Who pays for and organizes the commissioning ceremony?
Working through government contractors, the Navy has a dedicated Pre-Commissioning Unit responsible for planning such events, preparing guest lists and providing basic services related to the commissioning. In addition, local volunteers form a commissioning committee and seek private sector funding for the various receptions and activities surrounding the commissioning. Taxpayer dollars are not used for the social and community events surrounding the ceremony. The money raised by the commissioning committee is administered by a tax-exempt 501( c ) 3 entity, the Milwaukee Council, Navy League of the United States. Commissioning committee members include a diverse group of well-known business and civic leaders who lend their time and talent to ensure a successful ceremony.
