crew of the US Augusta that they can be 20:17.964 --> 20:21.724 proud of their namesake city . In turn 20:22.015 --> 20:24.182 the citizens of Augusta and indeed the 20:24.182 --> 20:26.525 entire state of Maine proudly embraced 20:26.535 --> 20:29.474 the USS Augusta LCS 34 20:30.329 --> 20:32.869 and its officers and crew . We stand 20:32.880 --> 20:36.579 with you beside you and squarely behind 20:36.589 --> 20:39.150 you , we are confident the Augusta will 20:39.160 --> 20:42.329 continue the Navy's proud naval legacy 20:42.540 --> 20:44.707 and embody the spirit of the people of 20:44.707 --> 20:48.469 Augusta . We thank you for your service 20:48.479 --> 20:51.829 and your sacrifice . In order to keep 20:51.839 --> 20:55.260 us safe , the citizens of Augusta are 20:55.270 --> 20:57.103 proud to be associated with this 20:57.103 --> 20:59.239 magnificent vessel in its role in the 20:59.250 --> 21:02.010 defense of our country and protection 21:02.020 --> 21:05.430 of its frontiers . May God bless the US 21:05.439 --> 21:07.770 Augusta , its officers crew and their 21:07.780 --> 21:10.810 families and May God bless the United 21:10.819 --> 21:12.597 States of America . Thank you . 21:19.430 --> 21:22.260 Thank you , Mayor o'brien , ladies and 21:22.270 --> 21:24.739 gentlemen , Vice Admiral . Select James 21:24.750 --> 21:25.439 Downey . 21:36.780 --> 21:39.040 Uh , good morning , everyone . What a 21:39.050 --> 21:41.380 beautiful main day , right ? Beautiful 21:41.390 --> 21:44.869 Navy Day . Uh It is for Mariners 21:44.880 --> 21:47.510 rather typical day , uh , to our 21:47.520 --> 21:51.060 sponsor , the Honorable Lee . I softly , 21:51.300 --> 21:53.459 uh , here we're very pleased to have 21:53.469 --> 21:55.530 you here , ma'am . Uh Maine second 21:55.540 --> 21:57.484 district , us representative , the 21:57.484 --> 22:00.339 Honorable Jarad Golden Augusta's mayor . 22:00.349 --> 22:02.071 Uh , as we just heard from the 22:02.071 --> 22:05.510 Honorable Mark o'brien , uh Mr Roger 22:05.520 --> 22:09.209 PLO and Mr Charles Close , uh and 22:09.219 --> 22:11.550 co chairs of the Augusta commissioning 22:11.560 --> 22:14.609 committee . And of course our uh senior 22:14.619 --> 22:17.689 speaker , Vice Admiral Fuller , captain 22:17.699 --> 22:20.020 uh Matt Layman , uh the program manager 22:20.030 --> 22:23.050 for the uh L CS is here with us as well . 22:23.060 --> 22:25.329 Of course , is Captain Mark Crawford , 22:25.439 --> 22:27.661 the commanding officer of L CS squadron 22:27.661 --> 22:31.030 one and commander Chris Paul , 22:31.949 --> 22:35.219 who his dad and I served in a different 22:35.229 --> 22:37.280 capacity together on another ship . 22:38.310 --> 22:41.489 And so the CEO was here , of course 22:41.500 --> 22:43.500 with his crew of the US S Augusta , 22:43.500 --> 22:46.000 Commander Ryan Boning , the officer in 22:46.010 --> 22:49.170 charge who was on site down in mobile 22:49.180 --> 22:51.550 to see the ship built and completed 22:51.839 --> 22:53.950 distinguished guests . And all of you 22:53.950 --> 22:56.006 have come to Eastport to witness the 22:56.006 --> 22:57.895 commissioning of this magnificent 22:57.895 --> 23:00.000 warship . Good morning . It is great 23:00.010 --> 23:01.510 for me both personally and 23:01.510 --> 23:03.454 professionally to be here with you 23:03.454 --> 23:05.621 today . As I've spent about the better 23:05.621 --> 23:08.849 part of a decade working up in mainly 23:08.859 --> 23:10.859 in the bath area , working with our 23:10.859 --> 23:13.030 main shipbuilders and the residents 23:13.040 --> 23:15.869 there for a very rewarding time . And 23:15.880 --> 23:18.380 it's great to be back here with you to 23:18.390 --> 23:21.209 commission the US Augusta . As we watch 23:21.219 --> 23:24.300 this newest US navy warship be brought 23:24.310 --> 23:26.449 to life in a state with vibrant 23:26.459 --> 23:29.420 maritime history and critical maritime 23:29.430 --> 23:32.199 economy for the nation as we celebrate 23:32.209 --> 23:34.400 today , it is an honor for me to be 23:34.410 --> 23:37.060 here representing Secretary Del Toro , 23:37.069 --> 23:38.958 the Secretary of the Navy for the 23:38.958 --> 23:41.949 commissioning of this great ship in 23:41.959 --> 23:45.300 January 2019 . This independence 23:45.560 --> 23:48.260 electoral combat ship was named to 23:48.270 --> 23:50.599 honor the city and citizens of Augusta 23:50.750 --> 23:53.260 for their steadfast support of the Navy 23:53.270 --> 23:55.739 and the Marine Corps . Augusta Maine 23:55.750 --> 23:57.969 has deep roots as you know and have 23:57.979 --> 24:01.349 heard in maritime manufacturing ships 24:01.359 --> 24:03.415 have been built there at least since 24:03.415 --> 24:06.290 the 17 hundreds . Many of our naval 24:06.300 --> 24:08.660 ships are still built here in Maine . 24:09.390 --> 24:13.060 And I see of course that 24:13.069 --> 24:16.180 typical main pride shining through 24:16.189 --> 24:18.540 today , pride of our nautical and 24:18.550 --> 24:20.772 shipbuilding heritage that have been so 24:20.772 --> 24:23.880 vital , not only of course to the state 24:23.890 --> 24:26.180 but truly to the defense and prosperity 24:26.189 --> 24:28.819 of the nation . The US S Augusta 24:28.959 --> 24:32.060 represents that heritage . As many of 24:32.069 --> 24:34.680 you are aware , Secretary Del Toro's 24:34.689 --> 24:38.030 top strategic priority is to strengthen 24:38.040 --> 24:40.359 maritime dominance in defense of our 24:40.369 --> 24:44.339 nation . A critical role that this ship 24:44.349 --> 24:47.540 and her sister ships fill ships like 24:47.550 --> 24:50.040 Augusta are also strengthening our 24:50.050 --> 24:52.420 strategic partners with foreign navies . 