SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KTIV) -
It's not often that the U.S. Secretary of the Navy comes to town.
"Thank y'all so much for being patient. We had a little weather that we had to fly around, which was better than flying through," said Ray Mabus.
But rain or shine, Mabus says he was determined to meet the people, who exemplify the courage and makeup of the ship that will bear its name.
"And that's the type of character that will sail in the U.S.S. Sioux City," said Mabus.
Iowa Congressman Steve King remembers how Sioux City helped respond to the disastrous flooding of 2011.
"Building dikes, building levees, doing all kinds of emergency work preparing for high water," said King.
It was that type of dedication that made the name selection an easy choice.
"That dedication of this community was the embodiment of the spirit that I think brought about the honor today of the announcement that there will be a ship named after Sioux City, Iowa," said King.
Council member John Fitch says the naming of the ship follows a steady tradition of those from Sioux City that have served.
"It makes me proud. It makes me feel good. It makes me remember and appreciate all the sacrifices that others have made for us," said Fitch.
Mabus says it's important to stay in contact with the military and show support for them.
"To be in touch with the young men and women who will serve on it. To make sure that when Sioux City goes to sea, it carries part of Sioux City with it," said Mabus
And that dedication to their country can unite an entire area.
"No matter what branch of the service you might be in, this is something the whole community would be proud of," said Fitch.
They will begin building the U.S.S. Sioux City next year. It will officially join the fleet in 2016.
Navy officials say it's a ship that will be in service for decades.
