The littoral combat ship was was delivered to the Navy in September and is based in Mayport, Florida.
The 1,084 U.S. Naval Academy graduates commissioned as officers Friday included 784 Navy ensigns and 274 Marine 2nd lieutenants.
Austin, a 1975 graduate of West Point, recalled his own years at the academy as he told graduates their West Point training will keep them on course.
Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to give the speech May 28 during the in-person, limited capacity ceremony in Annapolis.