24:52.430 --> 24:56.410 Another top navy priority as the 17 24:56.420 --> 24:58.309 th independence variant electoral 24:58.309 --> 25:00.489 combat ship to commission . I know the 25:00.500 --> 25:03.709 US . Augusta will write her own chapter 25:03.719 --> 25:06.319 in history in the history of our navy . 25:06.359 --> 25:08.949 I'm confident that this crew and all of 25:08.959 --> 25:11.209 those who follow will sail Augusta 25:11.260 --> 25:13.280 confidently in support of America's 25:13.290 --> 25:16.140 interests globally , to the men and 25:16.150 --> 25:18.609 women of the navy and to the industry 25:18.619 --> 25:21.550 team at Austin and at general dynamics 25:21.560 --> 25:23.616 and all who have worked on Augusta . 25:23.709 --> 25:25.765 You have labored tirelessly to build 25:25.765 --> 25:28.229 this warship and we congratulate you on 25:28.239 --> 25:30.689 a job , another job well done . It is a 25:30.699 --> 25:34.239 great day as we see her come to life to 25:34.250 --> 25:36.439 our sponsor , the Honorable Lee , I 25:36.449 --> 25:39.680 softly , a main native and dean of the 25:39.689 --> 25:42.599 University of Maine School of Law and 25:42.609 --> 25:45.270 former Chief justice of the Maine 25:45.280 --> 25:47.839 Supreme Judicial Court . Thank you very 25:47.849 --> 25:49.571 much , ma'am for committing to 25:49.571 --> 25:52.844 continued service as Augusta sponsor as 25:52.854 --> 25:55.535 this commissioning ceremony continues 25:55.545 --> 25:57.656 the lifelong relationship between you 25:57.665 --> 25:59.614 and the crew who will sail aboard 25:59.625 --> 26:02.074 Augusta in the relationship that began 26:02.084 --> 26:04.084 with the ship's Christening last 26:04.094 --> 26:07.724 December as this ship gets underway , 26:07.895 --> 26:10.064 the legacy of Augusta and its 26:10.074 --> 26:12.489 connection to Navy , the Marine Corps , 26:12.500 --> 26:15.349 the state of Maine will always sail 26:15.359 --> 26:18.579 with her . Every US navy ship is a 26:18.589 --> 26:21.400 sovereign vessel representing America 26:21.410 --> 26:24.270 abroad and this one will bring Augusta 26:24.359 --> 26:27.160 wherever she goes to all who are 26:27.170 --> 26:28.837 present today , we are indeed 26:28.837 --> 26:30.939 privileged to witness to witness the 26:30.949 --> 26:32.838 commissioning of this exceptional 26:32.838 --> 26:34.893 warship for our navy . May God bless 26:34.893 --> 26:37.569 her , her crew , her sponsor , her 26:37.579 --> 26:40.630 namesake and May God bless America . 26:40.680 --> 26:41.680 Thank you . 26:48.930 --> 26:52.650 Thank you , Vice Admiral Downy , ladies 26:52.660 --> 26:54.750 and gentlemen , Vice Admiral John 26:54.760 --> 26:55.410 Fuller . 27:01.630 --> 27:04.800 Good morning . On behalf of Admiral 27:04.810 --> 27:06.810 Lisa Franchetti , the Vice Chief of 27:06.810 --> 27:08.866 Naval Operations and Acting Chief of 27:08.866 --> 27:10.921 Naval Operations . I'm honored to be 27:10.921 --> 27:12.921 here to pay of maritime history and 27:12.921 --> 27:14.977 landscape and of course , commission 27:14.977 --> 27:17.143 this great ship behind us us . S Ael , 27:18.020 --> 27:20.131 distinguished Mariners , accomplished 27:20.131 --> 27:23.670 sailors and re re leadership assembled 27:23.680 --> 27:25.902 here today to witness this time , honor 27:25.902 --> 27:28.069 tradition as well as all of you . So 27:28.079 --> 27:30.023 thank you for being here , Admiral 27:30.023 --> 27:32.135 Clark . So give yourselves a round of 27:32.135 --> 27:33.857 applause for just being here . 27:38.650 --> 27:40.817 I'd also like you to applaud the other 27:40.817 --> 27:42.928 speakers and the other members of the 27:42.928 --> 27:45.039 staff . Dr Hooks , the honorable Mark 27:45.039 --> 27:47.094 o'brien and Vice Admiral Le Downey . 27:47.094 --> 27:49.372 Thank you for your inspirational words . 27:51.349 --> 27:53.619 I'll also recognize the next speaker 27:53.630 --> 27:55.574 who you'll hear from the honorable 27:55.574 --> 27:57.797 Jared Golden , a marine veteran and one 27:57.797 --> 27:59.574 of Maine's finest . Your second 27:59.574 --> 28:01.574 district is well represented . So , 28:01.574 --> 28:03.852 congratulations to your representative . 28:03.852 --> 28:05.963 I also offer my sincere thanks to the 28:05.963 --> 28:08.074 visionary leaders , the honorable Lea 28:08.074 --> 28:10.074 Softly mayor , Mark o'brien and the 28:10.074 --> 28:12.260 honorable Chris Gardner . Thank you . 28:14.729 --> 28:17.099 And finally , congratulations Commander 28:17.109 --> 28:19.689 Chris Paul Nazi . His name's been said 28:19.699 --> 28:21.921 so wrong so many times here . So please 28:21.921 --> 28:24.143 thank him and his father and his family 28:24.143 --> 28:25.977 for being here . You will assume 28:25.977 --> 28:28.199 command soon . And for those of you who 28:28.199 --> 28:30.329 don't know navy traditions , the ship 28:30.339 --> 28:32.640 will be when the ship's captain comes 28:32.650 --> 28:34.817 on there , he will be announced by the 28:34.817 --> 28:36.928 ship's name . So you'll hear the name 28:36.928 --> 28:39.206 Augusta , you won't hear his last name . 