Sailors aboard the USS Richard M. McCool Jr. rendered salutes during the ship’s commissioning ceremony at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, on September 7, 2024. The event marked the official entry of the vessel into active service within the U.S. Navy.
The USS Richard M. McCool Jr., named in honor of the Medal of Honor recipient, is designed to enhance naval capabilities and support a variety of missions, including amphibious operations and humanitarian efforts. The ceremony highlighted the ship’s readiness to join the fleet and contribute to the defense and security of the United States.–Credit: EJ Hersom, DOD