Fourth Edition: October 31, 2019
Community Clicks
Faces and Places
MS Aquarium gives Gulf Coast economic boost
Mississippi Aquarium staffers Jeanette Gramm, Scott Brehob, Shannon Smith, Andy Horn attend the second annual Splash Bash on Sept. 27, 2019, at the Barksdale Pavilion in Gulfport’s Jones Park. The event was a benefit for the aquarium in preparation of its opening scheduled for April 2020.
Story and photography by Andy Kanengiser
Motorists driving along U.S. 49 easily spot the monstrous construction project in Gulfport. The Mississippi Aquarium is rising from the ground this Fall. Offering a remarkable educational experience, the facility next Spring will tell the story of the sea’s multitude of fish, birds, Gulf environments, and much more.
There is still a great deal of construction work to do. At the Hancock Whitney Splash Bash in late September, officials announced the aquarium will open April 30, 2020. Staffers with Seaside Social News joined the big crowd applauding the opening early in the new decade.
Leaders of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce see a major economic splash ahead.
“The Mississippi Aquarium will be a welcome addition to the tourism amenities on the Coast,’’ says Adele Lyons, the chamber’s chief executive officer.
Chamber officials anticipate big things. “We expect the economic (impact) to be in the millions (of dollars),’’ Lyons said. “ Hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected annually.’’
Even the construction of the sprawling facility on 5.8 acres of beachfront property is sparking economic activity around the city, Lyons told Seaside Social News.
“The construction of the Mississippi Aquarium has started a ripple effect of new development as well as renovations to buildings in Gulfport,’’ Lyons said. “Overall, downtown Gulfport will have a new vibe as construction moves closer to completion.’’
The city of about 68,000 people in Harrison County is part of the region’s economic renaissance. The Mississippi Aquarium will employ 100 full-time people, along with a number of part-time jobs.
Gulfport hosts USS Cincinnati
Story and photography by Amanda Compton-Ortiz
It was a proud moment for the City of Gulfport as military leaders and officials on national, state and local levels convened to witness the christening of the U.S. Navy’s newest warship.
The USS Cincinnati (LCS 20) Independence Class Littoral Combat Ship marked her entry into active Navy service during a commissioning ceremony held Oct. 5, 2019, at the Port of Gulfport.
It was the second time in four years for Gulfport to be selected for such an historic event. In December 2015, the city was chosen to host the commissioning of the USS Jackson.
“We are honored you would think of us to host this commissioning here,” said Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes before a crowd of more than 2,000 people attending the ceremony.
In a letter to the Navy ship’s commanding staff and crew, Hewes stated, “We are grateful to have you here and to host this historic event in our nation’s history.
“One cannot discount the significance of our military partners here along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Their presence, combined with Mississippi’s newly renovated State Port receiving the Strategic Port designation for importing and exporting U.S. military cargo, makes for a meaningful partnership and location for this monumental celebration.
“One can see that in South Mississippi, ‘We don’t simply support our military, we embrace them!’”
Gulfport is the home of the Naval Construction Battalion Center serving the Atlantic Fleet Seabees since 1942.
“There is a rich tradition of naval service here,” said U.S. Navy Commander and Executive Officer Edison Rush, Pennsville, NJ, as a reason for choosing Gulfport as the place to bring the ship to life.
The USS Cincinnati is the 20th Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) to be delivered to the U.S. Navy’s fleet, the 10th of the Independence Class variant, and the fifth to be named after the City of Cincinnati in honor of its motto, “Juncta Juvant,” meaning “Strength in Unity,” signifying the spirit of Cincinnati and the State of Ohio and saluting the men and women in uniform who serve the ship in operation across the seas.
It took over two years to construct the impressive combat ship that measures 420 feet in length, 104 feet in width with a unique trimaran-shaped draft of 14.5 feet, less than other combat ships in the Navy’s registry allowing it to operate in a littoral zone, nearshore, in shallow waters. The ship weighs about 3,000 metric tons and has the capability to travel at a speed of more than 40 knots.
It is armed with 57mm Bofors cannon, a Sea Rolling Airframe Missile system (RAM), and .50 caliber machine guns. It also has an Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) and Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS) and the ability to defeat attack crafts and diesel submarines.
According to Rush, the ship is also unique in that it is manned by a core crew of only 70 members, each trained to perform multiple tasks on a rotational schedule. The ship will deploy in the Pacific area of operations and has a “healthy schedule ahead of her,” Rush said.