US Navy Could Name Ship USS Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tn. (WDEF) – The legacy of the five service members who lost their lives in the July 16th terror attack in Chattanooga, may soon be etched into a U.S. Navy Ship.

Chattanooga City Councilman Chip Henderson, says, “I certainly think it will be a great honor for Chattanooga and a great honor for these five fallen service members to be remembered in this way.”

A group of retired military officers in Chattanooga came up with the idea of having the Navy name a ship USS Chattanooga.

It would actually be the fifth ship to bare that name.

In 1904, there was another USS Chattanooga.

Navy records show it was sold for scrap before World War II.

In an effort to resurrect a new one, Councilman Henderson got the idea passed by fellow colleagues and sent numerous letters to state leaders.

Councilman Henderson adds, “I have heard back from Governor Haslam. He said he’s certainly all in favor of honoring these five fallen service members and he said he would support it.”

The Navy also wrote Henderson back.

In a recent letter, The Navy says it’ll take it into consideration when the names are chosen for future ships.

Councilman Henderson says, “It all just depends on the ships that’s being produced and available ship. It’s a certain ship that carries the name of a city.”

So, there is no timetable as to when we could see the honorary ship.

However, city leaders are confident it will happen and it will serve as a symbol of obvious strength and heroism.