US Navy christens expeditionary sea base Robert E. Simanek

By Baird Maritime - May 6, 2024.

Ann Simanek Clark smashes the traditional champagne bottle during the official naming ceremony for the ship honouring her father, the late Robert E. Simanek, May 4, 2024. The future USS Robert E. Simanek is the fifth Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary sea base ordered by the US Navy. (Photo: General Dynamics NASSCO)

The US Navy christened the future Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary sea base (ESB) USS Robert E. Simanek in a ceremony in San Diego, California, on Saturday, May 4.

The fifth Lewis B. Puller-class ESB to be built for the US Navy honours the late Private First Class Robert E. Simanek, a US Marine who was awarded America’s highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during the Korean War. Ann Simanek Clark, daughter of PFC Simanek, was the ship’s sponsor at the naming ceremony.

Upon completion, the 785-foot (239-metre) ESB will be used for missions including counter-piracy operations, mine countermeasures, special operations support, and humanitarian aid and disaster relief. A diesel-electric propulsion system will deliver a service speed of 15 knots and a range of 9,500 nautical miles.

The future Robert E. Simanek is under construction at General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego.