The littoral combat ship (LCS) rotational crew commissioning ceremony for Crew 106 was held at Mariner's Park on board Naval Base San Diego, July 2.

The ceremony for the "Makos" of Crew 106 opened with the announcement of the newly commissioned crew and its plans for the future as part of the Navy's littoral combat ship program.

"It's a real honor; the crew has worked extremely hard to get us here," said Cmdr. Michael R. Wohnhaas, the commanding officer of Crew 106. "I'm very proud of the recognition we get to show the crew today and I'm looking forward to many years of proud naval service by LCS Crew 106"

In the weeks and months leading up to the ceremony, LCS Crew 106 Sailors spent long days becoming qualified through training and various professional schools in order to prepare for their duties as a rotational LCS crew.

"We are more than prepared as a crew," said Fire Controlman 1st Class Shawn Lloyd. "There is a lot of experience within this team and a lot of man hours have gone into training and sharpening our skills in order to get the mission done right and well."

In addition, several Sailors received awards and recognition during the ceremony for their performance throughout the establishment process.

The versatile LCS variants are designed with a minimal manning concept in mind. A core crew consists of about 50 highly qualified, screened and selected Sailors who operate the systems, stand watch and conduct maintenance all in support of the ship's mission.

With half of the LCS ships deployed at all times, the LCS 3:2:1 (3 rotational crews: 2 rotational ships: 1 ship deployed) rotational crewing concept provides twice the forward presence of other surface combatants.

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