December 13, 2013
The Honorable Ray Mabus
Secretary
Department of the Navy
1000 Navy Pentagon
Washington, D.C. 20350-1000
Dear Secretary Mabus:
We write today to express our strong support for the selection of the City of Detroit as the site for the commissioning of the USS DETROIT (LCS 7). Rich in maritime history and American ingenuity, the City of Detroit is ideally situated to host this event.
As a Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ship, the DETROIT will be a fast, agile and multipurpose ship designed for both coastal and ocean missions as well as humanitarian relief missions. This high-tech vessel will have the unique ability to adjust to different mission sets and will be vital in meeting the changing needs of naval forces around the globe.
The City of Detroit has famously faced its own challenges and has a deep history of being able to adapt, adjust and rebuild throughout the years. Since 1813, five previous naval vessels have borne the name "Detroit," so it seems particularly fitting that the city receive the honor of hosting the commissioning ceremony of its newest namesake ship--just as the Navy also begins a new chapter of warfighting assets.
Sincerely,
Rep. Candice S. Miller
Rep. Gary C. Peters
Sen. Carl Levin
Sen. Debbie Stabenow
Rep. Sander Levin
Rep. Bill Huizenga
Rep. John D. Dingell
Rep. John Conyers, Jr.
Rep. Tim Walberg
Rep. Mike J. Rogers
Rep. Kerry Bentivolio
Rep. Dave Camp
Rep. Fred Upton
Rep. Dan Kildee