Christenings

Kathryn “Kati” Charette Donovan (right), sponsor of the future USS William Charette and daughter of the ship’s namesake, along with Maid of Honor Michelle Charette (left) and Matron of Honor Sara Charette Wright (far left) break bottles of sparkling wine on the bow of DDG 130 Saturday. Ann Henderson and Laura Charette Bennett, also ship sponsors and daughters of the namesake, could not attend the ceremony so Charette’s granddaughters performed the christening in their stead. They are supported by, from right, Ben Goulette, Matt Ames and Drew Marshall, DDG 130’s chief superintendent, program manager and hull manager respectively. (Courtesy of Bath Iron Works)

Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine was the site of the Christening of an Arleigh Burke Class destroyer on August 1, 2026. The namesake of this latest member of this critically important class was a Navy Hospital Corpsman who received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions supporting Marines during the Korean War. The Arleigh Bruke class is the workhorse of the Navy’s surface fleet. This Christening was both a celebration of the role of the Navy Medical Corps and those who received the Medal of Honor.

William Richard “Doc” Charette was born in Ludington, Michigan in 1932.  Both of his parents died when he was five and he and his sister were then raised by an unmarried uncle. After high school, he worked on a ferry in Lake Michigan and then joined the Navy in 1951. He volunteered for training as a hospital corpsman and then for service in Korea. Assigned to the 5th Marine Regiment, he found his company in a fierce battle trying to recapture Vegas Hill from the enemy. Over a twenty-four-hour period, he treated wounded Marines as enemy bombs fell, constant small arms fire ripped through the American positions and grenades blew Marines into the air. As he was tending to one of the wounded Marines, a grenade landed near his patient. “Doc” Charette threw his medical bag on top of the grenade and then used his body to shield the wounded Marine. Charette was knocked unconscious and suffered such severe bleeding from a head wound that, when he regained consciousness he was unable to see. He continued to expose himself to enemy fire in order to render assistance to other Marines, pulling one to safety out of a deep trench. Hospital Corpsman, 3rd Class Charrette was one of five Corpsman from the Korean War to receive the Medal of Honor. Charette was the only one of the five to survive the war. Described as a quiet and humble man, he initially refused to accept the medal as he felt he did not deserve it. These five Hospital Corpsmen were the only Navy enlisted sailors to receive the Medal of Honor for service in the Korean War.

William Charette went on to train Hospital Corpsmen at Great Lakes, Illinois, and was given the honor of selecting the World War II remains to be placed in the tomb of the Unknowns. “Doc” went on to the submarine service and became one of the first Independent Duty Corpsman (IDC) to serve on a nuclear submarine. He retired as Master Chief Hospital Corpsman after 26 years in the Navy. In 1999, the Charette Health Care Center in Portsmouth, Virginia, a million square foot facility, was dedicated in his honor. He retired after 26 years of service as Master Chief Hospital Corpsman. He was married for 57 years to his wife Lousie when he passed away in 2012, and they had five children: Margaret Ann, Michael, Kathryn, Laura, and Billy who predeceased his father in 1991.

DDG 130 is the 82nd Arleigh Burke Destroyer and the second Flight III to be built at BIW. Her advanced radar and Aegis combat systems make her one of the most advanced surface warfare platforms. Its keel was laid on August 29, 2024, and her construction remained on time resulting in her recent dry dock christening. The ship’s sponsors are M. Ann Henderson, Kathryn (Kati) Charette Donovan and Laura Charette Bennett, the namesake’s daughters. Due to medical issues, only Kati was able to attend her christening duties in person. Michael Charette’s daughters, Maid of Honor Michelle Charette and Matron of Honor Sara Charette Wright served as proxies for Ann and Laura and participated in the bottle break with their aunt Kati.  Each of the sponsors and the Matron of Honor chose health care as a career path, evidence of Master Chief Charette’s influence on his family.  

On Friday July 30, 2026, in a new Conference Center at Bath Iron Works, Prospective Commanding Officer CMDR Holcomb led a traditional Mast Stepping ceremony. Shipbuilders, Navy leadership, family, and friends placed coins and other mementos in the metal box. Retired Col. Harvey C. “Barney”  Barnum (namesake the USS HARVEY C. BARNUM JR.  (DDG-124), representing the Medal of Honor Society, spoke of “Doc” as someone he looked up to and who had mentored Barney, when he returned from Vietnam. Barney described “Doc” as a humble man, “a family man”, who spoke softly and received respect from all in that special group of heroes. Ann Zumwalt, President of the Society of Ship Sponsors of the United States Navy and Sponsor of USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) placed her coin and a vintage Korean Service medal with 2 bronze stars identical to those worn by both “Doc” Charette and her father, CNO Zumwalt. Also presenting was Force Master Chief Jerry Cantorna, who serves as the senior enlisted leader and director for the U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. Later, on Friday evening, guests attended the Sponsor’s Dinner at the Portland Sheraton, hosted by BIW and dined as gifts were bestowed on the Sponsors and the Maid and Matron of Honor.

A beautiful Maine morning with blue skies and unusually warm temperatures provided a backdrop for the Christening ceremony. The speakers included Maine Governor Janet Mills, and both Senator Susan Collins and Senator Angus King. In a memorable speech, Senator King, related that his first exposure to a Navy hero was through the namesake of his High School in Alexandria Virginia. Senator King attended Francis C. Hammond High School, named after another Korean War Navy Corpsman. Francis Hammond received the Medal of Honor posthumously for his service in December 1953, months after he was killed in battle. Acting Navy Surgeon General and Acting Chief, U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Rear Admiral Matthew Case Spoke in honor of Master Chief Charette whose memory continues to be an inspiration to the over 44,000 military and civilian personnel in the Navy Medical Corps. Son, Michael Charette and Kati, the Sponsor, spoke and as Kati said, “He was my hero but he was “Dad”.” She described a man who was soft spoken, warm and loving, echoing the sentiments of fellow Medal of Honor recipient Col. Harvey “Barney” Barnum.

The keynote speech was delivered by the Acting Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Hung Cao. He spoke of the critical role the Arleigh Burke Class plays every day in the Navy and the advances present in the newest iteration of the class. The ships built in Bath are critical to our competition with global powers like China. Acting Secretary Cao said, “The Chinese Communist Party are constructing a significant fleet designed to challenge American access, coerce our allies and contest freedom of navigation throughout the Pacific”. He also pointed out that DDGs are a key element in the Middle East hostilities, striking fear in our adversaries. He honored the memory of Master Chief Charette, relating that in battle Marines, like those in Korea, utterly depend upon their corpsman.

