USNS Fall River To Be Launched Saturday

The U.S Navy, with help from the Governor of Massachusetts and his wife will send off a new ship named after the City of Fall River.

A launch ceremony will be held Saturday in Alabama for the USNS Fall River, and both Deval Patrick and his wife, Diane will be present for the event.  Mrs. Patrick will christen the vessel.

Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said the ship represents the physical embodiment of the city of Fall River's patriotic spirit.

Fall River is also the home of the Battleship Cove, the state's Naval war memorial with largest collection of preserved World War II-era vessels.

The USNS Fall River is a joint high speed vessel which can be used for the transportation of troops, military equipment and vehicles.

It's also the second Navy ship to be named after the Massachusetts city.

The first _ the USS Fall River_ was a Baltimore class heavy cruise ship commissioned in 1945 and used largely on training missions. (Associated Press)