CLEVELAND, Ohio — The USS Cleveland was officially commissioned into the U.S. Navy Saturday morning, marking the first time in history that a U.S. warship was commissioned in Ohio.
The ceremony happened on a blustery, sun- and cloud-filled morning on Lake Erie, which helped give life to the dozens of flags flying from the ship.
Commanding Officer Bruce Hallett led the official proceedings as sailors ran aboard the vessel to ceremonially bring the ship to life. Officials emphasized that no ship is fully commissioned until the crew is aboard, which brings significance to the portion of the ceremony where the crew “runs aboard.”…