MARINETTE, WI (AP)-- The U.S. Navy is planning to christen its newest littoral combat ship, the USS Milwaukee, in a ceremony in Marinette.
The vessel will be the fifth naval ship to bear the name of Wisconsin's largest city. It will be christened Wednesday afternoon at the Marinette Marine shipyard.
Littoral combat ships are speedy warships designed to conduct water combat immediately off an enemy's shore. They can be used to hunt submarines and pirates, defend ground troops and support unmanned aerial vehicles such as Predator drones.
Navy Secretary Ray Mabus says the christening serves as a tribute to a great city and also the hardworking people of Wisconsin.
The USS Milwaukee is 388 feet long and is designed to be extra-speedy.