The Commissioning

Ship commissioning is the act or ceremony of placing a ship into active Navy service. At the moment when the commissioning pennant is broken at the masthead, a ship becomes a Navy command in her own right, and takes her place alongside the other active ships of the fleet.

This ceremony continues a tradition some three centuries old, observed by navies around the world and by our own Navy since December 1775, when Alfred, the first ship of the Continental Navy, was commissioned at Philadelphia. Once in commission, the commanding officer and crew are entrusted with the privilege and responsibility of maintaining their ship’s readiness in peace, and of conducting successful operations at sea in time of war.

USS Jack H. Lucas Commissioning Committee is a body formed to work with the Tampa Chapter of the Navy League to plan and execute the many celebratory events surrounding the commissioning and leave a legacy in support of the ship’s leaders and crew.

Hosted and led by The Navy League, Port Tampa Bay, sponsor companies and many distinguished civic and retired military leaders from around the Tampa region, we are honored to facilitate the U.S. Navy in its endeavor to place this state-of-the-art vessel in active service.

An October to Remember

Commissioning week for the USS Jack H. Lucas will begin with the arrival of the vessel Monday, 10/2.  It will be a sight to see as she sails into Tampa Bay for the first time escorted by a well-recognized and a Tampa favorite, The Jose Gaspar.  From here, the week kicks off with a variety of community engaging events for the ship’s leadership and her crew, together with civic leaders and dignitaries.  Be sure to check out the event schedule and see the public’s opportunities to participate during commissioning week.

Schedule of Commissioning Day 

Announcement of Platform Guests 
Presentation of Colors 
National Anthem 
Invocation 
Welcome 
Guest Speakers  
Principal Address 
Placing USS Jack H Lucas in Commission 
Assumption of Command 
Setting the First Watch 
Manning the Ship and Bringing Her to Life 
Reporting for Duty 
Breaking the Flag 
Commanding Officer's Remarks 
Benediction 
Departure of Platform Guests