The City of Jackson is getting its own battleship.

The USS Jackson (LCS 6), an Independence variant of the Littoral Combat Ship Class, is the first ship named after the Capital City of Mississippi.

The ship’s keel was laid on October 18, 2012 and the ship was launched on December 14, 2013.Â LCS 6 was christened the JACKSON on March 22, 2014 and is scheduled to be commissioned the USS JACKSON in Gulfport on Saturday December 5, 2015.

Bernard Booth, an attorney and Millsaps alumnus who is serving on the commissioning committee, says the events surrounding the final step in the process are shaping up, thanks in part to the help of Fondren businesses. “It’s a rare thing for someone to flat out say no (to a request for donations or services),” he tells. “Most in Fondren have said, ‘tell me what to do and we’ll do it. Booth adds, “in Mississippi, we have a strong reverence and appreciation for military service.”

Saltine Oyster Bar, The Pig & Pint, Walker’s Drive-In and Babalu Tacos & Tapas have all signed up to participate in a December 4 gala as have Lucky Town Brewing Company, Cathead Vodka and Capital City Beverage. Brown’s Fine Art and Framing will frame Jackson photos donated by Gil Ford Photography that will hang in the ship and The Ramey Agency is assisting with marketing efforts.

The ship, named by former Mississippi Governor and now Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, is sponsored by Kate Cochran, daughter of Senator Thad Cochran, who is an English professor at the University of Southern Mississippi. Ms. Cochran has helped to compile a library of books written by Mississippi authors to keep aboard the vessel. Governor Phil Bryant, Jackson Mayor Tony Yarber and Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes serve as honorary chairpersons.

Booth says the ship’s commissioning is especially meaningful for him as a Jacksonian who also served as a Judge Advocate General in the United States Navy. “I grew up here, so it thrills me to death,” he says. “I loved my time in the Navy and so, to be a part of that energy, I’m proud of both (my city and my service).”

The commissioning committee serves at the pleasure of the Mississippi Navy League, a 501(c)3 overseeing the events and contributions toward the efforts. Donations — and requests for free tickets to the December 5 event — can be made at ussjacksoncommissioning.com. Monies leftover from the gala will fund a scholarship for members of the ship’s crew and their dependents.

The USS Jackson will be home ported in Coronado, California.