Mississippi DAR State Regent Visits Virginia-Class Submarine USS Mississippi

The Mississippi Daughters of the American Revolution State Regent travelled more than 1,250 miles to meet with the crew of the Virginia-class submarine USS Mississippi (SSN 782) to present a hand-crafted silver tray on behalf of her state’s historical organization, Jan. 17.

Janet Whittington has been a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Mississippi for the past 28 years.

As a way to connect the DAR with their state’s namesake boat, Whittington presented the silver tray to Capt. John McGrath, commanding officer, USS Mississippi.

“We have a long history of supporting all of the former USS Mississippi’s,” said Whittington. “Our forbearers in the DAR were there, for example, when the second USS Mississippi sailed up the Mississippi River.”

Whittington’s visit is a repeat of history of sorts, according to the state regent. When the second USS Mississippi travelled up the Mississippi River in May 1909, the ship, during a port visit, received a candelabra from the Daughters of the American Revolution, according to Whittington.

“Today’s visit is another way to connect our state’s proud history of supporting their namesake ships,” said Whittington.

The silver tray was hand-made by Markham J. Frankel, master silversmith. The tray was specifically measured to fit perfectly in the wardroom of USS Mississippi.

“On behalf of the crew of USS Mississippi we are honored to receive the hand-crafted silver tray from the Daughters of the American Revolution,” said McGrath. “It will serve as a beautiful reminder of our naval heritage as well as the unwavering support of our many friends in the state of Mississippi.”

The former namesake ships to carry the Magnolia state’s name included a paddle frigate commissioned in 1841; the second was the USS Mississippi (BB-23), a 13,000-ton battleship which was commissioned in 1908 and sailed to join the Great White Fleet Feb. 10, 1909 as it returned from its famous world cruise; the third ship to share the namesake name was USS Mississippi (BB 41) when she was commissioned in 1917; and the fourth, USS Mississippi (CGN 40), to share the namesake name was a guided missile cruiser commissioned in 1978.
The fifth USS Mississippi was commissioned in its namesake state June 2, 2012 in Pascagoula.

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Naval Today Staff, January 18, 2013; Image: US Navy