Kati, Michelle and Sara then joined BIW DDG program officials and Secretary Cao at the Christening platform. Kati, Michelle, and Sara in unison said, “For the United States of America, we christen thee WILLIAM CHARETTE. May God bless this ship and all who sail in her”. Three sparkling wine bottles were then FORCEFULLY struck against the christening plate, sending spray 12 feet into the air!

Guests were treated then to a reception with endless lobster rolls and other treats, and we had a chance to spend some time with the extended Charette family.

Submitted by Ann Zumwalt (USS ZUMWALT DDG 1000)

On July 11, 2026, the future USS George M. Neal (DDG 131), a Flight III Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, was christened at Ingalls shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi. The ship honors Aviation Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class George Milton Neal, a Korean War veteran awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism during a 1951, search-and-rescue mission deep in North Korea. Neal volunteered as a crewman on a helicopter attempting to extract a downed Marine pilot. After the rescue helicopter was shot down, he helped his companions evade capture for nine days before becoming a prisoner of war. He remained a POW for two and a half years before returning home.

At the sponsor dinner the evening before the christening, Under Secretary of the Navy Bill Toti remarked on a photograph of young George Neal that was displayed behind him on the stage. He noted on how genuine Neal’s smile was, and said that is how we should remember him. The ship’s sponsor, Kelley Neal Gray, gave an emotional account her father, and how much he meant to her and the entire Neal family. Many Neal family members who traveled to Pascagoula for the event shared her sentiments about his character.

During the christening, Mrs. Gray performed the traditional bottle-breaking ceremony, and again delivered a heartfelt address to the attendees, including many of the shipbuilders who had gathered for the event. She proudly broke the bottle on the first swing and the crowd erupted in applause. Representing the Secretary of the Navy, Undersecretary Bill Toti delivered the principal address, noting that the vessel “honors a legacy of extraordinary courage and sacrifice,” something that George M. Neal personified. 

The Neal family members all seemed genuinely excited about becoming involved with the ship and her crew and forming a lifelong relationship. The ship is truly honored and blessed to have Kelley as its sponsor. 

Submitted by Beth Asher, Sponsor USNS POINT LOMA (T-EPF-15)

On May 2, 2026, members of the namesake family, community leaders and friends joined Navy Special Forces representatives and gathered at the AUSTAL USA shipyard in Mobile, Alabama to christen the future USNS SOLOMON ATKINSON (T-ATS 12).

The USNS SOLOMON ATKINSON (T-ATS 12) is named for CWO Solomon Atkinson, a legendary “frogman” and special forces operator who was a plankowner of the legendary Seal Team One. This is the first US Navy vessel named for a native-American from Alaska. Solomon Atkinson, a member of the frog and raven clans, was from the Metlakatla Indian Community on Annette Island, just west of British Columbia and south of Ketchican, from where hundreds of his Ts'msyen people had relocated in 1887. The Metlakatla Indian Community is the only Indian Reserve in the state of Alaska. Solomon was born the youngest of ten children and learned to free dive in the frigid waters off the coast and then became a commercial salmon fisherman. He joined the Navy in 1952 as a member of the underwater demolition team (UDT) and served in both Korea and Vietnam as well as Japan, the Bikini Atoll, and the Philippines.

Sol was actively involved in Vietnam and returned for a second tour despite a serious injury. He was a founding member of the elite Seal Team One and contributed mightily to the ethos of the naval special warfare community. He helped train aspiring Seals during the infamous BUDs school in Coranado, California and despite his deep humility and good humor, candidates knew him as the “Mean Machine”.

He trained 47 astronauts in weightlessness from the Gemini and Apollo programs including Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldren. Sol retired from the Navy as a Chief Warrant officer in 1973 and returned to Metlakatla. During his career, he was awarded a Bronze Star, Combat Action Ribbon, Cross of Gallantry, Navy Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation and Purple Heart. While stationed in San Diego, he met his future wife, Joann, a Pittsburg, Pennsylvania native. He and Joann were married for 60 years.

Upon retirement, the couple with their family moved back to Metlakatla, where he continued to serve his community. Described as ever humble we joined the tribal council, served two terms as mayor, and served on the school board. He founded an organization to help veterans obtain benefits and medical care on Annette Island. He was described as a “Pathfinder” as he was a willing mentor to all in his community, He died in 2019 at the age of 89, his funeral well represented by comrades from Seal Team One. He was transported to Metlakatla from Ketchican by a flotilla of boats, led by his grandson. His casket was carried by members of Seal Team One a distance of two miles to his final resting place.

The USNS SOLOMON ATKINSON (T-ATS 12) is a Navajo-class rescue and salvage ship. These ships combine the functionality of older towing vessels and salvage and rescue ships. They can support a range of missions, including towing, rescue, salvage, humanitarian assistance, oil spill response, and search and surveillance. Navajo-class ships can tow large U.S. Navy combatant ships and will have 6,000 square feet of deck space for operations. It is powered by twin Wartsila 6300 HP engines which can achieve 15 knots speed and travel 8100 nautical miles. His wife Joann and daughters Michele Gunyah and Maria Hayward serve as the three ship Sponsors. The Maids of Honor for the ship are the namesake’s great granddaughters Liv K. J. Martinez, Novalle Sky Schwehm-Hayward and Ma’Kari Martinez. Ma’Kari could not attend the events in person due to scheduling conflicts but was able to live stream the Christening ceremony.

On Friday afternoon, the co-sponsors and guests toured the ship and participated in the traditional mast-stepping ceremony. During this ceremony, people placed mementos/good luck charms into a box that is welded near the mast. This box acts as a time capsule - it will be unsealed when the ship is taken out of service or decommissioned. Mast-Stepping is an ancient maritime tradition dating back two thousand years or more. Commemorative coins were placed in the metal receptacle by ship builders, Navy commands and friends and family. Rear Admiral Walter Allman III, Commander, Naval Special Warfare and a Member of SEAL TEAM One, placed a coin honoring his teammate. The Society of Sponsors of the United States Navy President, Ann Zumwalt, placed her challenge coin as well. She spoke directly to the three sponsors sharing the special pride they all feel in sponsoring a ship with their father’s name on it.

Solomon Atkinson served under Ann Zumwalt's father when he was Commander Naval Forces Vietnam and later as Chief of Naval Operations during the period up to and during his retirement. Tralene Hunston, Director of Special Events SECNAV, placed the Honorable Hung Cao’s coin as he is the current Acting Secretary and recent Under Secretary of the Navy. A old friend, Melissa Peters, travelled to Mobile to attend the christening from New York City. She arrived in Metlakatla in her twenties as a volunteer teacher, with no pre-arranged lodging. She was told ‘Go over there to Sol and Joann, they will take care of you.” She stayed with them and they remained life-long friends. She added a bright “lucky” penny to the other coins, a collector’s item shortly. Finally, JoAnn placed a ring which Sol had presented her as a gift in memory of their sixty-years of marriage. Navy personnel and family did reminder her that should would never see the ring again. She told those in attendance that she wanted to do it anyways.

