CLEVELAND — The USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation and Key Bank presented Cleveland’s own Lone Sailor Statue, only the 18th in the world. 

The statue was unveiled Friday at the Great Lakes Science Center.

It's one of the first big efforts by the USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation.

Foundation officials said the statue will help raise awareness of the effort to commission, support and honor the future Navy ship being built: the USS Cleveland.

Ship construction is underway now in Marinette, Wisconsin.

It will carry the city of Cleveland's name across the world starting in 2023.

"During  active service, the ship will be based at Naval Station Mayport in Florida... after an approximate 20-25 year lifespan, the USS Cleveland will return to its home city to be docked at the Great Lakes Science Center," according to the Navy.

While the foundation eagerly waits for the ship to be completed, they hope the Lone Sailor statue will serve as a reminder of what the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard do for the country.

“I think all of us hope that this is a place for reflection, contemplation for families of people that have served. . . in the Navy, the Marine Corps, the Coast Guard and an opportunity for civilians as well, to recognize the sacrifices made by those who wear the cloth of the nation," said Mike Dovilla, executive director of USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation.

Navy officials said the Lone Sailor is meant to represent a hero, a 25-year-old, senior class petty officer who the shipmates look up to and respect.

You can find the statue inside the Great Lakes Science center until it's moved to the shore of Lake Erie next year.