The Trenton Times published the following editorial on April 13, 2013. To read the full article, click here.

Editorial: USNS Trenton honors proud naval history if ships bearing the city’s name

By Times of Trenton Editorial Board 
on April 14, 2013 at 6:33 AM

Late-night comics are going to have fun with this one.

Indeed, as soon as the story about the Navy’s plan to name one of its newest class of ships the USNS Trenton was posted online, commenters began launching “jokes.”

It’s easy to mock, but this is truly an honor for the city and the state. The high-speed, double-hulled warship, expected to be finished by next year, will be able to transport more than 300 troops and 600 short tons. The Trenton will serve in various support capacities or on humanitarian missions.

Explaining the name choice, Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said, “Trenton displays American values of community, perseverance and resourcefulness at their very best.“
Granted, that’s yet another indication that the view from Washington is a bit hazy.

But there is sincerity in Mabus’ estimation.

“I chose to name the joint high-speed vessel after Trenton to honor those values and the men and women of the city as well as the state of New Jersey,“ he said, perhaps alluding to the city’s history and its potential, diplomatically overlooking current problems.

The newest nautical Trenton follows in the wake of three other ships with records of proud service to the country. As Times staffer Mike Davis reported the first USS Trenton, launched in 1876, was wrecked in an 1889 hurricane. The wooden-hulled screw steamer was the first to U.S. naval vessel to use electric lights.

The second ship, a light cruiser launched in 1923, helped evacuate U.S. citizens from Spain during the Spanish Civil War and saw action on the Pacific front of World War II.

The third Trenton, an amphibious transport dock, was launched in 1968. After helping evacuate U.S. citizens from Lebanon in 2006, it was sold to the Indian Navy in 2007 for $44 million and rechristened.

It’s something for a city lacking in good news of late to be proud of, to celebrate.

As the new Trenton sails the world carrying personnel, supplies and equipment for the Navy, Army and Marine Corps, or as it’s launched to respond to a humanitarian crisis, the name will be associated with service, support and solace.

There is no denying the ship of state is a bit shaky in Trenton these days, but the USNS Trenton promises to be a sure, sleek emblem of the best of the U.S., the best of a once-proud city hoping again to be yare.