Ten crewmembers of the USS Minneapolis Saint Paul (LCS 21) visited Minnesota to attend the Duluth Airshow held 26-27 June 2021. The crew included Commanding Officer, Commander Alfonza White, and the Command Master Chief Petty Officer Rafael Acevedo as well as several other crew members.
The crew had a terrific time and enjoyed superior Minnesota weather. They participated in a number of events while in Minnesota, including a Twins game Thursday evening 24 June. On Friday, the crew met with the Duluth Mayor Emily Larson at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. Commander White said, “It is my honor to meet with Mayor Larson and learn more about the great city of Duluth. I and my crew are excited to visit the city and see for ourselves what we have to look forward to when the ship is commissioned in Duluth.” Mayor Larson said, “I am excited to host the crew of USS Minneapolis Saint Paul. We are honored to have been chosen as the site of the ships commissioning. We know the crew will love Duluth and all it has to offer.”
Following this they toured the pier where the ship will be commissioned with Deb Deluca, Duluth Seaway Port Authority. That evening they dined with Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN 8th District) and the Commanding Officer and the Command Master Chief were featured on Almanac North, a local PBS Station.
On Saturday and Sunday the entire crew attended the Airshow and provided an on-field presence at the Minnesota Navy League Booth. Saturday evening the Navy League Minnesota Council hosted a meet and greet at Bent Paddle Brewing Company where the crew enjoyed meeting local veterans and Duluthians.
The Minnesota Navy League Council was thrilled to host the crew for this visit and we look forward to seeing them again this fall for the Minneapolis Navy Week, September 26 – October 2.
