One-of-a-kind Harley celebrates LCS 5 commissioning
The motorcycle will be on display during USS Milwaukee Commissioning Week, followed by appearances at U.S. Navy, industry and STEM events over the next year, culminating with its sale at a charity auction to support the National Military Family Association (NMFA).
“We wanted to do something special for the occasion and support the families of our military men and women who sacrifice so much to protect our freedoms,” said Stephanie C. Hill, Lockheed Martin vice president of Ship & Aviation Systems. “We’re excited to collaborate with Milwaukee’s own Harley-Davidson, a company that has been fulfilling dreams of personal freedom for over 100 years.”
“We are honored to be a part of this one-of-a-kind endeavor,” said NMFA Executive Director, Joyce Wessel Raezer. “Both Lockheed Martin and Harley-Davidson have been such wonderful supporters of the military and their families, and we couldn’t be happier to be a part of this commemoration.”
Harley-Davidson Chief Stylist Ray Drea designed the motorcycle, drawing inspiration from touring Fincantieri Marine Group’s Marinette Marine shipyard in Marinette, WI, where the Lockheed Martin-led industry team builds the Freedom-variant LCS. The design also honors historic WWII-era Harley-Davidson motorcycles to model some of the authentic Navy and military custom details.
Following commissioning, USS Milwaukee will transit to its homeport in San Diego, CA, where it will be integrated into the fleet and the industry-Navy team will conduct additional program testing and crew training before the vessel begins its first deployment.
