BUFFALO, NY - The commander and crew of the new U.S.S. Little Rock got a special honor Friday. The ship is docked at Canalside, awaiting its official commissioning eight days from now.
Mayor Byron Brown presented the Key to the City to the commander and crew of the U.S.S. Little Rock, recognizing them for this historical commissioning that's scheduled for next Saturday.
The presentation of the key happened aboard the ship. Commander Todd Peters said he was honored, and happy for his crew to receive such an honor. Peters said the crew has already received the Key to the City of Little Rock and that both keys will be put on a plaque and stored in a trophy case aboard the Little Rock, for the life of the ship.
"When the newly commissioned U.S.S. Little Rock cruises out of Buffalo Harbor, through this key which will be permanently displayed on the U.S.S. Little Rock there will be a lasting reminder of the ship's connection to the City of Buffalo," said Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown.
The new U.S.S. Little Rock was initially scheduled to arrive Friday, but showed up early and has been here for four days. Events celebrating the commissioning of the ship begin Saturday with a watch party at Riverworks of the Army-Navy game.
"It's a privilege to be here, we really appreciate the honor of being welcomed to the city. We're hoping to have a long term relationship with the Little Rock, the City of Little Rock and the City of Buffalo, and everything so far has been wonderful," said Peters.
All the events lead up to the Commissioning Ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 16 at Canalside. That will be the first time in Navy history that a ship is commissioned along its namesake, the old U.S.S. Little Rock.