Lance:
Bet you there is a USS Mississippi commissioning committee. This is a committee usually set up by wealthy and politically connected folks who raise money for a commissioning party for the boat and crew (The Navy is not supposed to spend money on such things). You definitely should be able to get an invitation if you make a donation but you also may be able to swing one if you ask the right people. Also, you may be able to swing an invite through your USSVI base: I thought you shared that you were an associate member.
I would Google "USS Mississippi Commissioning Committee" and if that turns up nothing then call your closest state representative or state senator's office. If that's another dead end, ask someone in your USSVI base.
I attended the commissioning of the USS Chicago back in 1986 as that is my home town. I can't remember now if I got my invite because I met the skipper several months beforehand or because of my donation to the commissioning committee. Either way, I was there and it rocked.
