USS Cleveland LCS 31 Arrives in Cleveland Harbor

Cleveland welcomes the USS Cleveland (LCS 31) home to the North Coast.

On the morning of May 9, 2026, I joined dozens of photographers gathered at Wendy Park near the Coast Guard station to witness the arrival of the USS Cleveland (LCS 31) as it made its way into Cleveland Harbor ahead of its official commissioning ceremony. Just in the area where I was photographing from, there were easily more than 50 photographers, many of them friends, all waiting to capture a once-in-a-lifetime moment for Cleveland and for naval history. Residents lined the shoreline from Vermilion to Cleveland while private boats formed a welcoming flotilla on Lake Erie as the vessel made its way toward the city.

As the massive warship approached the Cleveland Harbor Lighthouse and passed along the Lake Erie shoreline, I could not help feeling both excited and blessed to witness and photograph such a historic event. I hoped to capture images that, to some, might make a difference — photographs that not only document history, but also become meaningful commemorative artwork Clevelanders, veterans and naval enthusiasts would treasure for years to come. I also knew I had to create a commemorative poster honoring the occasion.

The USS Cleveland is the fourth United States Navy vessel to carry the city’s name and will officially enter active service during its commissioning ceremony on May 16 at North Coast Yard in Cleveland. The event marks the first time in our nation’s 250-year history that a United States Navy warship will be commissioned in the State of Ohio. A commissioning ceremony is one of the Navy’s most respected traditions, formally placing a vessel into active duty and recognizing the readiness of both the ship and its crew.

The USS Cleveland also represents the final Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ship to be commissioned for the United States Navy. Built by Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Wisconsin, the ship was designed for high-speed coastal warfare operations and is capable of speeds exceeding 40 knots while supporting missions involving surface warfare, anti-submarine defense and mine countermeasures. Bearing the official call sign "NCLE," the USS Cleveland also reflects Northeast Ohio’s industrial and maritime heritage through the use of regional manufacturing support, Cleveland-produced steel incorporated during construction, and protective marine coatings supplied by Cleveland-based Sherwin-Williams.

One of the most fascinating details surrounding the ship is its official seal and crest featuring the motto “FORGE A LEGACY.” The emblem incorporates a silhouette of the Cleveland skyline, four stars representing the four Navy vessels named for Cleveland, and symbolic references to Lake Erie, the Cuyahoga River, Cleveland Public Square, the city’s industrial strength, and Cleveland’s world-renowned hospitals, museums and universities. The crest’s sixteen sun rays honor the USS Cleveland as the sixteenth Freedom-class littoral combat ship. Even more meaningful is the long-term vision behind the motto itself — that after 20 to 25 years of active service, the ship could someday return to Cleveland as a memorial and museum honoring its service and legacy.

All of these photographs, along with the commemorative poster artwork, are now available on my website. Some will also become part of my America 250 Collection honoring important moments, places and symbols connected to our nation’s upcoming semiquincentennial celebration.

Explore the collection at DaleKincaid.com - USS Cleveland

 OSU Wexner Medical Center Features Photography from Ohio's 88 Counties

Trumpeter Swan With cygnet

On Sunday, February 1st, I had the privilege of attending a photographers’ reception and guided tour at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, celebrating the Ohio’s 88 Counties photography installation. It was one of those experiences that leaves you feeling both proud and deeply appreciative to be part of something larger than yourself.

The new University Hospital has been thoughtfully designed to feel welcoming, comforting, and connected to the people it serves. Throughout the inpatient corridors, More then 600 photographs from nearly 100 photographers represent all 88 counties — a visual story of our state told through farms, lakes, covered bridges, murals, small towns, and quiet natural moments. Each floor features a map of Ohio identifying the counties and photographers on display, reinforcing the idea that every corner of our state has a story worth sharing.

This remarkable project was created, designed, and led by Adrian Boysel, Associate Director of Interior Design Planning at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, along with her talented team including Gina Jones and Megan Cavanaugh. Their vision and dedication brought together an extraordinary collection that reflects Ohio’s beauty, character, and community spirit in a meaningful and lasting way.

Seeing my own photographs installed alongside so many talented photographers — some of whom I’m proud to call friends — was incredibly rewarding. Walking the halls, recognizing familiar names, sharing stories behind the images, and connecting with fellow artists made the experience even more special. It was a reminder of how strong, supportive, and inspiring Ohio’s photography community truly is.

What makes this project especially meaningful is knowing these photographs will be seen by patients, families, and staff every day — offering moments of familiarity, comfort, and connection to places they know and love across Ohio.

I’m truly grateful to have been included in this installation and thankful to everyone who helped bring it to life. It’s an honor to have my work represented as part of this statewide visual story.

If you’d like to see the photographs of mine that were selected for the Ohio’s 88 Counties installation, I’ve shared them here: OSU Wexner Medical Center Photographs