COMMISSIONING CEREMONY

The information below is for USS NANTUCKET's Commissioning Ceremony on Saturday, November 16, 2024 in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, Massachusetts. In order to attend the ceremony in person, you must have responded to the email invitation from the Department of the Navy and received printed tickets. If you haven't received tickets to the ceremony, you will not be permitted to pass through security to attend the ceremony.

Security Checkpoint: To gain pier access, all guests will pass through a security checkpoint. Security precautions mandate that all invited guests are required to have a federal or state issued photo identification card (example: military identification, driver's license, passport, etc.). Children under 16 are exempt with an adult escort.

Please have your photo ID and ceremony ticket available upon arrival.

The security checkpoint will include metal detectors, bag inspections and military working dogs. Guests are asked not to bring large bags, backpacks or coolers. However, small diaper bags and purses will be allowed. All bags, purses, wallets, coats, etc. are subject to search for weapons, explosives and contraband. No weapons including knives or sharp objects are allowed at any commissioning event. No beverages or liquids will be allowed through the security checkpoint.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding regarding these procedures required by the U.S. Navy for your safety, the safety of the crew, and the protection of the newest commissioned ship.

Security measures are subject to change due to increases in force protection conditions.

Parking is a first come basis and pay by credit card, and charges vary at each site listed below.
There is no parking at the Commissioning Ceremony site.
Below you will find parking options in both the Charlestown Navy Yard and Downtown Boston with free shuttle boat ferry service provided to and from Long Wharf and the Charlestown Navy Yard.

Please remember that the Charlestown Navy Yard is a residential community. Please do not park in areas restricted to residents of the Navy Yard. While you will find other parking lots and garages in proximity to the Commissioning site, some of these have been reserved for VIPs in attendance or the employees of vendors or volunteers working at the ceremony as well as the employees of Navy Yard area businesses. The parking areas below are recommended parking locations for the ceremony in the Charlestown Navy Yard.

Building 199 Garage

199 5th Ave

Boston, MA 02129

$31 Daily Max

0.6 miles - 13 minute walk

Boston Auto Port

100 Terminal Street

Boston, MA 02129

Flat rate parking for Buses and vehicles: $65.00 (first come first serve basis).

1.1 miles - 23 minute walk

Boston Harbor City Cruises Ferry is free you must show a Commissioning ticket for boarding to attend the Commissioning ceremony, and after Commissioning ceremony to show your ticket to board to return. Please see the special ferry schedule on the next tab. Parking locations listed below.

Boston Harbor Garage

74 Milk Street

Boston, MA 02110

300 parking spots - $35 Daily Max

300 feet - 1 Minute Walk to Ferry

Rowes Wharf Parking Garage

30 Rowes Wharf

Boston, MA 02110

200 parking spots - $42 Daily Max

0.3 miles = 3 Minute Walk to Ferry

265 Franklin St Garage

265 Franklin Street

Boston, MA 02110

100 parking spots - $32 Daily Max

0.4 miles - 8 Minute Walk to Ferry

225 Franklin St Garage

84-102 Pearl Street

Boston, MA 02110

200 parking spots - $43 Daily Max

0.4 miles - 9 Minute Walk to Ferry

Schedule: The Commissioning Ceremony begins promptly at 10:00 am. All guests are expected to be in their seats no later than 9:30 am. We recommend arriving by 8:30 am to ensure sufficient time to pass through security screening (please see "Security Requirements" tab). The ceremony will take place rain or shine.

Dress/Uniform: Uniform for Navy personnel is the official party is Full Dress Blue with sword and ship's crew will be Full Dress Blue. Other U.S. Navy attendees are requested to wear Service Dress Blue. Other military attendees are requested to wear their service's equivalent. Civilians may wear informal dress. Comfortable walking shoes are suggested. The ceremony will be held outside so please dress for the weather. As mentioned above, the ceremony will take place rain or shine.

Smoking: Smoking is prohibited onboard the ship or during the ceremony.

Cameras: The use of cameras/video cameras is permitted in the audience seating area.

After the Ceremony: There will be a post ceremony reception hosted by the Commissioning Committee under a tent on the pier immediately following the ceremony featuring a bagged "grab-and-go" luncheon. The Ship's crew will also be offering tours of the Ship to ceremony attendees only following the Commissioning Ceremony.