Ship Ceremonies

LAUNCHING/CHRISTENING CEREMONY

In this second significant ceremony, the recently constructed ship is solemnly dedicated, named and committed to the sea. There are many variations in the launching programs, even as to whether it is known as a launching or christening or both. The desires of the shipbuilder and of the Navy as well as existing circumstances will determine its final form. It should be noted that the designation of U.S. Ship (USS) is not properly used with the ship’s name at this point, for she has not yet been accepted into naval service.

Invitation. The following is a typical example of a launching invitation:

The Commander, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
requests the honor of your presence
at the launching of the submarine
DEEP FISH (SS 999)
on Saturday, the twenty-first of July
two thousand and one⁵
at half past ten o ‘clock
at Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Mrs. Robert Thomas Williams, Sponsor⁶

                                                       R.S.V.P.

⁵ Indication of the year is optional.
⁶ Sponsors are generally prominent women of the community who during the ceremony, name the vessel and break a bottle of wine against the ship’s bow as the ship slides into the water.

Program. The following elements constitute most launching programs, although the sequence of events and participants can be altered:

A common variation and elaboration of these parts is found in the ensuing example:

⁷ Presentation of a gift to the sponsor may instead be made at the reception that follows the ceremony.