Yá’át’ééh!
August 26, 2023 - Houma, LA
USNS NAVAJO Christening Ceremony
What is a Christening?
The last of two ceremonies for a USNS Ship to officially become part of the fleet.
The custom of christening a ship dates back hundreds of years and is thought to bring good luck and safety. Christening and launching are the inseparable elements which endow a ship hull with her (ship) identity. Yet, just as many developmental milestones must be passed before one takes his place in society, so too must the newly-launched vessel pass such milestones before she is completed and considered ready to be designated a commissioned ship of the United States Navy. The prospective commanding officer, ship's officers, the petty officers, and seamen who will form the crew report for training and intensive familiarization with their new ship.
When a sponsor is named, she is given the honor of breaking a champagne bottle against the bow before the ship enters the water for the first time.
Sponsor at Ship Christening. Photo source: giphy.com.
August 25, 2023 - Pre Christening Walk Through
Pre-Christening Reception
