260827-N-VW723-0040 NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (Aug. 27, 2026) - Sailors aboard Freedom-class littoral combat ship USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul (LCS 21) attach their namesake before departing Naval Station Mayport to begin operations in support of its scheduled deployment, Aug. 27, 2026. Littoral combat ships are fast, agile, mission-focused platforms designed to operate in near-shore environments and defeat 21st-century coastal threats, supporting the U.S. Navy's goals of forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Keenan Daniels)