DETROIT – The USS Detroit has officially moored in the city after making its way from Lake St. Clair to the Detroit River Friday afternoon.
The 398-foot Freedom-class ship is in Detroit for a week-long commission and celebration.
People were lining the riverfront Friday to get a look as the 75 crew members docked the USS Detroit near the Renaissance Center.
Nobody was more eager to see the ship than a mother from Waterford. Robin Harkless' 26-year-old son, Matthew, is an engineer's mate aboard the ship.
VIDEO: USS Detroit travels from Lake St. Clair to dock in Detroit
"I'm just giddy," Harkless said. "I'm so excited, so happy for him."
As the ship came around Belle Isle, cheers rose and flags were unfurled.
Hundreds of Detroiters requested the naming of the ship and had planned to celebrate its commission for three years. When it goes to sea as a warship, it will take a piece of Detroit along.
That's not all it will be taking.
"First and foremost, our prayers," said John Peracchio, the USS Detroit Commissioning Committee Chair. "I always worry about these young men and women who volunteer to go into harm's way."
The ship can maneuver in shallow coastal waters at speeds over 40 naughts.
"The maneuverability of the ship with the water jet propulsion that it has, the speed (is) faster than any other warship in the U.S. Navy arsenal," said USS Detroit Commanding Officer Michael Desmond.
The local Daughters of the American Revolution will adopt the ship, sending care packages throughout the years.
IMAGES: USS Detroit's voyage up Detroit River
"In the past year, we've sent over $20,000 worth of goods, supplies and food to our troops," said DAR State Chairman Vesta DeRiso.
"(It's) like when you say goodbye to your child going to college, only tenfold," Harkless said.
Harkless went three years without seeing her son while he was deployed in Japan. She was at the riverfront Friday to support in spirit, while he was working below deck.
"I get to see him Saturday," she said. "I get my 10 minutes. I asked for 10 minutes of mom time."
She said she saw her son briefly on deck. She's glad he's home and safe.
Six vessels have been named for the city of Detroit, but none have actually docked in this spot since 1812.
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Here is a list of the USS Detroit's events this week:
- Friday: The Michigan Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution
- Saturday-Monday: Ship tours
- Sunday: Worship service
- Sunday: International super chef black tie dinner
- Tuesday: Veteran's Day in the D
- Wednesday: Public tours from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Thursday: Michigan Science Center Youth Day
- Thursday-Friday: Ship tours
- Oct. 22: Commissioning day at 11 a.m.
- Oct. 22: Post-commissioning reception and tours of USS Detroit from 12: 30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Oct. 22: Commissioning night
- Oct. 23: Memorial service at 11 a.m.
- Oct. 24: Newly commissioned USS Detroit visits Windsor, Ontario, Canada
For more information about the events and some specific times, click here.