The soon-to-be commissioned USS CORONADO (LCS-4) proudly sailed into San Diego Bay on Monday, March 10, cheered by a welcoming crowd. On a weather-perfect day, spectators on both sides of the bay lined up at Point Loma, Coronado, and along San Diego Harbor to view the conclusion of her maiden voyage to her home port of Naval Base San Diego. In addition to families and friends, her commanding officer, Commander John Kochendorfer, and his Blue Crew were greeted by the commanding officer of the USS CORONADO (LCS-4) Commander Shawn Johnson and his Gold Crew. She was also greeted by her commissioning committee, the Coronado and San Diego Councils of the Navy League of the United States, and other community and service organizations including the USO, the San Diego Armed Services YMCA, and Lincoln Military Housing. Coronado Mayor Casey Tanaka and Coronado City Councilman Mike Woiwode were aboard to give her a special welcome. Broadcasters from local TV channels 7, 8, 9, and 10 and KSON Radio FM were present to cover the event. In one interview with Blue Crew commanding officer Commander John Kochendorfer, he voiced his pleasure in his ship’s performance, emphasizing her speed and maneuverability and likening her to “a Ferrari.” The ship will commission on Saturday, April 5 at Naval Base Coronado.
Photo credit: Michaela Steiner