Submitted by Ann Zumwalt, Sponsor USS ZUMWALT (DDG 1000)

On June 6 , 2026, members of the namesake family, civil rights leaders, legal colleagues and friends joined  Military Sealift Command and industry  representatives to gather at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego, California,  to christen the future USNS Thurgood Marshall (T-AO-211).

The seventh John Lewis Class  oiler and replenishment ship is named for the brilliant legal scholar and first African American Associate Justice named to the Supreme Court. Thurgood Marshall was born Thoroughgood Marshall in Baltimore, Maryland.  At the age of six, he petitioned to shorten his given name to Thurgood, securing his first legal victory! He attended racially segregated schools in Baltimore, graduating with honors from Colored High and Training School of Baltimore. Thurgood was a mischievous young man and while being disciplined for a hazing incident in high school, the principal assigned him to read the Unites States Constitution, planting the seeds for a future Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.  He then attended the HBCU Lincoln University in Pennsylvania where he excelled at debate and graduated with honors in 1930. Having been rejected by the University of Maryland Law School due to race, he enrolled in the Howard University School of Law, where he graduated first in his class. While at Howard he was mentored by Professor Charles Hamilton Houston Sr. and joined him in the office of the Special Counsel to the NAACP shortly after leaving Howard. Thurgood became more involved with NAACP and eventually founded the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. In this role he oversaw cases such as the landmark Brown v. Board of Education which ended racially segregated “separate but equal” schools in 1954. He also oversaw many lesser-known cases. He road trains and buses throughout the nation to defend poor African Americans, whose race had been a barrier to justice. Presidents Kennedy and Johnson appointed him to federal judiciary posts until he was finally nominated to the Supreme Court by President Johnson in 1967, serving until his retirement in 1991. Justice Marshall died in 1993 and was honored by becoming only the second Justice to lie in state at the Great Hall of the Supreme Court.

Thurgood married Vivian (Buster) Burey in 1929 and they remained married for twenty five years until her death from lung cancer early in 1955. She had worked with him on the Brown vs Board of Education case. Later that year, Thurgood married Hawaiian born Cecilia “Cissy” Suyat who also worked at the Legal Defense Fund. Thurgood and Cissy  had two sons, Thurgood “Goody” Marshall Jr. and John Marshall. Cissy remained active in civil rights and continued to actively support the Legal Defense Fund. She passed away in November of 2022.

Three family members of Justice Marshall were named co-sponsors: granddaughters  Melonie Tibbs, Cecilia L. Marshall, and granddaughter-in law Dr. Alissa Kamens Marshall. Melonie Tibbs, daughter of John Marshall lives in Reston, VA with her husband and is a realtor. Cecelia, also John’s daughter, is named after her grandmother. She is dedicated to keeping the work of her grandparents going and is currently Executive Director of the Thurgood Marshall Foundation. Alissa, the wife of Thurgood Willaim Marshall holds a PhD from Tufts University in biological chemistry. She is now an executive at the Promega Corporation where she works to  accelerate innovation in health research. Ms. Karmyn Tibbs, Great Granddaughter of Thurgood Marshall, will serve as the ship’s Maid of Honor.

The USNS Thurgood Marshall (T-AO-211) is the seventh in the John Lewis Class of fleet oilers. It will have the ability to carry 162,000 barrels of diesel ship fuel, aviation fuel, and dry stores cargo, according to the Military Sealift Command. Bringing needed  food and fuel to the fleet globally is the mission of Military Sealift Command whose ships are crewed and led by civil service mariners. The prospective Master of the ship will be civil service Captain Andrew Graff. The John Lewis class is built with double hulls to protect against oil spills. The Lewis-class of oilers will replace the current Kaiser class fleet replenishment oilers.

On Friday morning, the co-sponsors, family and guests toured the ship and participated in the traditional mast-stepping ceremony. During this ceremony, people placed mementos/good luck charms into a box that is welded near the mast. This box acts as a time capsule - it will be unsealed when the ship is taken out of service. Mast-Stepping is an ancient maritime tradition dating back two thousand years or more.  Commemorative coins were placed in the metal receptacle by ship builders, Navy commands and friends and family. Co-Sponsors placed mementos of the US Supreme Court, and the Legal Defense fund into the box. The Society of Sponsors of the United States Navy President, Ann Zumwalt, placed her challenge coin as well as a reproduction of Z-Gram 66:“EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN THE NAVY”.  Finally, when the Master of Ceremonies asked if anyone else would like to place a coin, at least twenty shipbuilders, dressed in soiled work clothes, hardhats, and steel toed boots, solemnly walked in line to place coins into the box. Nothing could have spoken more to the legacy of Thurgood Marshall than the scene of these workers: black, brown, white, male and female, their hands soiled with the mornings work, reverently placing their quarters, dimes and other coins into the box. The respect for the man whose life’s work, ensuring  equal opportunity for all Americans, was palpable.

On Friday evening, the Sponsors Reception was held at the San Diego Marina Marriott Marquis. While guests enjoyed a meal hosted by NAASCO, speakers reviewed the accomplishments of the namesake. Gifts were bestowed upon the co-sponsors and the prospective Master of the ship was given books and other personal items to remember the namesake to the ship’s crew. Dr. Alissa Kamens Marshall spoke beautifully on behalf of the three co-sponsors and honored Justice Marshall. The presence of the extended Marshall family and life-long legal colleagues provided a very intimate feel to the evening.

