WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate has passed a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) recognizing the commissioning of the USS Omaha. This weekend, the USS Omaha is scheduled to be commissioned in the U.S. Navy as one of our country’s newest Independence Class Littoral Combat Ships. Fischer and Sasse both serve as members of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

“I want to thank my Senate colleagues for joining us in recognizing a new addition to our nation’s naval arsenal: the USS Omaha. This Littoral Combat Ship follows in the footsteps of other ships that have shared its name, defended our freedom, and helped keep Americans safe around the globe. As the crew of the USS Omaha sets out on their mission, I wish them well, and I know they will make Nebraska proud,” said Senator Fischer. Click here to read Senator Fischer’s floor remarks on the USS Omaha resolution posted in the Congressional Record.

“The commissioning of the USS Omaha is a fitting tribute to Omaha's history and people. Even if we’re the only triply landlocked state, whenever the USS Omaha is called to defend America, the crew should know that grateful Nebraskans are behind them,” said Senator Sasse.

The full text of the senators’ resolution is below.

Title: Commemorating the Commissioning of the USS Omaha

Whereas the great city of Omaha was founded on July 4, 1854;

Whereas the Lone Tree Ferry bringing pioneers across the Missouri into Omaha caused it to become known as the “Gateway to the West”;

Whereas Nebraska is the only triply landlocked state in the union;

Whereas the first USS Omaha was a screw sloop launched in 1869, two years after Nebraska became a state on March 1, 1867;

Whereas the second USS Omaha (CL-4) was an Omaha-class light cruiser commissioned on February 24, 1923;

Whereas the USS Omaha (CL-4) served in both the Pacific and Atlantic theaters and captured a German blockade runner a month before World War II officially began;

Whereas the Nebraska Admirals Association was formed in 1931 from which thousands of Admirals have been commissioned in the Nebraska Navy to promote “The Good Life”;

Whereas the Big Red Sub Club was formed to support the crews of the USS Nebraska (SSBN-739) and is the most active state organization supporting the nation’s submarine fleet;

Whereas the Navy League of the United States, Nebraska Council, strongly supports a strong U.S. Navy for national security;

Whereas on June 11, 2012, Secretary of Navy Ray Mabus announced that the Independence-class littoral combat ship would be named United States Ship Omaha;

Whereas on November 20, 2015, the United States Navy launched the USS Omaha;

Whereas on December 19, 2015, the USS Omaha was christened in Mobile, Alabama, sponsored by Omaha philanthropist Susie Buffett;

Whereas on February 3, 2018, the USS Omaha will be commissioned; Now, therefore, be it

1. Resolved, That the Senate commemorates the commissioning of the United States
2. Ship Omaha (LCS-12) and its mission as a networked, agile, stealthy surface
3. combatant capable of defeating anti-access and asymmetric threats in the littorals.