USS RICHARD M. McCOOL JR. (LPD 29) COMMISSIONING
BECOME A PART OF HISTORY
SUPPORT THE CREW OF USS RICHARD M. McCOOL JR. (LPD 29)
The Armed Services Department of the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, in teamwork with the Pensacola Council for the Navy League and the Cpl JR Spears Detachment of the Marine Corps League, has worked to bring the commissioning of USS Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD 29) to Pensacola.  The USS Richard M. McCool Jr. is a major part of the Navy’s 21st century amphibious assault force. The 684-foot-long, 105-foot-wide ships are used to embark and land Marines, their equipment and supplies ashore via air cushion or conventional landing craft and amphibious assault vehicles, augmented by helicopters or vertical takeoff and landing aircraft such as the MV-22 Osprey.
   We intend to support the crew by providing plank owner plaques and coins. Please click through the links to learn more about the ship, the crew, what commissioning means, and how you can help. Fund raising for this extraordinary event is ongoing under the Chamber Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) entity, making all donations fully tax deductible. All donations go toward the quality of life of the crew.
Thank You for your Support!
ABOUT THE SHIP
USS Richard M. McCool (LPD 29) is the first ship to bear the name of Congressional Medal of Honor winner CAPT Richard M. McCool, Jr. As a lieutenant, he commanded Landing Craft Support (Large) (LCS(L)) 122, which was attacked by two kamikaze aircraft on 11 June, 1945. The crew downed the first aircraft, but the second one hit the conning tower of the ship. Wounded and suffering severe burns, McCool led his men in saving the ship, until relief forces arrived and he was medically evacuated for his injuries.
THE COMMISIONING
After the vessel has completed rigorous testing and sea trials, the shipbuilder then deems the ship capable of performing her designed mission and prepared to join the fleet.
WHO ARE WE
The Armed Services Department of the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce has superbly supported all military personnel, their families, and their local businesses for decades, making Pensacola well known as the most military friendly community in the nation. Â This is the seventh U.S. Navy ship commissioning supported by the Chamber.