The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Richard M. McCool, Jr. (LPD 29) commissioned aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida on Saturday, September 7, 2024.
During the ceremony guest speaker, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, honored the ship’s namesake as the crew brought the ship to life, beginning its commissioned service.
“Captain McCool’s leadership in the face of grave danger and his acts of heroism to save the crew and the ship our nation entrusted to him are indeed an example for all throughout,” said Del Toro. “I am proud to see these Sailors and Marines bring this incredible warship to life in service to our nation, much like this ship’s courageous namesake.”
Recognizing the shipbuilders who attended the ceremony, Ingalls Shipbuilding President Kari Wilkinson thanked them and the ship’s crew for their hard work, emphasizing the honor, courage and commitment they share.
“We are driven by this unique and unwavering sense of purpose,” said Wilkinson. “Shipyard life is the pursuit of the ideals that our service members embody – of commitment and service and sacrifice.”
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti also reflected on the importance of the Navy-Marine Corps team.
Commanding Officer Capt. Jeff Baker thanked everyone who helped to bring this ship to life, including family, friends, the commissioning committee, those who were not able to be present, the communities of Pascagoula and Pensacola, and Gulf Coast shipbuilders – electricians, machinists, pipefitters, painters, riggers, welders and more.
Echoing McCool’s words when receiving the Medal of Honor, Baker talked about the importance of the crew.
“Fight as a unit, not as an individual. I hope that we’ve made him proud. I hope that we have lived up to and will continue to honor his legacy,” said Baker. “The remarkable warship moored behind me is ready for pictures but full of potential energy. It takes 330 officers, chief petty officers, and enlisted crew to sail her and make our warship ready for tasking. Manning these rails are the finest men and women this country has to offer. I couldn’t be prouder of them. The ship needs them all. I need them all. The Navy and our country need them all. Please thank them. They’ve got the watch.”
LPD 29 is the 13th San Antonio-class LPD delivered by Ingalls Shipbuilding and commissioned in the United States Navy. It is also the first U.S. Navy ship to bear this namesake.
The naming of LPD 29 honors retired U.S. Navy Capt. Richard M. McCool, Jr., who received the Medal of Honor in 1945 for the heroism he displayed after his ship, USS LSC 122, was attacked by kamikaze aircraft in the Battle of Okinawa. Despite suffering from shrapnel wounds and painful burns, he led efforts to battle a blazing fire on his ship and rescue injured Sailors.
McCool was a leader whose life and legacy revolved around service. In addition to USS LSC 122, he commanded the USS LSC 44 and served on the USS McKean (DD-784), USS Frank Knox (DD-742), and USS Leyte (CV-32). Retiring as a captain in 1974 after 35 years of active duty, he continued serving his community through engagement in local politics in the Bremerton, Washington, area. McCool died in March 2008 and is buried at Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis, Maryland.
