No, there isn’t a chromed-out jet fighter or rocket-powered hog in the works. As much fun as either of those two ideas sounds, chrome isn’t exactly stealthy, and if Acme has taught us one thing, it’s that jet bikes don’t steer too well, even when all you’re doing is chasing a damn road runner off a cliff. The collaboration between Harley-Davidson and Lockheed Martin is all about helping military families, which is always a good thing.

To commemorate the commissioning of the USS Milwaukee, our nation’s fifth Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has collaborated with Harley-Davidson on a one-of-a-kind motorcycle to honor the U.S. Navy and the city of Milwaukee.

“We wanted to do something special for the occasion and support the families of our military men and women who sacrifice so much to protect our freedoms,” said Stephanie C. Hill, Lockheed Martin vice president of Ship & Aviation Systems. “We’re excited to collaborate with Milwaukee’s own Harley-Davidson, a company that has been fulfilling dreams of personal freedom for over 100 years.”

The motorcycle will be on display during USS Milwaukee Commissioning week, followed by appearance at U.S. Navy, industry and STEM events over the next year, culminating with a charity auction to support the National Military Family Association (NMFA).

“We are honored to be a part of this one-of-a-kind endeavor,” said NMFA Executive Director, Joyce Wessel Raezer. “Both Lockheed Martin and Harley-Davidson have been such wonderful supporters of the military and their families, and we couldn’t be happier to be a part of this commemoration.”

Harley-Davidson Chief Stylist Ray Drea designed the motorcycle, drawing inspiration from touring the Fincantieri Marinette Marine Corp. shipyard in Marinette, Wisconsin, where the Lockheed Martin-led industry team builds the Freedom-variant LCS. The design also honors historic WWII-era Harley-Davidson motorcycles to model some of the authentic Navy and military custom details.

The fifth U.S. Navy vessel to bear the name Milwaukee, the ship will transit to its homeport in San Diego, California, where it will be integrated into the fleet and the industry-Navy team will conduct additional program testing and crew training before she begins her first deployment.

About The National Military Family Association
The National Military Family Association is the leading nonprofit dedicated to serving the families who stand behind the uniform. Since 1969, NMFA has worked to strengthen and protect millions of families through its advocacy and programs. They provide spouse scholarships, camps for military kids, and retreats for families reconnecting after deployment and for the families of the wounded, ill, or injured. NMFA serves the families of the currently serving, retired, wounded or fallen members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Commissioned Corps of the USPHS and NOAA. To get involved or to learn more, visit www.MilitaryFamily.org.