USS Montgomery Welcomes Aboard Family and Friends

by Lt.j.g. Sam Hardgrove

29 July 2022 NAVAL BASE SAN DIEGO (Jul. 29, 2022) – The crew of Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery hosted family and friends aboard the ship pierside, Jul. 29.

The day consisted of ship tours, interactive displays, and practical demonstrations of naval combat, shipboard firefighting, and man overboard procedures. For many of the guests, this was the first time seeing the daily Navy life of their sailor.

“While my son has told me countless stories about his experience in the Navy, this was the first time I’ve actually been able to see him in action,” said Jennifer Oliver, mother of Boatswain's Mate First Class Ryan Oliver. “It is really awe-inspiring to see what sailors do every day to keep our ships and country safe. I couldn’t be prouder of Ryan and all the sailors of Montgomery.”

Guests were welcomed to tour the technologically-advanced warship, where sailors showcased what makes the Independence-variant different from any other ship in the Navy’s arsenal.

“From the minute you cross the brow, it truly feels like you’re stepping aboard a space ship,” said Ed Donnelly, father of Lt. Thomas Donnelly. “I’ve previously toured my son’s first ship, a destroyer out of Japan, but this LCS feels completely futuristic in comparison. Seeing and hearing about what the ship is uniquely capable of doing really drives home the purpose of our Navy today, and most importantly the pride my whole family takes in my son and his exceptional shipmates.”

During the visits, guests of all ages were shown how sailors steer the ship’s four waterjets, control and spray a fire hose, and direct the ship’s Mk 110 57mm main gun. The day finished with demonstrations of a simulated man overboard small boat recovery and an aircraft firefighting drill.

“Visits and events like this are important to connect those who have continually supported our Navy and its sailors to what the sea service does day in and day out,” said Cmdr. Dustin Lonero, Montgomery’s commanding officer. “While sea stories can give families and friends an idea about what our lives are like operating one of the Navy’s most advanced warships, there is nothing like actually putting your feet on the deck plates and seeing it first-hand. I am proud to showcase our ship and the hard work of the Montgomery crew.”

The littoral combat ship is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe.