The U.S. Navy will commission the USS Milwaukee right here in Milwaukee on Nov. 21, the same day as the Downtown Milwaukee Holiday Parade.

And, free tickets are now available.

The USS Milwaukee (LCS-5) commissioning takes place Nov. 21 at 1 p.m. in Veterans Park. The 390-foot ship – the fifth and fastest ship to be named Milwaukee – will enter service in the Navy on Milwaukee’s beautiful Lakefront and you can be there for this historic event.

Various ships have been commissioned throughout the United States, but few can boast Milwaukee’s connection to the community. The USS Milwaukee (LCS-5) will be commissioned in her namesake city, in the state she was built, among the hands that built her. Of the five ships named Milwaukee, the USS Milwaukee (LCS-5) ship is the only one built in Wisconsin.

Tickets for the USS Milwaukee (LCS-5) Commissioning can be acquired for FREE here.

After the commissioning, the USS Milwaukee Commissioning Committee will hold a celebration at Veterans Park. Those who attend the commissioning ceremony, as well as friends and family, are invited to gather immediately after to honor this historical Naval event.

Food and drinks will be sponsored by various local companies, including Johnsonville, Miller Lite and Sprecher. This celebration, put on with the help of Bartolotta Restaurants, will feature a 53,000 pound Johnsonville grill measuring 65 feet long and capable of grilling more than 750 brats at once. Live polka music will entertain guests from 2 - 4 p.m. Brew City will sell USS Milwaukee merchandise, and Navy Recruiting will be on hand to provide displays and answer inquiries. All participants will have the opportunity to view the USS Milwaukee banner with over 2,000 signatures obtained at Wisconsin State Fair this past summer.



"The commissioning of the USS Milwaukee is a great opportunity for family and friends to gather at Milwaukee’s beautiful lakefront to celebrate a prominent event in Milwaukee history," said Candee Arndt, Event Planner for the USS Milwaukee Commissioning Committee. "

For additional information, and to check out USS Milwaukee gear click here.