WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today applauded the official christening of the USNS Millinocket, the first naval vessel to be named in honor of the Towns of Millinocket and East Millinocket, Maine. According to the U.S. Navy, the USNS Millinocket will follow in the tradition of the USS Stephen W. Groves, which was decommissioned on February 24, 2012. Stephen Groves was a 25 year old Navy Ensign from East Millinocket who died in the Battle of Midway on June 4, 1942, during World War II.

“Today’s christening is a proud moment for the State of Maine and particularly for the towns of Millinocket and East Millinocket,” said Senator King. “Not only is it a remarkable gesture, but it’s also an outstanding tribute to the sacrifice of Maine’s communities and the valor of our servicemen and women in defending our country. It’s an honor to know that a Navy ship will now again patrol the world’s seas bearing the name of a community whose strength is emblematic of our great state.”

“You will find the connection forged today with the residents of Millinocket will be strong, and I am pleased that this Joint High Speed Vessel will carry on Maine’s proud maritime legacy. Mainers take care of their own, and the USNS Millinocket is part of our family,” said Senator Collins.

BACKGROUND: The USNS Millinocket is the first naval vessel to be named in honor of Millinocket and East Millinocket, Maine. Built in Mobile, Alabama, the ship will follow in the tradition of the USS Stephen W. Groves, a guided missile frigate built at Bath Iron Works, which was decommissioned on February 24, 2012 after nearly 30 years of active service. The USS Groves was named after Stephen Groves, a 1934 graduate of Schenck High School in East Millinocket and a 1939 graduate of the University of Maine. Ensign Groves, who was killed during the Battle of Midway, was the first serviceman from East Millinocket to lose his life during World War II.

Upon delivery to the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC), Millinocket will be designated as a United States Naval Ship and will have a core crew of 21 civilian mariners who will operate and navigate the ship. The first four Joint High Speed Vessels (JHSV) – including Millinocket – will be crewed by federally employed civil service mariners, and the remaining six will be crewed by civilian contract mariners working for private shipping companies under contract to MSC. Military mission personnel will embark, as required, by the mission sponsors.

The 338 foot-long aluminum catamaran is ideal for fast, intra-theater transportation of troops, military vehicles, supplies and equipment. The ship is capable of transporting 600 short tons 1,200 nautical miles at an average speed of 35 knots and can operate in austere ports and waterways, providing U.S. forces added mobility and flexibility. The JHSVs also have an aviation flight deck to support day and night air vehicle launch and recovery operations. JHSVs have berthing space for up to 104 personnel and airline-style seating for up to 312.

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