On the day of the christening, shipside at NAASCO, the significance of the event was felt by all as the legal backbone of the civil rights movement was honored. The respect and gratitude of all present was not diminished by the day’s headlines which warned of further attempts to roll back the gains of the civil rights movement in the last half of the twentieth century. David Carter, President of General Dynamics NAASCO led the platform speakers, welcoming the co-sponsors and listing all the ships surrounding the audience under construction for the US Navy. Rear Admiral Banjamin Nicholson, Commander Military Sealift Command, reviewed the legal accomplishments of the namesake who won 29 of the 32 cases he brought before the Supreme Court, “a record of advocacy unmatched in American legal history.” He also spoke of the role this ship will play in the global support of the Navy and its sister replenishment ships which are the “lifeblood” of naval power projection.” Vice Admiral Douglas Verissmo, Commander of Naval Aviation spoke on behalf of the Chief of Naval Operations. He reminded all present that the demand for naval forces has never been higher and these logistics ships provide the asymmetric advantage the United States Navy enjoy. The keynote speaker, representing the Acting Secretary of the Navy was Major General David J. Bligh, United States Marine Corps, Judge Advocate General of the Navy. He reminded all that on the 82^nd Anniversary of D-Day, that historic accomplishment would have been impossible without the hundreds of logistics ships that supported the landing. The top lawyer in the Navy honored the mastery of Thurgood Marshall as a litigator in oral argument, advocacy and deep understanding of the Constitution. General Bligh also pointed out the physical and moral courage Marshall displayed, travelling across the country, often sleeping in his car in hostile environments in order to bring justice to those whom justice was an evasive goal.

Cecelia Marshall spoke of behalf of the co-sponsors and thanked the ship builders and former  Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro who named the ship and the three co-sponsors. She told of one of Justice Marshall’s last public appearances in 1992. Instead of talking about himself, he told stories of some of his courageous  clients. “I speak of them not only because of the kind of people they are but because of the kind of nation they insisted we become.” She concluded with the story of H. Waverly Woodson, a  graduate of Marshall’s alma mater, Lincoln University. Waverly left his pre-med program and volunteered for the Army. He trained for and passed an artillery officer training program only to find after completion that were no openings for black officers. He was then made a medic and found himself on a landing craft headed for Omaha Beach. Wounded by shrapnel before he hit the beach he went on for thirty hours, treating over two hundred men for their wounds. He was nominated for the Medal of Honor that summer, but none of the 432 medals awarded in the war were given to black servicemen (over one million blacks had served in WWII).   She concluded by quoting his closing remarks from that 1992 speech. “Knock down the fences that divide and tear apart the walls that imprison. Reach out. Freedom lies just on the other side.”

The three co-sponsors proudly climbed to the christening platform and flawlessly shattered the three bottles simultaneously. Fair winds and following seas to USNS Thurgood Marshall. May she proudly fulfill her role in defending the Constitution that her namesake so loved.

Submitted by Ann Zumwalt Sponsor USS ZUMWALT (DDG 1000)

On 6-7 March 2026, representatives of the United States Navy, General Dynamics NASSCO, guests, and members of the Cafferata family gathered in San Diego, California to mark a Navy milestone and christen the future USNS Hector A. Cafferata Jr. (ESB 8).

The Hector A. Cafferata Jr. is named for Private First Class Hector A. Cafferata Jr. USMC who was awarded the Medal of Honor for valor during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War. PFC Cafferata held off a regimental-sized attack by the enemy over several hours of fierce combat. He saved the lives of several fellow Marines and allowed his unit to hold their position. He died on April 12, 2016.

This ship is the last ship in the Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) program. The ESBs are designed to support maritime operations, special operations, and Marine units in a variety of military missions. Originally intended to be placed in service as part of the Military Sealift Command (MSC) with civilian mariner crews, subsequently all previous ships in this class have been commissioned as warships to allow participation in a broader range of offensive military operations. The Hector A. Cafferata Jr. will be manned by a hybrid crew of both civilian mariners and US Navy sailors.

The ship’s co-sponsors are Heather A Cafferata and Jessica Cafferata. Heather is Hector Cafferata’s daughter and a lifelong lover of animals and nature. She resides in New Jersey, spending her time with her grown children and her granddaughter, Reese. Jessica, the daughter of Dale Cafferata, is a granddaughter of the ship’s namesake. She is an attorney and a certified financial planner. She and her family, husband, David Lim, and children Remy, and KaiLani reside in Texas.

The Maids and Matrons of Honor are Reese J. Armstrong (Heather’s granddaughter and great-granddaughter of PFC Cafferata); Jennifer D. Armstrong (Heather’s daughter and PFC Cafferata’s granddaughter); Carolyn Grayson Rushiti (Jessica’s sister); KaiLani Grace Lim (Jessica’s daughter and PFC Cafferata’s great-granddaughter); Alexandria Leigh ReFalo (PFC Cafferata’s granddaughter); and Emily A. Cafferata (PFC Cafferata’s great-granddaughter).

On Friday afternoon, the co-sponsors and guests toured the ship and participated in the mast-stepping ceremony. During this ceremony, people placed mementos/good luck charms into a box that is welded onto the mast. This box acts as a time capsule - it will be unsealed when the ship is taken out of service or decommissioned and the items inside go to the Naval History and Heritage Command. They become tangible artifacts of the Navy’s rich history to which the ship will contribute.

Friday evening, the Navy and NASSCO honored Heather and Jessica as the ship’s co-sponsors. Brain Jones, NASSCO Director of Communications, functioned as the Master-of Ceremony at a lovely reception, dinner, and presentation event.  David Carver, NASSCO’s President presented gifts from the shipyard to the co-sponsors including a vase, the caskets which will store the bottles used to christen the ship, as well as a custom-made print depicting the ship and the actions of PFC Cafferata created by Craig Behrin. The Honorable Benjamin C. Kohlmann, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Manpower and Reserve Affairs presented Heather and Jennifer with letters on behalf of Secretary of the Navy John Phelan to congratulate them. Vice Admiral John Wade USN, Commander, Third Fleet, presented the co-sponsors with letters on behalf of the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Daryl Caudle USN, expressing his gratitude and speaking of the contribution to a ships’ legacy through the relationship between a ship, the ship’s crew, and the ship’s sponsors.

In return, Jesscia and Heather presented David Carver a model built by Roger Hardin, a family member, for display at NASSCO shipyard. The model depicts PFC Cafferata during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.

In her remarks, Heather shared about her father and how he was present with them in spirit for this celebration. Her story of her father, a humble man who rarely spoke of his heroism, was moving. She said that she felt he would live forever and that he had made his mark on the world. She also shared that he loved playing chess; his favorite piece was the knight. She told the story of her first victory in their matches. When she asked him if he let her win, he replied, “Hell no. I never let anyone win.”

The day of the christening was a beautiful Saturday in San Diego. The ship had previously been floated and was moored at the pier where the ceremony took place.  The crowd, including distinguished guests such as Carlos Del Toro, the 78th Secretary of the Navy who selected the name of the ship and the co-sponsors, gathered pierside for the time-honored tradition of formally naming the ship and christening her in the name of the United States. Heather and Jessica were presented flowers by Flower Girl, Kinley Jane Rusk, granddaughter of Larry Duby, NASSCO launchmaster.

