Reed Announces USS Wichita Plans to Visit RI for Fourth of July Celebration

WASHINGTON, DC -- On July 4, 2026, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Senator Jack Reed, the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, is bringing a special guest to the Ocean State to help celebrate America's independence and salute the men and women who serve in the U.S. Navy.

Today, Reed announced that Rhode Island is scheduled to receive a port visit from the Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Wichita (LCS 13) to coincide with the state's 2026 Fourth of July celebrations. The U.S. Navy has committed to sending the 378-foot Wichita to support patriotic festivities in Bristol and is scheduled to anchor in Narragansett Bay.

"Nobody celebrates the Fourth of July like Rhode Island and I am thrilled the U.S. Navy is once again honoring the Ocean State with a special port visit during our Fourth of July festivities," said Senator Reed. "These port calls showcase the talented men and women of the U.S. Navy and the incredible work they do. It gives Rhode Islanders a chance to learn more about the Navy and gives our sailors an opportunity to join in one of the greatest, most patriotic 4^th of July celebrations in the country. I hope Rhode Islanders will get a chance to do public tours of the ship and the crew will get to spend some time ashore enjoying all Rhode Island has to offer."

With a top speed of 45 knots, the USS Wichita was designed for combat near shorelines and is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, and sea control operations. With a core crew of roughly 50 sailors and weapons that can fire up to 9 miles, the USS Wichita is designed to operate within 25 miles of a shoreline anywhere in the world and is capable of open-ocean operations. The ship regularly deploys with two MH-60 Seahawk helicopters.

The ship was built in Marinette, Wisconsin, by the Lockheed Martin-led LCS team that is comprised of shipbuilder Fincantieri Marinette Marine, naval architect Gibbs & Cox, and more than 500 suppliers across 37 states. It was commissioned in 2019.

Wichita is assigned to Littoral Combat Ship Squadron (LCSRON) 2 and homeported at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Florida. LCS is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. It is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence.

Rhode Island is home to America's #1 Fourth of July parade: the Bristol Fourth of July Celebration - a multi-day event that culminates in the longest-running, continuous Fourth of July celebration in the United States. This year, Senator Reed will march in the 241st annual Fourth of July Parade in Bristol, and also take part in other local Independence Day parades and celebrations around the state.

The U.S. Navy will provide further details at a later date on how and where Rhode Islanders can get an up-close view of the USS Wichita as well as information about ship tours and opportunities to learn about the ship's crew and capabilities.

In addition to the Wichita, Senator Reed also announced that "America's Tall Ship," the 295-foot sailing vessel U.S. Coast Guard Cutter EAGLE (WIX 327) is scheduled to visit the Ocean State during the last weekend of July through early August and will be open to visitors.

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