LCS Named for Former Lawmaker

The Navy christened the 10th littoral combat ship Gabrielle Giffords, after the former Arizona congresswoman who was injured by a gunman while on a campaign stop in 2012. Giffords survived and eventually recovered from a gunshot wound to the head, but had to resign her seat in Congress. The christening ceremony took place at Austal USA Shipyard in Mobile, Ala., where it is under construction. Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joseph Biden, broke the bottle of sparking wine across the new vessel’s bow during the ceremony. Like other vessels in its class, the Giffords will be capable of performing a variety of missions in shallow waters. Once complete, Giffords will serve with the 7th Fleet.