USS Cleveland to Open for Public Tour Before Historic Commissioning

The Navy's newest ship will be commissioned in Cleveland, a first for the city.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:20pm

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A highly stylized, geometric illustration depicting the sweeping, monumental architecture of a naval ship, rendered in bold, streamlined forms and dramatic forced perspectives, conveying a sense of scale and power without any literal depiction.The public opening of the USS Cleveland, the Navy's newest ship, will allow locals to experience the grandeur of a modern warship before its historic commissioning ceremony.Cleveland Today

The USS Cleveland (LCS-31), the Navy's newest ship, will be open to the public for tours in the week leading up to its historic commissioning ceremony in Cleveland on May 16. This will be the first time a U.S. Navy ship has been commissioned in Cleveland or anywhere in Ohio.

Why it matters

The commissioning of the USS Cleveland is a significant event for the city, as it marks the first time a Navy ship has been commissioned in Cleveland. This represents an important milestone for the city's maritime history and its relationship with the U.S. Navy.

The details

The USS Cleveland will be open to the public for tours in the week leading up to its commissioning ceremony on May 16. This will give local residents and visitors a chance to see the ship up close and learn more about its capabilities and the sailors who will serve aboard it.

  • The USS Cleveland will be open to the public in the week before its commissioning on May 16, 2026.
  • The USS Cleveland will be commissioned on May 16, 2026, making it the first U.S. Navy ship to be commissioned in Cleveland or Ohio.

The players

USS Cleveland (LCS-31)

The U.S. Navy's newest ship, which will be the first to be commissioned in Cleveland, Ohio.

Tom Kulick

A Cleveland resident who wrote a letter to the editor about his experience attending the christening and commissioning of other Navy ships.

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What they’re saying

“If you have the chance, do not miss it!”

— Tom Kulick, Cleveland Resident

What’s next

The USS Cleveland will be commissioned on May 16, 2026, marking a historic event for the city of Cleveland.

The takeaway

The commissioning of the USS Cleveland in Cleveland represents an important milestone for the city's maritime history and its relationship with the U.S. Navy, providing a unique opportunity for the public to experience and celebrate this historic event.