'May God Bless This Ship and All Who Sail in Her'
The First One — USNS Choctaw County (EPF 2)
My first christening at Austal USA set the tone for everything that followed: the color guard, the band, the sponsor’s blessing, the champagne bottle, and the unmistakable sense that something important was happening. My job was to catch the action, and I did. Every champagne bottle broken over a bow required split-second shutter speed, perfect position, a steady hand... and patience.
The Rhythm of a Christening Day
Color guard presents the colors
Navy band plays patriotic marches
Speeches from Navy leaders, shipyard executives, and VIPs
Sponsor delivers the blessing
Champagne bottle breaks
Confetti everywhere
Casket with bottle fragments is presented
Guests tour the ship
It’s a ceremony steeped in tradition.
USNS Maury — The Sideways Launch
USNS Maury slid into the river during christening ceremony at VT Halter Marine on March 27, 2013.
This was the only sideways launch I ever witnessed — a dramatic, unforgettable sight.
Under‑the‑Ship Christenings — A Gulf Coast Oddity
Some christenings at Austal were held under the ship, thanks to the elevated EPF hulls.
It felt like a steel cathedral — shaded, echoing, and unlike any other ceremony.
USS Omaha (LCS 12) — The Hometown Ship
The sponsor, Susan Buffett, delivered the traditional blessing:
“For the United States of America, I christen thee Omaha. May God bless this ship and all who sail in her.”
With my Nebraska ties, this one hit close to home.
USS John Finn (DDG 113) — The Moment of Impact
Mrs. Laura Elizabeth Stavridis smashes the champagne bottle across the bow of DDG 113 (USS John Finn) during the christening ceremony May 2, 2015.
This photo captures the exact instant the ship receives its name.
USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) — A Ceremony With Heart
Gabrielle Giffords, artist Peter K. Hsu, and Jill Biden (Ed.Dj) at the christening ceremony for USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) on June 13, 2015.
A deeply meaningful ceremony honoring courage and resilience.
USS Jackson (LCS 6) — Bringing the Ship to Life
The commissioning moment when the crew sprints aboard never fails to electrify the crowd.
The Final Count
Across six years, I attended:
16 christenings at Austal
7 at Ingalls
1 at VT Halter Marine
Plus LCAC oversight in Louisiana
Barbara attended 23 of the 24 with me.
Closing Reflection
These ceremonies weren’t just events — they were milestones in the life of the Navy, the shipbuilders, and the sailors who would one day serve aboard these ships. I was privileged to witness them up close.
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