Littoral combat ship USS Indianapolis (LCS 17) Sailors visited their ship’s namesake city Jan. 12-15, where they were special guests at the State of the State event.

During the brief visit, Command Master Chief Jimmy Halleran, Information Systems Technician Chief Delila Edwards, Culinary Specialist First Class Gregory Simmons, and Mineman Chief Daniel O’Connell participated in a variety of events, met several local and state officials, visited schools and attractions in the Indianapolis area and were intereviewd by local media.

Highlighting the trip, the four crewmembers attended Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb’s State of the State presentation where they were introduced at the House and Senate as Sailors of the fourth naval vessel named after the city and one of the newest ships in the Navy, commissioned just three months ago, on Oct. 26, 2019.

“It was truly an honor to be introduced to the Indianapolis community at such a high level for all of the great work our crew and our ship has done and will do in the future,” said Halleran. “We are proud to reflect on the historic ships and crews that have represented this great city and to be able to continue this tradition with our ship and our motto ‘legacy of war.’”

During the trip, the Sailors visited Sugar Grove Elementary School for a discussion with local youth about the Navy and their ship. They took part in a robust question and answer session and taught the children how to salute and stand at attention. Sailors described what life is like on a LCS, the opportunties and benefits of a career in the Navy.

“It was so nice to see how excited the kids were to meet some of the faces in uniform and hear about some of the great things about our jobs,” said Simmons. “And, they loved learning how to salute!”

Between events and visits, the crew participated in two local media interviews. They answered questions regarding their jobs, life on the ship, and the mission of the LCS. The Sailors also spent time meeting and conversing with local elected officials, legislators, and the public. And, they visited the USS Indianapolis CA-35 Memorial to recognize and pay their respects for those who died on the last U.S. ship to sink during World War II.

On Jan. 13, Sailors watched the Indiana Pacers defeat the Philadelphia 76ers in a close game at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

 “It was incredible to watch such tremendous athletes compete at this level,” said O’Connell. “Both our crew and the Pacers players are representing the great state of Indiana in our own way.”

LCS class ships allow the Navy to strengthen its partnership with other countries’ navies and coast guards. A fast, agile and high-technology surface combatant, Indianapolis, like the other ships in her class, will serve as a platform for launch and recovery of manned and unmanned vehicles. LCSs perform maritime security operations, theater security cooperation engagements, and freedom of navigation patrols; keeping open critical maritime commerce routes. Littoral combat ships are able to patrol the littorals and access ports where other ships may be unable.

USS Indianapolis (LCS 17) is homeported at Naval Station Mayport, Fla., and is assigned to Littoral Combat Ship Squadron 2.

For news about USS Indianapolis, visit their Facebook sites at www.facebook.com/comlcsron2/  or www.facebook.com/ussindylcs17/ .

For more news from Commander Littoral Combat Ship Squadron 2, visit www.navy.mil/.

Get more information about the Navy from US Navy facebook or twitter.