Honoring Service. Celebrating Cleveland.

Join us for the Commissioning of the USS Cleveland

Witness history as a new naval vessel joins the fleet, celebrating maritime legacy. Sign up to receive the latest updates.

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Date

Saturday, May 9 through
Monday, May 18

email@example.com

Location

North Coast Yard
Cleveland, Ohio

+1 (555) 000-0000

Time

See Event Schedule Below

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About

From City to Sea: the USS Cleveland

The commissioning of the USS Cleveland (LCS 31) marks the official moment the ship enters active service in the United States Navy. Held in Cleveland in May 2026, this historic ceremony will be the first time in 250 years that a U.S. Navy warship is commissioned in the State of Ohio—an unprecedented milestone for our city, our state, and our nation.

A Historic First

For the first time in U.S. history, a Navy warship will be commissioned in Ohio. This extraordinary milestone places Cleveland at the center of a moment unmatched in American naval tradition.

A Ship Enters Active Service

A commissioning ceremony is a time-honored naval tradition that formally places a ship into active duty. It recognizes the readiness of the vessel and crew, and marks the beginning of their service to the nation.

A Legacy Carried Forward

The USS Cleveland is the fourth Navy vessel to bear the city’s name, continuing a proud legacy that connects the people of Northeast Ohio to those who serve at sea. Its commissioning honors that history while strengthening the bond between our community and the U.S. Navy.

Event Schedule

Commissioning Week Highlights

Arrival Day

Saturday, May 9

Sunrise - 10:00am
USS Cleveland Welcome Flotilla
Lake Erie, west of downtown Cleveland
We invite you to join the USS Cleveland Welcome Flotilla! Private boats and watercraft are invited to join the flotilla on Lake Erie and welcome the USS Cleveland as it arrives in Northeast Ohio to kickoff Commissioning Week.

Registration is required and a notice to mariners will be broadcast outlining further details and stand-off restrictions. 
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To register, please reach out to CDR Richard DeChant (USCGR, ret.) at rdechant@neopat.org. Last day to register is Friday, March 20.
Sunrise - 10:00am
USS Cleveland Welcome Color Guard
  • Main STreet Beach & Park, Lakeview Park, Community Park & Boat Launch, Veterans Memorial Park, Huntington Reservation/Beach, Bradstreet's Landing, Lakework Park Solstice Steps, Edgewater Park
The USS Cleveland Welcome Color Guard gives individuals, families, and organizations a meaningful way to take part in the ship’s arrival on Saturday, May 9, 2026. Participants will gather at designated lakefront sites between Vermilion and Cleveland to welcome USS Cleveland with American flags as the ship makes its way to the Port of Cleveland.

For a $31 donation, supporters may sponsor a flag to use during the event and keep afterward as a commemorative memento.

Register Here

Community Day

Sunday, May 10

10:30am – 4:30pm
Commissioning Week Kickoff
North Coast Yard
Join us on Sunday, May 10, for a festive, family-friendly Community Day welcoming the Sailors of USS Cleveland to their namesake city. This special event will connect the crew with the community of Northeast Ohio for a day of excitement and celebration as residents will have the opportunity to meet the Sailors, learn more about the ship and our Foundation, and kickoff Commissioning Week in true Cleveland fashion.

Free and open to the public, additional event details will be provided as they become available.

Ship Tour Days

Sunday, May 10 - Wednesday, May 13

TBD
Schedule a Ship Tour
USS Cleveland at North Coast Yard
A limited number of public ship tours will be available during Commissioning Week, offering guests the rare opportunity to step aboard USS Cleveland (LCS-31) and experience this world-class naval vessel up close. Registration opening will be advertised ahead of time. Tour details, eligibility requirements, security procedures, and registration information will be posted as they become available.

Register Here Beginning Friday, April 10, at 7 PM

Commissioning Day

Saturday, May 16

10:00am
Commissioning Ceremony
North Coast Yard
The USS Cleveland commissioning ceremony will officially place the ship into active service and mark the culmination of years of support from the city, region, and nation.

This will mark the first time in the 250-year history of our nation that a U.S. Navy warship will ever commission in the State of Ohio.This milestone event will celebrate the crew, honor the ship’s namesake city, and recognize the many partners and supporters who helped bring this historic moment to life.

Register Here

Departure Day

Monday, May 18

TBD
USS Cleveland Departure
North Coast Yard
Come wish the crew “fair winds and following seas” as the USS Cleveland departs our city, officially ending this historic commissioning week.
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Plan Your Visit

Getting here and settling in

Travel

Public transit runs directly to North Coast Yard. Parking is available in multiple lots within walking distance.

Arrival & Access

Arrive early to clear security screening with time to spare. Bring a valid ID and expect bag inspection. Wear comfortable shoes and check the forecast—bring layers or an umbrella just in case.

Our Mission

Stewarding the Legacy Behind the Commissioning

The USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation commissioning is more than a single moment; it’s part of a lasting commitment to service, history, and community. The USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation helps steward this mission by supporting programs and initiatives that honor naval service, preserve history, and strengthen civic pride in Cleveland and beyond.

Learn about the USS CLEVELAND LEGACY FOUNDATION
Get Involved

Make this moment matter for Cleveland

Volunteer

We need volunteers who care about Cleveland and the Navy. Help with crowd support, info booths, or setup. No experience needed. Sign up today.

Sign Up to volunteer

Donate

Support the USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation and help honor the crew during commissioning and beyond with meaningful, lasting impact.

make a donation now

Get Updates

Sign up for our email newsletter to receive the latest updates, announcements, and important information about the USS Cleveland Commissioning Event.

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To Our Partners

To our partners, thank you for helping make USS Cleveland Commissioning Week possible. Your support and generosity have made this historic moment possible for our city, our nation, and most importantly, our sailors.
See all partners