Navy names ship for ex-Rep. Giffords

WASHINGTON — The Navy has named a ship for Gabrielle Giffords, the recently retired congresswoman from Arizona who is recovering from a gunshot wound to the head received in January 2011.

In a ceremony at the Pentagon, Navy Secretary Ray Mabus unveiled an artist's rendering of the USS Gabrielle Giffords.

Obama signs Giffords' final bill into law
Ex-Giffords aide, to run for her seat
Complete coverage: Tragedy in Tucson

Said Mabus: "The name this ship bears and the story represented by that name will inspire all those who come in contact with her. The Navy motto is semper fortis, always courageous. Unwavering courage has defined the Navy for 236 years and it is what we expect and what we demand from our sailors every single day. So it's very appropriate that LCS 10 be named for someone who has become synonymous with courage, who has inspired the nation with remarkable resiliency, and showed the possibilities of the human spirit. Unwavering courage ... The USS Gabrielle Giffords."

The littoral combat ship is among the Navy's most versatile and can operate in shallower coastal waters than larger ships.

Mabus said: "God bless the USS Gabrielle Giffords and all who sail in her."

Mabus also announced that the ship's "sponsor" is Roxanna Green. She's the mother of Christina-Taylor Green. The 9-year-old who was among six people killed in the shooting. Thirteen, including Giffords, were wounded. The sponsor's initials will be welded into the keel of the ship.

Giffords, who donned a Navy cap for the event, was accompanied by her husband Mark Kelly.