The commissioning ceremony is the sole responsibility of the Commanding Officer on behalf of the Secretary of the Navy.

Events leading up to the commissioning are the responsibility of the Commissioning Committee; normally chaired by the President of the local Navy League Chapter. The HIGBEE Commissioning Committee is chaired by Martin Jenkins, current President of the Key West Council of the Navy League.

Because the Navy League is a non-profit organization, the Commissioning Committee is able to organize, fund and execute various events and receptions leading up to the event.

The USS LENAH SUTCLIFFE HIGBEE will be the 4th major warship commissioned in Key West.