WARSAW — On Sept. 29, the USS Indiana, the U.S. Navy’s most modern and sophisticated Virginia-class attack submarine in the world, was commissioned at the Navy port at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Over 5,000 people attended the U.S. Navy ceremony as Diane Kerr Donald, the ship’s sponsor and wife of Retired Admiral Kirkland H Donald, was presented with a gift from the crew of the USS Indiana. This personalized vase was handcrafted by local artist Randy Kirkendall of Warsaw Cut Glass and donated by Warsaw Foundry Company.  

Rob Parker, President of the Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce coordinated Commissioning Chairman, Ray Shearer to local partners. Miechi Petro and Megan Stone, mothers of Warsaw Community High School graduates and US Navy active duty officers, LT. Audrey Petro of USS Nimitz and LTJG Nate Stone of USS California served on the Commissioning Committee of the USS Indiana. Construction of the historic submarine began in September 2012 and includes manufactured parts from more than 100 Indiana companies, including Flexhaust of Warsaw. 

Area company Maple Leaf Farms provided refreshments to the honored guests. The USS Indiana was the first commissioned ship bearing the state’s name in more than 75 years. For more information and a link to the USS Indiana visit: ussindiana.org