Why is FREEDOM being commissioned in Milwaukee?
The U. S. Navy likes to have ships commissioned in various port cities throughout the United States. This allows those communities to learn about the Navy and participate in the patriotism and nautical traditions involved in such an event. It also exposes the crew to that port city and establishes a link between the community and the ship. Since FREEDOM is being built in Wisconsin (Marinette), it makes sense to commission her in the state that provided the labor and much of the materials to build her. Milwaukee is the state’s largest city, and the only city along the lake with the facilities for a commissioning. The commissioning will take place along the waterfront in Milwaukee County Veterans Park.