The Navy Band Southwest provided music, and the colors were presented by the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego Color Guard. Commander Stephen Cloer CHC, USN provided the invocation. The Honorable Benjamin Kohlmann, VADM Wade, and Rear Admiral Benjamin Nicholson, Commander, Military Sealift Command, provided remarks on the importance of the day, and the contribution of ships like the Hector A. Cafferata Jr. to the continued need for sea power. The principal speaker was Sergeant Major Carlos A. Ruiz USMC, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corp. In his remarks, Sergeant Major Ruiz spoke of  looking up PFC Cafferata’s story when he was assigned to an outpost in Afghanistan named after him. He shared that PFC Cafferata was one of those rare Marines who never “stood on the yellow footprints” – meaning that he never attended boot camp. Intrinsically, he had those qualities like courage, strength and determination that define Marines. (After the ceremony, in speaking with the Sergeant Major, he shared that due to the contingencies of the Korean War, PFC Cafferata, as a reservist, had an abbreviated training at sea enroute to Korea.)  

Heather shared some remarks about her dad. She shared that she now had a larger family that included the folks at NASSCO and the ship. She said that a logo of a chess piece, a knight, will be painted on the ship’s superstructure based on her sharing of his love of chess at the previous night’s dinner. Jessica spoke of her grandfather and the honor of being part of recognizing his valor. She spoke of remembering the service of all who served in Korea and her dedication to being a sponsor for the ship and her crew.

After the remarks, Heather and Jessica moved to the christening platform. With the traditional champagne bottles and the time-honored words, “For the United States of America, I christen thee USNS Hector A. Cafferata Jr. May God bless this ship and all who sail in her,” they christened the ship. Jessica’s bottle broke with a spray of champaign with one strike. Heather, in a display of grit, determination and a refusal to quit, reflecting the spirit of her father, took a few more strikes to shatter her bottle. After 26 strikes, including 3 from Jessica in support, Heather broke the bottle and the sounds of Anchor Aweigh and the Marine Corps Hymn marked the christening. Heather’s strokes were so powerful that she actually bent the tines on the striker plate! Talk about a sponsor infusing a ship with her strength and spirit!

Submitted by Paula Neira, Sponsor USNS HARVEY MILK (TAO-206)

The oceanographic community celebrated the life of its most famous icon as the final ship of the PATHFINDER Oceanographic Survey Ship Series was christened on February 28, 2026, at Bollinger Mississippi Shipbuilding’s facility in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Sponsor Barbara Earle Ballard, wife of the namesake, christened her ship under a blue gulf coast sky to the delight of hundreds of family members, friends and co-workers who rode over the sea and under it with Dr. Ballard in his quest to expand human understanding of the very deep. As one family member said, “Bob collects people”, evidenced by the extensive group of attendees who Dr. Ballard recruited, mentored and encouraged throughout their careers in Oceanography and Hydrology.

The ship honors Dr. Robert Ballard, a retired U.S. Navy commander, professor of oceanography at the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography, and National Geographic Explorer at Large. Dr. Ballard began his interest in the ocean when learning about Captain Nemo and the Nautilus as a young boy. After receiving his undergraduate degree in chemistry and geology, he began his graduate work in geophysics and then a PhD in marine geology.

Originally commissioned as an Army intelligence officer in the Reserves, he transferred to the Navy while on assignment coordinating Research at Woods Hole, Massachusetts. His career combined his love of adventurous exploration with serious scientific research and, along with teams of scientists he recruited and trained, led to a string of discoveries over each decade. Any one of these discoveries by itself would qualify him as one of the world’s most significant explorers of the sea. The totality of his work is singular in its breadth and impact. While the discovery and documentation of RMS Titanic is his most widely known discovery, it was actually revealed decades later that the mission was a cover for a top-secret cold war quest to find the remains of two US nuclear submarines sunk in the north Atlantic (THRESHER and SCORPIAN).

Dr. Ballard’s scientific discoveries were many but the most important was the discovery of hydrothermal vents and “black-smokers” which provided energy for life forms at depths where life was considered impossible due to the absence of light. He worked closely with the Navy in trying to understand how undersea warfare, equipped with superior knowledge of the topography and chemistry of the floor of the ocean, could lead to military advantage. He continued his undersea archeological explorations finding PT 109, the Bismarck, Lusitania, Yorktown and ancient sunken ships in the Black Sea dating as far back as 150 AD. The popularity of his work led to an explosion in interest in the physical sciences and oceanography. Dr. Ballard, realizing this, founded the Jason Project, to encourage and educate middle school children in pursuit of their interest in oceanography and scientific exploration.

Barbara Earle Ballard, the Ship Sponsor has had a long career in creative media production and business management. She has produced public affairs programming at PBS, as well as other companies before joining the National Geographic Society, spearheading the expansion of the Television Division. She co-founded Odyssey Enterprises in 1990 serving as its President. In 1991, she married Robert Ballard and she has two children. Her daughter and Ship Maid of Honor Emily has taken up her mother’s love of storytelling and currently is pursuing a graduate degree in film editing in the UK. She and her brother Ben have spent summers on oceanographic voyages with their father. Dr. Ballard has one living son, Doug, from a previous marriage. All three children joyously celebrated the christening of their father’s namesake ship.

Catherine A. Offinger, the Matron of Honor, has worked with Dr. Ballard for over fifty years. She was the first person hired by Robert Ballard. Her duties ranged from navigation, photo development, to overall expedition operations manager. Catherine has logged over 80 research expeditions, the most recent in 2025 in the Solomon Islands to explore the sites from the Battle of Guadalcanal.

On Friday morning, February 27th, a ceremonial Mast Stepping was attended by a group of military and civilian dignitaries, Bollinger Shipbuilding executives and Ballard family and friends. Challenge coins, actual circulated coins from the Solomon Islands, and mementos highlighting the Military Sealift Command and the world of undersea research were placed in the metal box.

The Society of Ship Sponsors of the United States Navy President Ann Zumwalt placed a memento commemorating her family’s meeting with Dr. Ballard at Woods Hole thirty-five years ago. Finally, Dr. Ballard and Sponsor Barbara Earle Ballard were presented with a Makau to be placed in the Mast Stepping Metal box which had been hand carved in the traditional manner from bone by a renowned Hawaiian artist. The Makau is an ancient Hawaiian fishhook symbol representing good luck, prosperity, abundance, and safe passage over water. It symbolizes strength, respect for the ocean, and the legend of the demigod Maui using his hook to pull the islands from the sea.

