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The U.S. Navy's newest destroyer, the USS Spruance, has arrived in Key West, Florida, where it will be formally commissioned next week.
The 509-foot-long Spruance is a multimission ship that will carry Tomahawk cruise missiles and two helicopters.
It was the commanding officer's choice on where he wanted the commissioning," said Trice Denny, spokesman for Naval Air Station Key West, where the destroyer arrived. "He picked Key West because he has been here before, and he knew it would be memorable for the crew and their families."
Another reason for holding the ceremony in the southernmost city on the United States mainland, Denny said, is because of the ships name. The ship is named for Adm. Raymond Spruance, who directed aircraft carriers during the Battle of Midway in World War II.
The vessel will be open to the public on Saturday and on September 30 from 1 to 4 p.m.
After it is commissioned, the Spruance will be based in San Diego.
U.S. Navy's newest destroyer arrives in Key West – This Just In - CNN.com Blogs