It was an exciting day on the Detroit River, after years of anticipation the USS Detroit has finally made it’s way to it’s namesake city this afternoon.
The USS Detroit had a great welcoming committee with the Michigan Chapter of the Daughters of the Revolution decked out in red, white, and blue. As the horns blared cheers erupted from the riverfront.
The ship sponsor, Barbara Levin, was also in attendance for the arrival of the USS Detroit. Mrs. Levin was asked to be the sponsor of the USS Detroit while her husband Senator Carl Levin was still in the Senate.
The commissioning ceremony will be held on October 22, 2016 at 11:00 AM along the Riverwalk. There will be 4,000 people in attendance at the ceremony.
Construction on the USS Detroit started in 2012 in Marinette, Wisconsin. The warship is 389 feet in length, and weighs 3,200 tons.
The size of the ship makes it fast and agile in the water. The combat ship can go an excess of 40 knots (that’s roughly 46 miles per hour.)
The USS Detroit will port in Detroit for eight days, before it goes to Windsor for four days. This is the first time a US warship has visited a foreign nation in its inaugural port of call.
Here’s a video from above from YouTube user Peg Foen:
And here’s a cool video from the St. Clair River of the ship underway:
The final homeport of the USS Detroit will be the Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Florida.
There are numerous events happening over the eight days during the USS Detroit’s port of call. However most of them have already sold out. We’ve listed the events that are still open for the public.
Sunday, October 16, 2016
There will be a public worship service at the Mariners’ Church at 11:00 AM. – Address: 170 E Jefferson Avenue, Detroit
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Veterans Day in the D will be held at Atwater Brewery. The ceremony starts at 11:00 AM. Any Veteran is welcome to attend, however you must register in advance. Buses will take veterans to the ship for tours during the event.
Hours: 11:00 AM-5:00 PM – Atwater Brewery is located at: 237 Joseph Campau, Detroit
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
If you have not been able to get tickets to take a tour of the ship during the other days this is your chance.
Public tours will take place from 1:00 PM- 5:00 PM. They will take groups of 15-20 people every 15 minutes. Bring your photo ID and cameras, but leave your weapons and alcohol at home. Unfortunately due to uneven surfaces the ship can not accommodate wheelchairs or walkers.
Address: GM Riverfront in front of the Wintergarden
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Head over to Bert’s Warehouse in Eastern Market to attend the Sail Away Celebration. Tickets are $15 per person for general admission. VIP tickets are available for $30 per person.
Hours: 7:30 PM-2:00 AM (6:00 PM for VIP) – Bert’s Warehouse is located at 2739 Russell Street, Detroit