CLEVELAND — Spectators lined up along the Lake Erie shore in order to catch a glimpse of the U.S. Navy’s soon-to-be commissioned ship, the USS Cleveland. 

What You Need To Know

The USS Cleveland is a new U.S. Navy combat ship that arrival to Cleveland to get commissioned

The arrival kicks off a week of events related to the ship, which include a chance for residents to tour it

The USS Cleveland is the fourth naval ship named “Cleveland”

Excitement is high along the Lake Erie coast as residents from Ohio came out to watch the passing of the USS Cleveland. That’s a U.S. Navy warship that docked at the Port of Cleveland on Saturday.

“It’s coming in to be commissioned in Cleveland, it’s named after Cleveland, and the fact that there are going to be so many people down here today, and a lot of people greeting it, just seemed like a really cool place to be,” said photographer Lee Baskey.

Lee Baskey is a photographer who showed up with a friend at Vermilion Beach in Ohio to snap a picture of the ship.

“It’s kind of fun to come down here and watch everybody have a good time,” Baskey said. 

USS CLEVELAND Copyright © Lee Baskey Lee Baskey Photography

Vermilion was the first city along the Lake Erie Coast that was passed by the ship. Flags were waving as a large crowd assembled to watch the ship pass by the town. Residents were using binoculars and taking pictures. 

Residents also lined the shores along the coast in Avon Lake, Lakewood, and in Cleveland at Edgewater Park. 

“We’re out here at Edgewater Park today, here in Cleveland, Ohio. We are welcoming the pre-commissioned LCS, USS Cleveland. This is the fourth USS Cleveland to be in the Navy,” explained LTGD Rachael Jones.

She says the community response was remarkable. 

“It was awesome seeing the turnout out here.”

USS CLEVELAND Copyright © Lee Baskey Lee Baskey Photography

It’s coming to Cleveland to be officially commissioned, and although viewers only got a look from a distance, it’s a large ship. 

“It’s about 400 feet long and it’s very fast. It can go about 40-plus knots,” Jones said. 

It docked in the Port of Cleveland and will be commissioned Saturday, May 16. Until then, there are ways for residents to take advantage of the ship’s presence. 

“Throughout the week there should be ship tours, and they’ll be able to visit that ship to look at what it looks like. I know it’s not very common to get ship tours out here, so I definitely recommend it.”

For viewers, witnessing the historic ship was a treat. Baskey was able to get some impressive shots. 

“Hopefully, the photos aren’t too crowded, but really, just to get some photos and post them and show them off,” Bakery said.