28:39.206 --> 28:41.261 You'll hear Augusta arriving and the 28:41.261 --> 28:43.483 name Augusta is quite old . It actually 28:43.483 --> 28:45.594 comes from Latin origins and it means 28:45.594 --> 28:47.706 magnificent . How cool is that ? So , 28:47.706 --> 28:49.928 I'm incredibly optimistic about Augusta 28:49.928 --> 28:51.650 and her future . I want you to 28:51.650 --> 28:53.539 understand how this ceremony is a 28:53.539 --> 28:55.706 tangible and wait for it . Magnificent 28:55.706 --> 28:57.817 demonstration of Secretary Del Toro's 28:57.817 --> 28:59.539 priorities that Admiral Downey 28:59.539 --> 29:01.372 mentioned . I see a future where 29:01.372 --> 29:03.428 Augusta will strengthen our maritime 29:03.428 --> 29:05.372 dominance . Her crew will continue 29:05.372 --> 29:07.428 building war fighting excellence and 29:07.428 --> 29:09.650 she will enhance strategic partnerships 29:09.650 --> 29:11.594 as she executes tasking around the 29:11.594 --> 29:15.280 world . Recently , Secretary Del Toro 29:15.290 --> 29:17.869 asked for new maritime straight state 29:17.880 --> 29:19.589 craft strategy in the face of 29:19.599 --> 29:21.719 heightened strategic competition . I 29:21.979 --> 29:23.770 decide that maritime statecraft 29:23.780 --> 29:26.819 involves not only naval diplomacy but 29:26.829 --> 29:28.773 also a comprehensive effort by the 29:28.773 --> 29:30.940 entire US government as well as allied 29:30.940 --> 29:34.130 nations to build commercial and naval 29:34.140 --> 29:36.790 maritime power . And I'll quote , our 29:36.890 --> 29:39.670 new maritime statecraft should be bold 29:39.680 --> 29:41.902 founded on strong Navy and Marine Corps 29:41.902 --> 29:43.736 to fulfill our national security 29:43.736 --> 29:45.847 interests . It should also be equally 29:45.847 --> 29:47.680 strong on engagement in areas of 29:47.680 --> 29:49.847 economic development , trade , climate 29:49.847 --> 29:51.569 diplomacy enable us to compete 29:51.569 --> 29:54.050 successfully on a global scale , 29:55.550 --> 29:57.439 competing and being successful in 29:57.439 --> 29:59.890 maritime starts at home . The state of 29:59.900 --> 30:02.122 Maine has a strong bond with the sea as 30:02.122 --> 30:04.599 you all know and our nation's military . 30:04.880 --> 30:07.102 And the one fact I haven't heard yet is 30:07.102 --> 30:09.158 more than 30 ships proudly represent 30:09.158 --> 30:11.269 the state , its city , its places and 30:11.269 --> 30:13.839 its people . 30 . That's a lot . And as 30:13.849 --> 30:15.960 previously mentioned , Augusta is the 30:15.960 --> 30:18.150 second ship Donna in honor of the city 30:18.160 --> 30:20.369 of Augusta Maine . Other famous 30:20.380 --> 30:23.319 Mariners include two former CNS Charles 30:23.329 --> 30:25.900 Frederick Hughes and William Vey Prett , 30:25.910 --> 30:29.400 the 4th and 5th CS of the Navy . But 30:29.410 --> 30:31.632 what I really like to do is I'd like to 30:31.632 --> 30:33.854 recognize all Mainers , all Mainers who 30:33.854 --> 30:35.709 were sailors , marine airmen , 30:35.719 --> 30:38.329 guardians , the Space Force coast , 30:38.339 --> 30:40.790 guardians and soldiers who call Maine 30:40.800 --> 30:42.800 home . Please give all your service 30:42.800 --> 30:44.689 members a big round of applause . 30:50.599 --> 30:52.655 And as you know , this ship wouldn't 30:52.655 --> 30:54.988 come together with just service members . 30:54.988 --> 30:54.729 So we want to continue to recognize the 30:54.739 --> 30:56.739 industrial partnerships that helped 30:56.739 --> 30:59.410 deliver Augusta to the navy . That 30:59.420 --> 31:01.198 partnership has been absolutely 31:01.198 --> 31:03.309 impressive . Thank you to this team . 31:03.309 --> 31:05.309 This magnificent team in making the 31:05.309 --> 31:07.560 navy stronger , more capable and more 31:07.569 --> 31:09.569 lethal . You are meeting the navy's 31:09.569 --> 31:12.119 priorities . The Augusta air crew will 31:12.130 --> 31:14.352 play an important role in defending our 31:14.352 --> 31:16.519 nation and enabling global freedom and 31:16.519 --> 31:18.574 commerce . She will be integrated to 31:18.574 --> 31:20.630 operations for presence and she will 31:20.630 --> 31:22.665 support both sea control and power 31:22.675 --> 31:24.786 projection and those are core surface 31:24.786 --> 31:26.785 warfare missions . The highly 31:26.795 --> 31:28.962 professional sailors who will serve on 31:28.962 --> 31:31.655 this ship led by our great intrepid 31:31.665 --> 31:33.554 captain , our O and our command , 31:33.554 --> 31:36.494 senior chief are the nation's brightest 31:36.505 --> 31:38.655 and smartest for those of you who got 31:38.665 --> 31:40.609 to meet them locally and met the I 31:40.609 --> 31:42.554 think you'll see they're fantastic 31:42.554 --> 31:44.665 representatives of the nation and for 31:44.665 --> 31:46.832 those of you who haven't considered it 31:46.832 --> 31:48.887 yet . Use them as an example of what 31:48.887 --> 31:48.829 you could be if you wanted to join our 31:48.839 --> 31:51.589 great service recruiting bid here , I 31:51.599 --> 31:55.060 have to do that . So I want you to know 31:55.069 --> 31:57.125 that your navy is the most , has the 31:57.125 --> 31:59.069 most powerful surface force in the 31:59.069 --> 32:01.125 world . Our sailors , as you