For the fourth time, a naval ship will bear the name of Nebraska's largest city and in less than two weeks, the USS Omaha will be fully commissioned at its home port of San Diego.
Hundreds of Nebraskans, including Governor Pete Ricketts and Mayor Jean Stothert, will head to the sunny beaches of southern California for the February 3rd commissioning ceremony. That ceremony kicks off the littoral combat ship's active service, officially becoming part of the fleet.
The littoral combat ship's maiden voyage took her from Mobile, Alabama to its home in San Diego, while making stops in Florida, Virginia, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and Mexico along the way. USS Omaha is designed to work close to shore, and will host a crew of about 60 seamen.
The ship will have more than just a name connection to Nebraska though, the USS Omaha will also have an engraved Borsheim's tea service aboard.
The ship was christened by Omaha Philanthropist Susie Buffett in 2015.