Nancy Pelosi to speak at christening of USNS John Lewis in San Diego
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The oiler John Lewis will be christened on July 17 at General Dynamics-NAASCO. (General Dynamics-NAASCO)
SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Tribune News Service) U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said Thursday she will lead a Congressional delegation to San Diego’s General Dynamics-NASSCO shipyard on July 17 for the christening of the Navy replenishment oiler John Lewis.
Pelosi also is expected to give a speech during the event, an invitation-only ceremony that will be held at NASSCO’s Barrio Logan facility. Actress-activist Alfre Woodward, the ship’s sponsor, will perform the christening.
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Due to COVID-19 limitations, 50 guests were able to attend the ceremony for the ship named in honor of Marine Corps Medal of Honor recipient Lance Cpl. Miguel Keith, who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam exactly 51 years to the day his namesake ship joined the fleet.
“This ship is named after an inspiring leader - a Marine,” said Adm. Craig S. Faller, Commander, U.S. Southern Command, who delivered the ceremony’s principal remarks. “Lt. Gen. Heckl ran through Miguel’s career and a more detailed action of that day. But can any of us truly imagine? Close your eyes for a minute and try to think. The sound of gunfire like the worst violent storm any of us have ever been through. The searing heat, suffocating humidity, the chaos, and confusion of battle. The smell of death and destruction. When many would have stepped back, Miguel stepped up. He led the charge courageously focused on his team above all else, and he made a difference. A difference that is continued today.