can see 32:01.125 --> 32:03.236 behind you represent our war fighting 32:03.236 --> 32:05.291 advantage and the US Augusta will be 32:05.291 --> 32:07.347 critical to helping us maintain that 32:07.347 --> 32:09.291 advantage . So , on behalf of navy 32:09.291 --> 32:11.347 leadership , thank you again for the 32:11.347 --> 32:13.236 opportunity to speak today to the 32:13.236 --> 32:15.291 citizens of Augusta and our industry 32:15.291 --> 32:17.458 partners in Maine . Thank you for your 32:17.458 --> 32:19.680 continued support and everything you've 32:19.680 --> 32:21.791 done to make this day a reality . Now 32:21.791 --> 32:21.125 in the navy , we say Bravo Zulu , which 32:21.135 --> 32:23.275 means good job . So Bravo Zulu to you 32:23.285 --> 32:25.285 all , especially those who sail and 32:25.285 --> 32:27.895 will sail USS Augusta all ahead flank 32:28.094 --> 32:30.261 and God speak to you all . Thank you . 32:36.619 --> 32:38.508 Thank you , Vice Admiral Fuller , 32:38.880 --> 32:40.658 ladies and gentlemen . It is my 32:40.658 --> 32:42.658 pleasure to introduce the honorable 32:42.658 --> 32:44.219 Jared Golden United States 32:44.229 --> 32:46.396 representative state of Maine's second 32:46.396 --> 32:48.451 congressional district who could not 32:48.451 --> 32:50.507 join us today but who has provided a 32:50.507 --> 32:51.562 recorded message . 32:55.660 --> 32:58.250 Good morning , everyone . It's my honor 32:58.260 --> 32:59.649 to extend my heartfelt . 32:59.649 --> 33:01.871 Congratulations on the commissioning of 33:01.871 --> 33:03.989 the US S Augusta and I commend all 33:04.000 --> 33:06.040 those whose tireless efforts have 33:06.050 --> 33:08.217 brought this newest Independence class 33:08.217 --> 33:10.983 ship into fruition as the second naval 33:10.993 --> 33:12.937 vessel to bear the name of Maine's 33:12.937 --> 33:15.822 capital , the US Augusta pays tribute 33:15.833 --> 33:18.302 to our state's rich maritime history 33:18.392 --> 33:20.902 and devotion to duty for centuries . 33:20.912 --> 33:23.142 Maine has had a worldwide reputation 33:23.152 --> 33:25.319 for the skills of its shipbuilders and 33:25.319 --> 33:27.772 sea captains and for leadership in 33:27.782 --> 33:30.343 every aspect of maritime affairs . 33:31.052 --> 33:33.219 Mainor continue to play a pivotal role 33:33.219 --> 33:35.441 in our national security , whether they 33:35.441 --> 33:37.219 serve in uniform are one of the 33:37.219 --> 33:39.385 thousands of skilled workers dedicated 33:39.385 --> 33:41.552 to building and maintaining our navy's 33:41.552 --> 33:43.774 fleet . The ship's motto protecting the 33:43.774 --> 33:46.436 frontier is an ode to the first us 33:46.446 --> 33:49.215 Augusta , a Los Angeles class nuclear 33:49.225 --> 33:51.816 attack submarine . During the opening 33:51.826 --> 33:54.906 of operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 , it 33:54.916 --> 33:57.138 was part of a small group of submarines 33:57.138 --> 33:59.066 participating in Tomahawk strikes 33:59.076 --> 34:01.855 against Iraq , carrying this motto , 34:01.965 --> 34:04.336 the USS Augusta will further the Navy 34:04.345 --> 34:06.979 and Marine Corps ability to support 34:06.989 --> 34:09.959 maritime security and win against 21st 34:09.969 --> 34:12.860 century coastal threats . I'm confident 34:13.040 --> 34:14.818 you'll remain mission focused , 34:14.818 --> 34:16.984 committed to excellence and embody the 34:16.989 --> 34:19.879 Navy's core values of honor , courage , 34:19.889 --> 34:22.000 and commitment . On behalf of Maine's 34:22.000 --> 34:24.111 second district . I wish you all fair 34:24.111 --> 34:25.860 winds and following seasons . 34:32.790 --> 34:34.790 Thank you . Representative Golden , 34:50.939 --> 34:52.772 Vice Admiral Fuller . I would be 34:52.772 --> 34:54.550 honored if you place Augusta in 34:54.550 --> 34:55.550 commission 35:00.169 --> 35:02.058 on behalf of the President United 35:02.058 --> 35:04.058 States and for the Secretary of the 35:04.058 --> 35:06.058 Navy , I hereby place United States 35:06.058 --> 35:08.113 ship Augusta in commission . May God 35:08.113 --> 35:10.280 bless and guide the warship and all on 35:10.280 --> 35:09.520 sail in her . 35:17.659 --> 35:19.437 Thank you , Vice Admiral Fuller 35:19.437 --> 35:22.709 Executive Officer , hoist the colors 35:22.719 --> 35:24.941 and commission Penn . All right , sir . 35:26.790 --> 35:28.159 Ship's company . 35:32.419 --> 35:34.800 The commission pennant and professional 35:34.810 --> 35:37.510 national navies began to take form late 35:37.520 --> 35:40.719 in the 17 th century , all ships at 35:40.729 --> 35:42.951 that time were sailing ships and it was 35:42.951 --> 35:45.007 often difficult to tell a naval ship 35:45.007 --> 35:47.699 from a merchant ship . Navies began to 35:47.709 --> 35:50.879 adopt long narrow pennants to be flown 35:50.889 --> 35:53.719 by their ships at the main mast head to 35:53.729 --> 35:55.785 distinguish themselves from merchant 35:55.785 --> 35:58.007 ships . The commission pennant will fly 35:58.007 --> 35:59.729 continuously until the ship is 35:59.729 --> 36:02.540 decommissioned . Ladies and gentlemen , 36:02.550 --> 36:03.540 please rise . 