“I am truly honored and thrilled to be the sponsor of USS ST LOUIS. The combination of my family’s military heritage and the enduring spirit of the city of St. Louis makes this incredibly meaningful to me. The entire city of St. Louis is extremely proud to have this ship named in our honor, and we will continue to support USS ST LOUIS and her crew throughout her service to the country.”
Barbara Broadhurst Taylor
Sponsor, USS ST LOUIS (LCS-19)
“USS ST LOUIS is the seventh ship to carry the name of this great Missouri city, and I have no doubt that she will continue that long, proud history. She is a symbol of the enduring connection between St. Louisans and the U.S. Navy, and part of our commitment, as a nation, to strengthening our defense and keeping America safe. President Truman once said, ‘Carry the battle to them. Don’t let them bring it to you.’ USS ST LOUIS enables the Navy to do just that.”
Roy Blunt
U.S. Senator, Missouri
“USS ST LOUIS carries the proud and historic Spirit of St. Louis with her. May she always sail in calm seas, and may God bless her and her brave crew with courage, strength, skill and dedication to complete her mission and come home safely.”
Lacy Clay
U.S. Representative, Missouri’s 1st Congressional District
“While this is not the first ship to bear St. Louis’ name, it is every bit as important and exciting as if it were. It is meaningful to the entire St. Louis region, and to Missouri as a whole. For history lovers, this is another celebrated chapter for our region. For those of us who have admiration and gratitude for the brave men and women who serve our country, it is an immense honor.”
Steve Ehlmann
St. Charles County Executive
“What an amazing honor to have the future USS ST LOUIS bear our wonderful city’s name. We know the men and women who serve this ship will represent the spirit and courage of our great city.”
Jim Kavanaugh
CEO and Co-Founder, Worldwide Technology
“We are proud to support the commissioning of USS ST LOUIS. The new ship bearing the name of our great city is an exciting addition to the Navy’s fleet of vessels. Contributing to the project shows great pride for St. Louis and demonstrates long-term support for the crew.”
David Kemper
Executive Chairman, Commerce Bancshares Inc.
“We are thrilled that the U.S. Navy has decided to name this state-of-the-art naval vessel after our beautiful Gateway City. USS ST LOUIS (LCS-19) is bringing well-deserved recognition to our community, and our family is honored to support the men and women who serve on her.”
Andy Taylor
Executive Chairman, Enterprise Holdings Inc.
“Gateway to Freedom is the motto of USS ST LOUIS. The crew has experienced first-hand the spirit of patriotism, commitment and generosity that marks our community, and they will represent the best of our region as they undertake their peace-keeping mission. It is a privilege to support them and build an arch of friendship that buoys them throughout the life of the ship.”
Lyda Krewson
Mayor of St. Louis
“St. Louis is so honored to have the U.S. Navy recognize our great city by commissioning USS ST LOUIS, the latest in a long and distinguished line of ships to bear that name. We’re privileged to repay that honor by raising funds to support her crew at the commissioning celebration and throughout the life of the ship.”
Kathy Osborn
President and CEO, Regional Business Council
”Many of the highest-performing citizens of our region have served in the Navy. Some have gone on to rewarding military careers. Others are distinguished teachers, public servants, and business and health professionals. The men and women who sail USS ST LOUIS embody the values that preserve freedom and make democracy strong. We are honored to support them.”
Sam Page
St. Louis County Executive
“Even as the heartland state, located hundreds of miles inland, Missouri and its people have played important roles in naval history. We are excited for this tradition to continue when USS ST LOUIS sets sail this summer. Built with innovative technology and staffed by skilled, patriotic men and women, our ship represents the essence of our great state and nation.”
Mike Parson
Governor of Missouri
“USS ST LOUIS is home to men and women who are committed to preserving our essential freedoms and who will represent the country with exceptional honor and integrity. As the gateway to the West, St. Louis has long embodied these values and shaped milestones in our nation’s history. I am honored to join the people of St. Louis in throwing our full support behind USS ST LOUIS as she sets sail and forges her own historic path.”
Ann Wagner
U.S. Representative, Missouri’s 2nd Congressional District
“We couldn’t be prouder to have a brand-new U.S. Navy vessel named after our hometown. Now we want to strengthen our relationship with the men and women who will serve her, and extend our heartfelt thanks to Barbara Broadhurst Taylor for organizing a campaign that invites all St. Louisans to step up and show their support.”
Greg Twardowski
Chairman, Regional Business Council
“The LCS-19 will be the seventh vessel to bear the name USS ST LOUIS – a legacy dating all the way back to 1828. The people of St. Louis are extremely proud to have this ship named in our honor, and we are thrilled to share the history and spirit of our great city with the special men and women who will serve aboard her.”
Michael Neidorff
Chairman, President and CEO, Centene Corporation
“The founder of the Jesuit order, St. Ignatius of Loyola, was a member of the Spanish military. There is both beauty and pride in the fact that Saint Louis University owes our mission and university to a veteran. God bless all who serve our country. I am grateful to them for their tireless service in the name of the United States and the great city of St. Louis. Wherever USS ST LOUIS sails, her crew will remain in our prayers.”
Fred Pestello
President, Saint Louis University
“Every citizen of the St. Louis region should be proud of USS ST LOUIS. There could not be a better sponsor than Barbara Broadhurst Taylor, as both the Taylor and Broadhurst families have contributed greatly to our country and helped build the spirit of St. Louis for decades. This is the seventh ship to bear our city’s name, and it is a great reminder of St. Louis’ long legacy as a strong city with patriotic families. Blessings to the women and men who serve our country and represent our region on board this ship.”
Lewis Reed
President, Board of Aldermen, City of St. Louis