On Friday evening, the Sponsor and Namesake and their families, friends and VIPS were treated to a banquet hosted by Bollinger at the Grand Magnolia Ballroom. Also in attendance was the former Secretary of the Navy, Carlos DelToro, who named the ship and her Sponsor. Barbara Earle Ballard capped off the evening by presenting the ship with an exact replica of the ship’s bell from the USS BALLARD (DD 267). Originally Christened in 1918, BALLARD was reactivated in WWII to serve as a seaplane tender (AVD-10), participating in support of the Battle of Midway and providing rescue to airmen and their planes throughout the Pacific theater. She famously rescued 35 Japanese seamen who had floated adrift for 9 days following the sinking of their carrier Hiryu. In 1942, she rescued 2 of the 10 survivors of the USS Juneau sinking. That sinking resulted in the loss of the five Sullivan Brothers.

The Christening events began at 10 AM with all marveling at the beautiful weather. After rendering of honors by NMCB 133 Color Guard to Mississippi Lt. Governor Delbert Hoseman, Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem, Bollinger Shipbuilding President Ben Bordelon welcomed the guests and reviewed the meaning of this ship class and the success of the Bollinger/Navy relationship. The Honorable Delbert Hosman, after thanking the shipyard workers, marveled at Dr. Ballard’s career and quipped, in reference to a Phoenician shipwreck Dr. Ballard discovered off the Israeli coast, “150 AD! Here in Mississippi, we are sure to take notice of anything that close to the time of Jesus.” Rear Admiral Erin Acosta, USN (Commander Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command) representing the CNO and Rear Admiral Benjamin Nicholson USN (Commander Military Sealift Command) each spoke of the role these oceanographic survey ships play in keeping our Navy at the forefront by mapping and understanding the geography of the bottom of the ocean. The Honorable Brendan Rogers, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment, representing the Secretary of the Navy, spoke of the accomplishments of the namesake and the Sponsor and the importance of oceanographic research.

Dr. Robert Ballard, the keynote speaker, was beaming with joy as he related the trajectory of his career through the decades. He related his boyhood fascination with Jules Verne’s story of Captain Nemo and his undergraduate and education. A commissioned army intelligence officer, Dr. Ballard found himself in charge of Naval Research at Woods Hole in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. There he assembled a team of young researchers, (many still are collaborating with him today) and set on a decades career of studying the depths of the ocean noting the mountain ranges, valleys and volcanoes previously unknown. It was the understanding that these physical and geological phenomena could be of strategic importance to the Navy that fulfilled his desire to serve his country. His milestone discovery of hydrothermal vents changed marine biology and geology forever. In addition to his archeological undersea discoveries in the Atlantic and the Pacific, he explored the Black Sea, whose waters, devoid of oxygen, would reveal itself as an ideal resting place for wooden ships, including a 1500-year-old preserved ship protected from wood destroying life. Dr. Ballard concluded with the request that, once the ship was fully equipped with its scientific instruments, he be invited to inspect the on-board laboratory. The gleam in his eye was ample proof that the boyhood desire for adventure and quest for knowledge has not diminished. Barbara Ballard spoke last, celebrating her husband and his accomplishments. She looked upon the great ship behind her, her beloved’s name boldly written across the bow, and with grace opened a tender window into Bob. Through her thoughtful telling we glimpsed the deeper man: the quiet strength of his leadership, his humanity, unrelenting courage, and profound integrity.

Then came the moment. With earnestness, Barbara raised the champagne bottle and brought it against the bow: “For the United States of America, I christen thee Robert Ballard. May God bless this ship and all who sail in her.”

Submitted by Ann Zumwalt

The final ship of the SPEARHEAD-class, a Flight II Expeditionary Fast Transport, was christened on January 10, 2026, at Austal USA’s ship manufacturing facility in Mobile, Alabama. Co-Sponsors Governor Gretchen Whitmer and U.S. Representative Lisa McClain led the ceremony. Guests gathered in one of the massive production buildings beneath the elevated hull, with the podium and seating arranged between the ship’s two large catamaran pontoons; an impressive setting that highlighted both the ship’s unique design and Austal’s production environment. USNS LANSING is the first ship named after Michigan’s capital city. The ship adds needed capacity to the Navy’s Military Sealift Command, adding capabilities in troop transport, logistics and Medical Support. The dual pontoon structure allows for increased stability while at sea, allowing for surgeons to operate in their fully outfitted surgical suites, a feature of the last two ships of this class.  Added support for Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats and V-22 flight operations and the ability to sail at over 30 knots round out the enhanced capabilities of this ship. She will be manned by Merchant Marines led initially by her Prospective Master, Captain Brandon J. Varner, who was born and raised in Lansing, Michigan!

The Christening ceremony was preceded that morning by a Mast Stepping attended by a group of military and civilian dignitaries, Austal executives and supporters of the Co-Sponsors. Challenge coins, actual circulated US coins, and mementos highlighting the manufacturing culture of Lansing were placed in the metal box. Society of Ship Sponsors of the United States Navy President Ann Zumwalt placed a bandana featuring the logo of the Interlochen Arts Academy. Since 1928, Interlochen has been central to the cultural life of Michigan and our nation.

After rendering of honors to Governor Whitmer by the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion One Color Guard, Michelle Kruger, President of Austal USA, led off the Speakers. Ms. Kruger spoke of the dedicated men and women who built this ship and their ability to deliver quality in a cost-effective manner. After several uniformed Naval officers spoke, the keynote speaker was the current Under Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Hung Cao.  Secretary Cao spoke of the value of this ship in building the Navy of the future and his commitment to deliver more ships and better ships to foster the goal of peace through strength. He noted that the ship would enter a robust trial and testing phase to ensure LANSING would be up to the task when called to serve.

Co-Sponsor U.S. Representative Lisa McClain is serving her third term representing Michigan’s 9th Congressional District. She also serves as the Republican Chairwoman of the Conference for the 119th Congress. She lives in Romeo, Michigan with her husband Mike and has four children plus her dog Peanut. She spoke of the strength and grit of the people of Michigan whose contributions to military manufacturing led the nation in WWII and beyond. Congresswoman McClain, whose background includes building a business from the ground up focuses on agriculture, homeland security, national defense and economics in Congress. She has named Representative Sheri Biggs (3rd District SC) as her Matron of Honor.

Co-Sponsor Governor Gretchin Whitmer has been a leader in Michigan whose focus has been on getting things done. A lifelong Michigander and graduate of Michigan State (Undergraduate and Law School) she lives in Lansing with her husband Dr. Marc Mallory and two dogs. She has two daughters who will serve as Maids of Honor, Sydney Shrewsbury and Sherry Shrewsbury as well as three stepsons. She emphasized Lansing Michigan’s history of building great things and generating bold ideas. She also spoke of her M3 initiative (Michigan Maritime Manufacturing Initiative) which funds training in shipbuilding skills to support the defense manufacturing industry.