36:06.899 --> 36:09.010 I direct your attention to the ship's 36:09.010 --> 36:11.010 main mast as we hoist the colors in 36:11.010 --> 36:14.750 commission pennant quartermaster 36:14.899 --> 36:17.209 hoist the colors in commission pennant , 36:18.699 --> 36:19.699 sir , 36:38.629 --> 36:40.629 captain , the colors and commission 36:40.629 --> 36:43.030 pennant are flying proudly over us 36:43.040 --> 36:43.620 Augusta . 36:50.030 --> 36:52.363 Ladies and gentlemen , please be seated . 36:54.989 --> 36:57.729 I will now read my orders from 36:57.739 --> 37:00.729 commander Navy personnel command two 37:00.739 --> 37:02.850 commander Christopher Pol Nazi United 37:02.850 --> 37:05.729 States Navy subject Buber's orders 37:05.739 --> 37:08.699 number 0225 of 1 April 37:08.709 --> 37:11.830 2023 when directed by reporting senior 37:11.840 --> 37:14.300 detached from president duty and report 37:14.310 --> 37:17.459 to future us Augusta crew as 37:17.469 --> 37:20.129 prospective commanding officer upon 37:20.139 --> 37:22.306 commissioning of us Augusta report for 37:22.306 --> 37:23.917 duty as commanding officer , 37:25.979 --> 37:28.510 Admiral Fuller United States ship 37:28.520 --> 37:30.576 Augusta is in commission and I am in 37:30.576 --> 37:30.510 command . 37:43.149 --> 37:45.260 Executive officer set the watch . All 37:45.270 --> 37:48.659 right sir , detail 4 March 37:59.590 --> 38:02.969 officer deck set the first watch , set 38:02.979 --> 38:04.757 the first watch . Alright sir . 38:07.229 --> 38:08.951 The officer of the deck is the 38:08.951 --> 38:10.507 commanding officer's direct 38:10.507 --> 38:12.562 representative and while on watch is 38:12.562 --> 38:14.673 responsible for the safety and smooth 38:14.673 --> 38:18.110 operation of the ship the long glass is 38:18.120 --> 38:20.231 a traditional symbol of an officer of 38:20.231 --> 38:22.399 the deck's authority and a ship of the 38:22.409 --> 38:26.270 line . We are honored to have 38:26.280 --> 38:28.320 Miss Michelle Stanhope and Mister 38:28.330 --> 38:31.030 Charles Vos with us . Today , they are 38:31.040 --> 38:32.929 direct descendants of those brave 38:32.929 --> 38:35.600 Americans that planned and executed the 38:35.610 --> 38:38.340 raid of nearby Macha to take our navy's 38:38.350 --> 38:40.030 first ship , the Margaretta . 38:48.590 --> 38:50.701 They will assist in setting the first 38:50.701 --> 38:52.868 watch by passing the long glass to our 38:52.868 --> 38:54.868 first ships . Officer of the deck . 38:54.868 --> 38:56.812 Lieutenant Robert Riha Junior from 38:56.812 --> 38:57.812 Naples Florida . 39:04.669 --> 39:06.739 The pen officer watch is operations 39:06.750 --> 39:08.649 specialist , first class Abigail 39:08.659 --> 39:10.520 Cedillo from Kaiser Oregon . 39:15.580 --> 39:17.747 The messenger of the watch is gunner's 39:17.747 --> 39:19.913 mate second class morning star Bradley 39:19.919 --> 39:21.479 from Jamestown , Kentucky 39:25.669 --> 39:27.836 and the boats and maid of the watch is 39:27.836 --> 39:30.058 boats inmate second class Anthony Scott 39:30.058 --> 39:31.613 from Marine City , Michigan 39:49.020 --> 39:51.679 set the watch on deck section . One 39:53.530 --> 39:55.919 sir , the watch is set very well . 39:55.929 --> 39:58.120 Detail . 4 March 40:15.370 --> 40:18.760 captain , the watch is set . Farewell . 40:21.510 --> 40:23.889 The spirit of a US navy warship is the 40:23.899 --> 40:27.080 embodiment of her sponsor . We are 40:27.090 --> 40:29.360 delighted to have our sponsor the 40:29.560 --> 40:32.250 Honorable Lee Softly with us today . 40:33.510 --> 40:35.454 Dean softly christened the ship in 40:35.454 --> 40:38.810 Mobile Alabama on December 17 , 2022 40:39.199 --> 40:41.310 Lee . I would be honored if you would 40:41.310 --> 40:43.255 give the order to man our ship and 40:43.255 --> 40:44.366 bring her to life . 40:53.030 --> 40:53.719 Thank you 40:57.159 --> 41:00.360 senior chief commander Paul Nazi . 41:01.340 --> 41:04.610 What an incredible morning . I want to 41:04.620 --> 41:06.830 say hello to Admiral Fuller 41:07.300 --> 41:09.411 Representative Golden , who I know is 41:09.411 --> 41:11.522 heartbroken not to be able to be here 41:11.522 --> 41:14.090 today , Admiral Downey , honorable 41:14.100 --> 41:17.459 Chris Gardner , our marvelous Capitol , 41:17.469 --> 41:19.919 Mayor Mark o'brien and distinguished 41:19.929 --> 41:23.719 guests . I know that you 41:23.729 --> 41:25.840 all know this . But let me just say 41:25.850 --> 41:28.020 that when the sun rose this morning , 41:28.689 --> 41:31.479 despite all evidence to the contrary , 41:31.489 --> 41:34.600 I promise you that it did , it 41:34.610 --> 41:38.320 rose over the easternmost city 41:38.479 --> 41:41.939 in the United States of America . Hello , 41:41.949 --> 41:43.239 Eastport Maine , 41:48.620 --> 41:51.620 your welcoming celebration for the US S 41:51.629 --> 41:54.889 Augusta has been inspiring and I want 41:54.899 --> 41:57.760 to thank you all for all of that . My 41:57.770 --> 42:01.580 name is Lee Softly . I am currently the 42:01.590 --> 42:03.812 president and Dean of the University of 42:03.812 --> 42:07.000 Maine School of Law . I am a manor as 42:07.010 --> 42:09.010 you have heard and I have lived and 42:09.010 --> 42:12.090 worked in the city of Augusta for much 42:12.100 --> 42:15.770 of my career and we are so 42:15.780 --> 42:19.310 pleased that L CS 34 42:19.320 --> 42:22.030 bears the name of our capital city . 