Jackson Free Press

A future Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ship will honor the city of Jackson, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced Friday.

"The selection of Jackson, designated LCS 6, honors the great city of Jackson, Miss.," Mabus said in a statement. " Its rich history began in 1821 when it was named for Major General Andrew Jackson who went on to become the seventh president of the United States. Since then, the city has been the hub of state government and a diverse culture."

This is the first ship in the navy's fleet that will bear a city's name.

"We are proud that the Navy is recognizing Mississippi's Capital city. We appreciate the service of the men and women of the Navy and all they have done to protect democracy and our country," Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. said in a statement. "This would not have happened without the kind consideration of Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, and we thank him for this honor."

The Jackson USS will measure 419 feet in length, have a waterline beam of 103 feet, displace approximately 3000 tons, and make speed in excess of 40 knots.

Previous Commentsshow

The USS Jackson...I wonder if it will be hobbled with ineffective leadership and flounder like its namesake!

Darryl

Mar 31 2011

Yes, that Andrew Jackson was a piece of work. And lest we forget his war on Native Americans. Hopefully, his karma won't doom the boat.

DonnaLadd

Mar 31 2011

Need to edit the last sentence, it's the USS Jackson not the Jackson USS. :)

BubbaT

Mar 31 2011

The was a nuclear sub named after Andrew Jackson,the USS Andrew Jackson SSBN619 was decommished in 1989.

BubbaT

Mar 31 2011

To the uninformed readers out there, Ms. Ladd sidestepped my swipe. The USS Andrew Jackson was a ballistic missile submarine (a "boomer" to you Tom Clancy readers) which was decommissioned in 1989.

Darryl

Mar 31 2011

Gotcha, Darryl. ;-) It's nice to see the submarine lobby show up full force. And I mean that. There's never a dull minute on this here site.

DonnaLadd

Mar 31 2011