Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Cooperstown (LCS 23) got underway from Naval Station Mayport May 16, 2026, to begin operations in support of its scheduled deployment. Cooperstown assumed duties previously executed by the Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Wichita (LCS 13) in support of USNORTHCOM’s border security objectives.
“Today is a defining moment for every Sailor aboard this outstanding warship,” said Cmdr. Jesse DuParc, commanding officer, USS Cooperstown. “From commissioning day in New York City to today, the crew of Cooperstown has trained relentlessly and is prepared to defend the homeland, protect freedom of the seas and answer the call of every mission assigned. We carry with us not only the support and love of our families, our Navy and our country, but also the legacy of the 70 ‘Baseball Hall of Famers’ who served this nation honorably in uniform — men who left the game they loved to answer a higher calling. We are honored to represent them and carry their spirit forward because, after all, we are America’s Away Team.”