42:22.870 --> 42:25.810 I'm also delighted to be here in the 42:25.820 --> 42:28.449 gorgeous city of Eastport . And I want 42:28.459 --> 42:32.260 to acknowledge that the land and water 42:32.270 --> 42:35.580 on which we stand today is the 42:35.590 --> 42:38.439 ancestral fishing , hunting and 42:38.449 --> 42:42.219 agricultural grounds inhabited by the 42:42.229 --> 42:45.699 Abenaki and Waai people for thousands 42:45.709 --> 42:49.020 of years . We are in the 42:49.320 --> 42:49.850 land . 42:54.719 --> 42:58.020 I also have to acknowledge my fabulous 42:58.030 --> 43:00.197 husband , Bill Softly who winces every 43:00.197 --> 43:02.909 time I do this . And you will 43:02.919 --> 43:05.086 understand that given the fact that we 43:05.086 --> 43:07.520 have been married for 42 years , he is 43:07.530 --> 43:09.879 usually referred to as the long 43:09.889 --> 43:13.389 suffering Bill Softly . But 43:13.399 --> 43:16.830 my uh my magnificent husband 43:17.239 --> 43:19.959 actually grew up in Washington DC 43:21.219 --> 43:24.040 and has family here in Eastport . And I 43:24.050 --> 43:26.050 want you to think about what it was 43:26.050 --> 43:29.639 like for a six or seven year old boy to 43:29.649 --> 43:32.989 get thrown into the car in very crowded 43:33.000 --> 43:35.840 Washington DC . And when the doors 43:35.850 --> 43:39.330 opened , he was here for the summer in 43:39.340 --> 43:42.629 Eastport , Maine , we love this city . 43:48.040 --> 43:51.699 It is an honor and a joy to 43:51.709 --> 43:54.879 serve as the US S Augusta sponsor . I 43:54.889 --> 43:57.889 had no idea of the connections that 43:57.899 --> 44:01.550 would be made when I was called about 44:01.560 --> 44:04.689 this ship . I'm grateful to our 44:04.699 --> 44:07.219 senators , Senator Susan Collins and 44:07.229 --> 44:09.007 Angus King . I'm sorry that our 44:09.007 --> 44:11.540 representatives could not join us today , 44:11.810 --> 44:13.810 but I know that they are incredibly 44:13.820 --> 44:15.929 proud of the events that we are 44:15.939 --> 44:18.459 observing right now . I also want to 44:18.469 --> 44:21.939 thank my Matron Kathy Ingels for her 44:21.949 --> 44:24.120 support throughout this process . 44:25.169 --> 44:27.169 Although she wasn't able to be here 44:27.169 --> 44:29.336 today , Cathy and her husband , who is 44:29.336 --> 44:32.629 my brother , live right near the Ael 44:32.639 --> 44:35.590 shipyard in Alabama and she sends her 44:35.600 --> 44:39.229 very best to the commander and the 44:39.239 --> 44:42.510 crew for a safe and successful 44:42.520 --> 44:44.879 commissioning and voyage . And I 44:44.889 --> 44:46.969 especially want to thank Augusta's 44:46.979 --> 44:49.820 terrific mayor Mark o'brien . Mark . 44:49.830 --> 44:52.860 And I have had many conversations as we 44:52.870 --> 44:55.360 sought the best way to celebrate the 44:55.370 --> 44:59.070 Augusta and welcome our ship to Maine 44:59.090 --> 45:02.209 and I think it could not have been any 45:02.219 --> 45:04.604 better . So I'm gonna take just a 45:04.614 --> 45:07.985 moment . I want to acknowledge that as 45:07.995 --> 45:11.814 we all speak and take our time . The 45:11.824 --> 45:15.094 crew of the US S Augusta is standing at 45:15.104 --> 45:17.735 attention through this entire period of 45:17.745 --> 45:20.635 time . They are amazing . Absolutely 45:20.645 --> 45:21.284 amazing . 45:28.560 --> 45:30.727 And now I'm going to apologize to them 45:30.727 --> 45:32.727 because I'm going to read a list of 45:32.727 --> 45:35.649 names and ask those people to wave with 45:35.659 --> 45:38.399 Mark's leadership and the assistance of 45:38.409 --> 45:40.631 the commissioning committee . We have a 45:40.631 --> 45:42.969 celebration over these last several 45:42.979 --> 45:45.146 days , truly befitting the ship that's 45:45.146 --> 45:47.257 about to launch . I want to thank the 45:47.257 --> 45:49.423 committee members and I'm going to ask 45:49.423 --> 45:51.423 them all to wave and we'll hold our 45:51.423 --> 45:53.590 applause till the end . Roger Pomelo , 45:53.590 --> 45:57.040 co chair , Corey Vose , co chair , Bill 45:57.050 --> 46:00.159 Brio Katie Doherty , Alicia Stokes 46:00.310 --> 46:03.659 Gaudette Tony Jordan , Earl Kingsbury , 46:03.679 --> 46:06.919 Eric Lind Darren Matthews , Mark 46:06.929 --> 46:09.780 o'brien , Peter Thompson and Rebecca 46:09.790 --> 46:12.719 Wheeler . Thank you all very much for 46:12.729 --> 46:13.469 your work . 46:18.340 --> 46:21.659 The committee also received outstanding 46:21.669 --> 46:24.479 support and participation from Chris 46:24.489 --> 46:27.030 Gardner and Morgan Verge of the East 46:27.040 --> 46:29.270 Port Port Authority . They have been 46:29.280 --> 46:32.439 wonderful hosts and from AOL Sukma 46:32.899 --> 46:35.820 of the Casco Bay Navy League and I am 46:35.830 --> 46:37.469 grateful for their help . 46:43.070 --> 46:45.330 The US Augusta is an independent 46:45.340 --> 46:48.320 variant as you have heard of the L CS S . 46:48.800 --> 46:51.820 She's designed to be fast and agile . 46:51.870 --> 46:54.479 She'll operate near shore and open 46:54.489 --> 46:57.050 ocean and she will integrate into 46:57.060 --> 47:00.290 manned and unmanned teams . She'll be a 47:00.300 --> 47:02.879 part of the Navy's maritime security 47:02.889 --> 47:06.060 force , expanding its sea control and 47:06.070 --> 47:08.639 supporting deterrence missions around 47:08.649 --> 47:12.110 the globe , the safety and the lives of 47:12.120 --> 47:15.850 Augusta's crew and so many others will 47:15.860 --> 47:19.139 depend on the precision and care with 47:19.149 --> 47:22.139 which the Augusta has been built . And 47:22.149 --> 47:24.929 I want to thank every single person 47:24.939 --> 47:28.149 who's been instrumental in designing 47:28.159 --> 47:31.209 and building her . And here's the list . 