The Co-Sponsors then proceeded to the platform and jointly christened the USNS LANSING, which is powered by two engines built in Michigan. Attendees then were hosted by AUSTAL USA at a Sponsors Luncheon in Mobile, where several gifts were presented to each Sponsor.

Submitted by Ann Zumwalt Sponsor USS ZUMWALT (DDG 100)

On Saturday, September 27, 2025, beneath the clear skies of an early autumn morning in Bath, Maine, the United States Navy proudly christened the USS LOUIS H. WILSON JR. (DDG 126). This distinguished ship, the first to bear the name of Medal of Honor recipient and 26th Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Louis H. Wilson Jr., stands as a lasting tribute to a leader whose valor, vision, and integrity continue to inspire generations of Marines and Sailors alike. General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (BIW) proudly presented this magnificent Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, another shining example of their steadfast motto: “Bath Built Is Best Built.” General Wilson’s beloved daughter, Janet Louise Wilson Taylor, and the Honorable Dr. Susan J. Raybern, Captain, United States Navy (Retired), proudly began their shared service as Co-Sponsors of the ship through a deeply moving Mast-Stepping Ceremony on Friday morning followed the next morning by a traditional Navy Christening Ceremony, rich with Marine Corps reverence and tradition, as they named the ship that bears General Wilson’s distinguished name. Julie Lobst, granddaughter of Co-Sponsor Dr. Susan Raybern, will serve as Maid of Honor. Claire Taylor, daughter of Janet Wilson Taylor, and Anna Chiles, daughter-in-law of Janet Wilson Taylor and wife of Louis Wilson Taylor, will serve as Matrons of Honor. Together, these three women reinforce the enduring bond between the ship and her Sponsors, ensuring that their spirit, devotion, and legacy will sail with the USS LOUIS H. WILSON JR. (DDG 126) throughout her lifetime. Louis H. Wilson Jr. grew up in the rural community of Brandon, Mississippi, where, following the death of his father when he was just five years old, he quickly learned the meaning of responsibility and commitment, qualities that would define his remarkable military career. His only child and Co-Sponsor, Janet Louise Wilson Taylor, shared cherished photographs of young Louis driving a goat cart filled with vegetables, which he sold at the local market to help support his mother and sister. He later attended Millsaps College, where he met Janet Clark, his future wife and lifelong partner. Upon graduating, he answered the call to serve by joining the United States Marine Corps, beginning a journey that would exemplify courage, honor, and devotion to duty. Only a few months after his commission, the attack on Pearl Harbor changed the course of Louis H. Wilson Jr.’s life. He was assigned to the 9th Marine Regiment, and by April 1943, he had been promoted to Captain. That July, he would distinguish himself in the fierce Battle of Guam. Ordered to advance across 300 yards of open terrain with his company to seize a key sector of the high ground at Fonte Hill, Captain Wilson led his men against overwhelming odds. Wounded multiple times, he continued to lead from the front, engaging in hand-to-hand combat with entrenched enemy forces. Through sheer determination and courage, he and his Marines captured and held the vital position, killing more than 300 enemy soldiers in the process. Time and again, he exposed himself to machine-gun fire to rescue his men and press the attack, ultimately losing thirteen of his own Marines in that single battle. His extraordinary valor and leadership earned him the Medal of Honor, presented by President Harry S. Truman on October 5, 1945, at the White House. In the years that followed, General Wilson rose swiftly through the ranks, earning universal respect for both his toughness and fairness. In 1975, he was promoted to four-star General and became the 26th Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, guiding the Corps with distinction, integrity, and unwavering devotion to duty. As Commandant, General Louis H. Wilson Jr. left a permanent mark on the Marine Corps in two defining ways. Seeing the post-Vietnam Corps as diminished in discipline, readiness, and physical toughness, he set out to restore the image of the Marine as an elite warrior—the very best our nation could produce. His uncompromising standards and commitment to excellence reshaped training, leadership, and esprit de corps, and to this day he is credited with elevating the caliber of every Marine who has worn the eagle, globe, and anchor since. General Wilson also worked tirelessly to ensure that the Marine Corps would stand equal in stature with the other branches of the Armed Forces. Through determination and vision, he succeeded in establishing the Commandant of the Marine Corps as a permanent member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a lasting achievement that secured the Corps’ rightful place at the highest levels of national defense decision-making. The weekend’s events in Bath began on the morning of Friday, September 26, with a MastStepping Ceremony orchestrated by Commanding Officer, Captain Jeff W. Benson. In keeping with time-honored naval tradition, a procession of family, friends and co-workers, including Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Harvey C. “Barney” Barnum, placed mementos within a metal box, to remain hidden within the mast until the day the ship is decommissioned. Uniformed and civilian defense leaders along with shipbuilders paid tribute to the ship’s distinguished namesake and reflected on his enduring influence on the Navy–Marine Corps team. They also celebrated the promise and capability of this Flight III Arleigh Burke–class destroyer built by Bath Iron Works. Both Co-Sponsors placed deeply meaningful mementos within the mast-stepping box. The Honorable Dr. Susan J. Raybern, Captain, U.S. Navy (retired), contributed thoughtful tokens that reflected both her years of distinguished service in the Fleet and at the Pentagon, as well as her reverence for the ship’s heroic namesake. Sponsor Janet Wilson Taylor, assisted by her husband Jarred O. Taylor II, added treasured keepsakes honoring her father, along with a collection of coins whose dates recalled meaningful moments in her parents’ lives and the birth years of their extended family. Few eyes remained dry, the ceremony having so movingly united tradition, memory, and love. That evening, Bath Iron Works hosted a Sponsor Recognition Dinner at the Portland Sheraton, featuring a presentation of thoughtful gifts honoring the Co-Sponsors. During the dinner, Sponsor Dr. Susan J. Raybern presented Captain Jeff W. Benson with a ship’s bell — a remarkable artifact that had long graced her desk during her tenure as Assistant Secretary of the Navy and in other Navy roles. Before its presentation, she recounted (with admirable precision and no small measure of pride) the saga of how she had meticulously verified the bell’s compliance with Navy specifications — including confirming that it rang on the proper musical note, “G,” to ensure it could truly serve the needs of the Navy while representing her spirit. She confessed, to the amusement of all, that her decision to present the bell at the Christening rather than the Commissioning stemmed from a practical concern: how on earth she would get the bell through airport security if the latter event were to take place in Guam. Bath, Maine, was alive with excitement on the morning of September 27, as the Christening of a Navy ship is a cherished community event. A lovely early autumn morning dawned with bright, sunny skies along the Kennebec River, a waterway once traversed by Pilgrim forefathers trading furs a fitting historic backdrop for the introduction of this Arleigh Burke-class Flight III Destroyer, equipped with the most advanced radar system in the world, a true modern marvel. Shipbuilders and their families, Navy leadership, Marine veterans, and local, state, and federal dignitaries gathered alongside the Sponsors and their families to witness the naming of the ship in honor of Medal of Honor recipient and 26th Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Louis H. Wilson Jr. The Honorable Janet Mills, Governor of Maine, led off with a strong endorsement of the workers of BIW. Skilled and dedicated, her neighbors put everything they have into building these marvelous ships. BIW is the lifeblood of the community and “Bath Built is Best Built” is more than a slogan due to the unique partnership of many businesses, local state and federal government and the Navy and of course the men and women who travel every workday to the shipyard and apply their skills. Senator Angus King, Member Senate Armed Services Committee, is a long supporter of BIW and its workers. Senator King delivered a powerful endorsement of BIW by recalling the recent success of the USS CARNEY (DDG 64). CARNEY was built and launched in Bath in 1994, one of the earlier Arleigh Burke Class Destroyers. She was deployed to the Red Sea in September of 2023 and engaged in critical battle against attacks by Houthi rebels. She responded to 51 enemy engagements during her deployment including shooting down 15 drones and 4 land attack missiles in a ten-hour battle on 17 October 2023, marking the most intense Naval warfare of any US ship since WWII. Over thirty years after her Christening this “Bath Built” ship has become a legend. Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient and namesake of USS Harvey C. Barnum, Jr. (DDG 124), Colonel Harvey C. (“Barney”) Barnum Jr. addressed the attendees and recalled another Marine hero. He spoke about General Wilson as a role model, “One of the greatest warriors I ever met”, who cautioned him to always in his words and deeds honor the medal he wore around his neck. He described a tough but fair boss who exemplified and defined what it meant to be a Marine. Vice Admiral Brad Stillman representing the CNO and Mr. Jason Potter representing the Secretary of the Navy followed next. They spoke of the legacy of the namesake and the value this ship will provide to the Fleet and the defense of our nation. The Principal Speaker, General Eric Smith, the current Commandant of the Marine Corps, spoke of the lifelong service of General Wilson and the profound effect he still has on the Corps. Fifty years after he rose to lead and resurrect the professionalism and reputation of the Marines, it is still said that General Wilson “saved the Marine Corps”. His heroism at the Battle of Guam was again identified as truly legendary. He highlighted the advances present in this Flight III Destroyer, giving it enhanced lethality and survivability. He reviewed General Wilson’s many contributions including the creation of Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) at 29 Palms, the largest Marine base in the world, the role of the Marines in JCS and the uncompromising standards he set for the Marine Corps. Co-Sponsor the Honorable Susan J. Rabern, declared a desire to impart “all of who she was” in the spirit of this ship for the rest of her life. The lessons of the boatswain’s mates and chiefs who gave her advice when she was a junior officer created that spirit as did the many mentors who led her in her career as an aide in the CNO and Joint Chiefs Staff. She also spoke of the friendship she developed with her partner Janet Wilson Taylor. Janet then thanked the shipbuilders of Bath again, noting that nothing but excellence would meet her father’s expectations. She offered that coincidently three of her five grandsons had birthdays on September 27th so this day will be celebrated on multiple levels in the Wilson Taylor family. Referring to her father’s selection as Commandant, “he was the right person, for the right job at the right time.” She reviewed his early history and reflected on the effect of his background on who he became. She painted a picture of a father who was loving, kind, and encouraging rounding out the portrait of this tough Marine. The audience chuckled as she related the story of a four-year-old Janet demonstrating how to ascend a rope ladder to Marine recruits in Boot Camp. Janet and Susan escorted by the dignitaries in attendance “got with it” and Christened LOUIS H. WILSON JR. with the words “For the United States of America, I christen thee LOUIS H. WILSON JR. May God bless this ship and all who sail in her.” Two bottles of champagne met their expected fate amid cheers and applause. Streamers and confetti bathed all present as “Anchors Away” and “The Halls of Montezuma” celebrated the event. The guests were then invited to a reception where admirals, active and retired, joined shipbuilders and Maine residents to feast on an endless supply of lobster rolls. Semper Fidelis,

