Navy moves closer to commissioning USS Wichita

A ship bearing our city's name is one step closer to its commissioning.

Friday, a spokeswoman with the Lockheed Martin Corporation says the U.S. Navy will commission its newest Littoral Combat Ship, the future USS Wichita, later this year or early 2019.

Ahead of the big day, the USS Wichita completed Acceptance Trials during which the Navy tested the ship's capabilities to make sure its "receiving a top-quality addition" to its fleet.

"This is the last milestone before the official delivery to the Navy," the Lockheed Martin spokeswoman says in a news release on developments with the USS Wichita.

Last June,

This included time spent with kids at the Boys and Girls Club.

The USS Wichita soon to be commissioned is the third ship bearing the city's name, Friday's news release says.