47:32.419 --> 47:35.510 Mhm . Big sigh of relief . 47:36.550 --> 47:38.639 I also want to take a point of 47:38.649 --> 47:41.600 privilege before we get to the moment . 47:41.610 --> 47:44.330 Everyone is waiting for to say a few 47:44.340 --> 47:47.739 words about Commander Paul Nazi . 47:49.090 --> 47:51.719 From the very first time I met him , 47:51.919 --> 47:55.229 the commander has exuded immense care 47:55.239 --> 47:58.399 and pride in his crew in the 47:58.409 --> 48:01.750 ship and in the Navy forces , he's a 48:01.760 --> 48:05.449 teacher and a mentor and a mediator . 48:05.510 --> 48:08.909 He has taken great care to connect her , 48:08.919 --> 48:12.239 the ship and her crew with her 48:12.250 --> 48:15.030 namesake capital and the state of Maine . 48:15.179 --> 48:18.419 His experience and skills and the 48:18.429 --> 48:22.050 terrific US S Augusta crew will 48:22.060 --> 48:24.929 serve the ship . Well , I want to tell 48:24.939 --> 48:27.929 Commander Pal Nazi that he has earned 48:27.939 --> 48:29.340 his antlers . 48:35.949 --> 48:38.116 It has been such an honor to be a part 48:38.120 --> 48:40.176 of this ship's life . Maine , as you 48:40.176 --> 48:42.879 hear always is a state that has long 48:42.889 --> 48:46.000 been proud of its ocean based economy , 48:46.020 --> 48:48.969 its own ship , building successes and 48:48.979 --> 48:52.080 its history of introducing visitors to 48:52.090 --> 48:54.850 the joy and the beauty of the ocean . 48:55.219 --> 48:58.510 The US S Augusta will sail away this 48:58.520 --> 49:01.760 week with that legacy imbued in her 49:01.770 --> 49:04.639 heart , just like the strengths and 49:04.649 --> 49:06.760 work ethic of the people of the great 49:06.760 --> 49:09.139 state of Maine , the launch community 49:09.149 --> 49:12.459 of port and Maine's capital of Augusta , 49:12.639 --> 49:16.179 the US S Augusta's strength , agility 49:16.189 --> 49:18.739 and mission focus will augment the 49:18.750 --> 49:21.260 capacity of the Navy to keep our 49:21.270 --> 49:24.750 country safe . And we all know these 49:24.760 --> 49:27.300 words by heart from Theodore Roosevelt , 49:27.310 --> 49:29.532 but I'm going to say them again because 49:29.532 --> 49:33.270 I have the microphone . A good navy is 49:33.280 --> 49:36.360 not a provocation to war . It is the 49:36.370 --> 49:39.959 surest guarantee of peace to the 49:39.969 --> 49:42.909 United States Navy and to the commander 49:42.919 --> 49:46.379 and crew of the US S Augusta . May the 49:46.389 --> 49:49.439 spirit of Maine , its strength , its 49:49.449 --> 49:52.270 fortitude and resilience be with you 49:52.280 --> 49:54.830 always as you protect America , 49:55.139 --> 49:57.899 navigate the oceans and come home 49:57.909 --> 50:01.860 safely to your families . Are you ready ? 50:03.530 --> 50:07.030 Officers and crew of the US S 50:07.040 --> 50:10.689 Augusta man , our ship and bring 50:10.699 --> 50:12.239 her to life . 50:30.550 --> 50:30.939 Sure , 54:09.929 --> 54:12.479 ladies and gentlemen , the crew of us S 54:12.489 --> 54:14.909 Augusta salutes you . 54:27.219 --> 54:30.449 We are proud to serve in America's Navy . 54:30.770 --> 54:32.949 Augusta ready to 54:47.010 --> 54:49.343 ladies and gentlemen , please be seated . 55:14.600 --> 55:17.800 Captain . The ship is manned and ready . 55:18.479 --> 55:19.270 Very well . 55:23.989 --> 55:27.290 Come to Crawford us . Is Augusta is 55:27.300 --> 55:29.199 manned and ready . Very well . 55:35.850 --> 55:38.017 Vice Admiral Fuller request permission 55:38.017 --> 55:40.189 to break your flag . Brick my flag . 55:43.229 --> 55:45.340 Executive officer , break the flag of 55:45.340 --> 55:47.673 the naval Inspector General . All right , 55:47.673 --> 55:48.673 sir , 55:51.679 --> 55:53.790 Quartermaster , break the flag of the 55:53.790 --> 55:55.260 naval Inspector general , 56:04.629 --> 56:06.407 captain , the flag of the naval 56:06.407 --> 56:08.407 inspector general is flying proudly 56:08.407 --> 56:09.810 over us S Augusta . 56:16.760 --> 56:18.780 Ladies and gentlemen , Commander 56:18.790 --> 56:21.030 Christopher Paul Nazi , United States 56:21.040 --> 56:24.439 Navy commanding officer US S Augusta , 56:34.169 --> 56:36.899 Augusta parade . Rest . 56:38.520 --> 56:41.189 Good morning . Thank you , 56:41.199 --> 56:43.469 distinguished guests . Our many 56:43.479 --> 56:45.780 distinguished guests and the lovely 56:46.060 --> 56:48.540 ship sponsor Lee Softly 56:50.590 --> 56:53.110 and all who have given their time and 56:53.120 --> 56:55.510 work over this exciting week . 56:57.270 --> 56:59.649 Today marks a momentous occasion for 56:59.659 --> 57:03.310 our crew as we stand here beneath the 57:03.320 --> 57:05.760 towering presence of us . S Augusta 57:06.550 --> 57:08.679 named in honor of the capital of the 57:08.689 --> 57:11.989 state of Maine . We bear witness to the 57:12.000 --> 57:14.931 convergence of our heritage and our to 57:14.941 --> 57:18.941 the future . This ship born of 57:18.951 --> 57:21.862 American aluminum is a testament to the 57:21.872 --> 57:24.441 versatility , resolve and unwavering 57:24.451 --> 57:26.771 spirit that had defined our nation from 57:26.781 --> 57:29.582 its very inception , the USS Augusta 57:29.592 --> 57:32.322 stands as a living embodiment of our 57:32.332 --> 57:34.221 shared commitment to safeguarding 57:34.221 --> 57:37.271 liberty , defending our democracy and 57:37.281 --> 57:39.281 preserving peace around the world . 