USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul enters service after commissioning ceremony in Duluth

The USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul is officially ready for duty in the United States Navy after a commissioning ceremony on Saturday in Duluth.

The littoral-class warship is built to brave the high seas and carry out missions worldwide.

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Hundreds of people witnessed the commissioning ceremony, including veteran sailors state lawmakers.

Dennis Green said he served in the US Navy from 1971-1975.

“Our top knot that we could go was 13, but we cruised from 9 to 10 knots,” Green said.

The USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul has a top speed above 40 knots, making it one of the fastest navy ships to hit the water. It’ll be carrying a piece of the Twin Cities from coast to coast.

Governor Tim Walz spoke during the commissioning ceremony.

“We’re a people of grit, resiliency and bravery and those are reflected in the values of the United States Navy and the crew of the USS Minneapolis Saint Paul,” Walz said.

United States Navy Commander Alfonza White said “I have no doubt that the USS Minneapolis Saint Paul will have success in the future because the crew understands the objective and the mission.”

The ship was built by the Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisc. The Minneapolis-Saint Paul was launched and christened in on June 15, 2019. It then completed acceptance trials on Aug. 21, 2020, and was delivered to U.S. Navy, Nov. 18, 2021.

The USS Minneapolis Saint Paul will be based at a port in Mayport, Fla.