Clevelanders, get ready for a first-of-its-kind milestone: the commissioning of the USS Cleveland, a Littoral Combat Ship that will carry our city’s name, pride and community spirit around the world. Not only will this be the first Navy ship named after Cleveland to actually be commissioned in the city, but it’s also setting a new standard in how cities can support the men and women who serve aboard. “We’re calling it the Cleveland Standard,” says Pete Collins, retired Marine Brigadier General and CEO of the USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation. “It’s something no other city has done before.”
This isn’t just about a ship. It’s about creating a lasting connection between the people of Cleveland and the crew who will call this vessel home — whether they’re on Lake Michigan, the Atlantic Ocean, or halfway across the world. And Cleveland, as always, is going all in.
Community support has played a vital role in the program from the start. The foundation recently installed the Lone Sailor statue, a Navy Memorial symbol representing all sea services, at Voinovich Park. The dedication ceremony drew more than 400 attendees, including representatives from Cleveland’s local industries, the U.S. Navy, and two local high school bands, Shaw and Warrensville Heights. The bands’ involvement highlighted the foundation’s commitment to uplifting Cleveland’s youth, connecting them with the ship and inspiring new generations to serve and succeed.
Funded by Cleveland businesses, including KeyBank and Cleveland Cliffs, donors are cleverly asked to add “31 cents” to their dollar donations, a reflection the ship’s hull number, LCS-31, making each contribution a personalized gesture. The city’s financial and community leaders have mobilized a groundswell of support, creating a “Cleveland Standard” that prioritizes connection, inclusion, and a deep sense of pride in the city’s legacy.
Supporting the Crew: Bringing Cleveland to the Seas
The heart of the Cleveland Standard is the support for sailors. Picture this: care packages stuffed with local favorites like Malley’s chocolates and Pierre’s ice cream (including their special “Spirit of America” flavor), Cleveland Guardians merch, and maybe even a little Cavs gear. “We’re working on making them Browns fans, but this season might be a tough sell,” Collins jokes.
But the support runs deeper than sweet treats and sports swag. The foundation is setting up a safety net for sailors who might hit financial bumps during their service. That net could include direct financial assistance during critical times, such as medical expenses or an unexpect family crisis. With a starting salary of just $24,000 a year, many junior enlisted crew members face challenges, and Cleveland is stepping up to help. “How can they focus on their mission if they’re worried about their families or finances?” Collins asks.
And then there’s the “Adopt-a-Sailor” program, where Clevelanders — residents and businesses alike — can sponsor a sailor or a whole naval division. Through this program, sponsors provide ongoing encouragement and support, such as care packages, letters, and small gifts, that remind sailors they are valued and connected to their namesake city. This personal connection not only boosts morale for the crew but also strengthens the bond between the USS Cleveland and its community. The foundation sees this as an integral part of their mission to make the USS Cleveland a lasting
It’s about making these men and women feel connected, even when they’re stationed far from home. The foundation’s long-term vision? To bring some of these sailors back to Cleveland when they leave the Navy. “We want them to land in the Land,” says Collins, who’s already working on partnerships with local companies to make that happen.
Future Plans: Cleveland Showing Up Big
With the ship set to arrive in Cleveland in September 2025, the next couple of years are all about getting the community involved and hyped. The commissioning ceremony itself is expected to draw thousands of people, according to the USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation, but that’s just the start. Receptions, picnics with the crew, and public events, including holiday festivities will make sure the USS Cleveland isn’t just a Navy ship—it’s Cleveland’s ship.
The foundation is also expanding its STEAM education program to connect local students with the Navy and the ship. Earlier this year, students flew to Wisconsin to see the USS Cleveland being built — a hands-on experience that the foundation hopes will inspire careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.
And once the ship finishes its service? The vision is to bring it back to Cleveland as a museum, likely near Voinovich Park, right alongside the Cod and the Mather. “This isn’t just about one ship,” Collins says. “It’s about creating a legacy that honors all USS Cleveland ships and the people who served on them.”
Why It Matters
If you’ve spent any time in Cleveland, you know one thing: this city rallies together. Whether it’s cheering on the Browns, debating who has the best pierogies, or coming together behind an effort like this, Clevelanders are all about community. The USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation has turned that spirit into a national model, with cities already taking notes on how Cleveland is doing it.
Vice Admiral John Nowell, Jr., USN (Ret.), President and CEO of the U.S. Navy Memorial, echoed this sentiment during the Lone Sailor statue unveiling, stating, “Under the shadow of Cleveland’s Lone Sailor, future generations will be inspired to enter the armed services. This new plaza is another important step in the Foundation’s work to build positive civil-military relations and continue building excitement for the commissioning of the USS Cleveland, LCS-31 in 2025.”
“No one else has ever done this before,” Collins says, clearly proud of what the city is building. “But it feels very Cleveland, doesn’t it? Supporting our people, honoring their service, and creating something bigger than ourselves.”
So when the USS Cleveland takes to the water, remember: it’s carrying more than a name. It’s carrying the heart of a city that knows how to come together — and it’s setting sail with a community behind it, every step of the way.
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