57:40.914 --> 57:43.164 Augusta Maine is steeped in tradition 57:43.174 --> 57:45.763 and history has given rise to brave 57:45.773 --> 57:47.829 sons and daughters who have answered 57:47.829 --> 57:50.343 the call of duty time and again , from 57:50.354 --> 57:53.003 the early days of the revolutionary War 57:54.093 --> 57:56.714 through the trials of the Civil War and 57:56.724 --> 57:59.057 into our challenges of the 21st century , 57:59.104 --> 58:01.271 the people of Augusta have shown their 58:01.271 --> 58:03.966 indomitable spirit and yielding in face 58:03.976 --> 58:07.145 of adversity . Now , as we commission 58:07.156 --> 58:09.295 this worship , we pay homage to that 58:09.305 --> 58:11.845 spirit . We recognize the sacrifices of 58:11.855 --> 58:14.506 those who have served those who 58:14.516 --> 58:16.656 currently serve and those who will 58:16.666 --> 58:20.256 serve aboard us . S Augusta . They 58:20.266 --> 58:22.906 represent the very best of America 58:23.605 --> 58:26.595 valor dedication and unbreakable 58:26.605 --> 58:28.661 commitment to something greater than 58:28.661 --> 58:31.268 themselves . This ship , a 58:31.278 --> 58:33.500 technological marvel is a symbol of our 58:33.500 --> 58:36.587 nation's prowess and innovation , its 58:36.597 --> 58:39.147 advanced systems and capabilities are a 58:39.157 --> 58:41.657 testament to the tireless efforts of 58:41.667 --> 58:43.677 thousands of men and women who have 58:43.687 --> 58:46.097 poured their intellect and passion into 58:46.107 --> 58:49.458 its construction . The US S Augusta 58:49.468 --> 58:51.690 will serve as a guardian of freedom and 58:51.699 --> 58:55.219 a beacon of hope . Today , 58:55.659 --> 58:57.881 we also extend our deepest gratitude to 58:57.881 --> 59:01.750 the citizens of Augusta , Eastport and 59:01.760 --> 59:03.669 all citizens of Maine for their 59:03.679 --> 59:06.030 steadfast support and bestowing us the 59:06.040 --> 59:08.262 honor of naming this vessel after their 59:08.262 --> 59:10.820 cherished city . This ship is a bridge 59:10.830 --> 59:12.997 connecting the proud maritime heritage 59:12.997 --> 59:15.270 of Maine to the broader legacy of the 59:15.280 --> 59:18.020 United States Navy . It is a reminder 59:18.030 --> 59:20.141 that no matter how distant the seas , 59:20.419 --> 59:23.070 we are all bound by a common purpose to 59:23.080 --> 59:25.449 safeguard the values of our nation . 59:26.290 --> 59:28.915 And as we forth , let us do so with 59:28.925 --> 59:31.147 heads held high with the knowledge that 59:31.155 --> 59:33.377 us Augusta will stand tall and strong , 59:33.445 --> 59:35.794 a sentinel on the waters , a guardian 59:35.804 --> 59:38.524 of our nation's ideals and may its crew 59:38.604 --> 59:40.771 from the most seasoned veterans to the 59:40.771 --> 59:42.660 newest recruit , carry forth that 59:42.660 --> 59:46.159 legacy of Augusta in the years to 59:46.169 --> 59:48.270 come . May the name us Augusta be 59:48.280 --> 59:50.689 synonymous with excellence , resilience 59:50.699 --> 59:52.866 and unyielding commitment to the cause 59:52.866 --> 59:55.032 of freedom . May it sail the seas as a 59:55.032 --> 59:57.143 testament to the enduring strength of 59:57.143 --> 59:59.199 the American people , protecting the 59:59.199 --> 01:00:00.199 frontier , 01:00:09.030 --> 01:00:12.729 Augusta attention . Will the 01:00:12.739 --> 01:00:14.179 guests please rise . 01:00:17.370 --> 01:00:19.259 Chaplain Bernard will deliver the 01:00:19.259 --> 01:00:20.259 benediction . 01:00:25.129 --> 01:00:26.699 Let us pray one last time . 01:00:29.370 --> 01:00:31.860 Eternal father who is strong to save 01:00:32.389 --> 01:00:34.556 the psalmist reminds us that some went 01:00:34.556 --> 01:00:36.489 down to the seas and ships doing 01:00:36.500 --> 01:00:38.879 business on the great waters and they 01:00:38.889 --> 01:00:41.000 saw your wondrous works in the deep . 01:00:41.699 --> 01:00:43.709 And so lord , as we have witnessed 01:00:43.719 --> 01:00:45.790 history in the making today , and we 01:00:45.800 --> 01:00:48.022 send our shipmates to sea on this great 01:00:48.022 --> 01:00:51.179 warship . May we wait with expectation 01:00:51.320 --> 01:00:53.431 to see what wondrous works and mighty 01:00:53.431 --> 01:00:55.919 deeds you have for this crew just over 01:00:55.929 --> 01:00:58.040 the horizon , knowing that they don't 01:00:58.040 --> 01:01:00.373 sail alone and you are always with them . 01:01:00.373 --> 01:01:02.373 Would you go before them and behind 01:01:02.373 --> 01:01:04.629 them , above them and below them , 01:01:05.070 --> 01:01:07.959 watching over them day by day as they 01:01:07.969 --> 01:01:10.136 answer our nation's call and strive to 01:01:10.136 --> 01:01:13.120 honor their nation and their God for . 01:01:13.129 --> 01:01:15.889 I ask all these things in your name 01:01:15.899 --> 01:01:18.449 that is above all names as all of God's 01:01:18.459 --> 01:01:21.649 people said with me . Amen and amen . 01:01:22.939 --> 01:01:23.750 God bless you .