USS Fort Worth decommissioned in San Diego

Why it matters: The USS Fort Worth, a littoral combat ship in service since 2012, sailed 15,000 nautical miles to support U.S. Navy operations around the world. That included search efforts after an AirAsia plane crashed in the Java Sea, killing over 100 people on board.

• The 390-foot ship's crews regularly tested new technology and strategies that fleet commanders use now use around the globe.
• One naval officer described the ship as "a tireless workhorse for the fleet, testing the absolute limits of littoral combat capabilities."

The intrigue: The ship's first captain was born in Fort Worth and ensured the ship lived up to its name.

• "We brought that Fort Worth culture to the San Diego waterfront, and all who have served in her have continued to do so," Ret. Capt. Warren Cupps said.

Between the lines: The U.S. Navy retired the USS Fort Worth to save money, the city of Fort Worth said in a Facebook post.

What's next: The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History will add a permanent exhibit with artifacts from the USS Fort Worth, J.R. Labbe, who leads the USS Fort Worth Support Committee, said during the decommissioning ceremony.

• The Fort Worth History Center will preserve documents and photos from the ship's time in service.

What they're saying: Fort Worth residents already have some very practical ideas for the ship's next adventure, offered on the city of Fort Worth Facebook page.

• Ideas include taking the ship to Lake Worth, turning it into a tourist attraction on the Trinity River and parking it at the Fort Worth Water Gardens.