Submitted by Ann Zumwalt Sponsor USS ZUMWALT (DDG 1000)

On Saturday, June 28, 2025, the first ship named for Vietnam War hero and Prisoner of War, the USS JEREMIAH DENTON (DDG 129), was christened and officially named in Pascagoula, Mississippi, forty miles from Admiral Denton’s birthplace. His daughters, Madeleine Denton Doak and Mary Denton Lewis proudly began their service as Co-Sponsors with the ceremonial breaking of the champagne bottle. The ship’s namesake, Jeremiah Andrew Denton Jr. was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama. A self- described “average product of an American middle-class family”, he attended Catholic schools near his home, building a foundation for his deep religious faith. He attended Stonehill College and then the United States Naval Academy, graduating in 1946 on the same day as President Jimmy Carter, and another POW, Admiral James Stockdale. He married his high school sweetheart, (Katherine) Jane Maury shortly after graduation. The Dentons had seven children, two daughters (Madeleine and Mary) serving as Co-Sponsors and five sons: Jeremiah III, Wiliam, Donald, James and Michael. Before the Vietnam conflict, he served in WWII, and the Korean War. In those years he distinguished himself as the architect of the “Haystack Concept”, a formation plan to make aircraft carriers more difficult to detect by Soviet bombers and submarines. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, he provided significant support as the Commander of the Guantanamo Defense Force. After time at the Naval War College in the early 1960s, he was promoted to Commander and assigned to lead an air squadron aboard the USS INDEPENDENCE in 1965. On July 18, 1965, while leading an attack of 28 A-6A attack jets into North Vietnam, he and his bombardier/navigator LTJG Tschudy had to eject from their jet as one of their bombs detonated prematurely, damaging the A- 6A. They were quickly captured and transferred to the “Hanoi Hilton” as Commander Denton began his seven- and one-half years as a Prisoner of War. Half of his captivity was in solitary confinement as he was punished for being an uncooperative prisoner. As one of the highest-ranking prisoners, the North Vietnamese saw propaganda value in using Denton, but despite torture and regular beatings he never broke. Famously while being filmed by Japanese news reporters, he blinked in Morse Code the word TO- R-T-U-R-E with his eyelids (- --- .-. - ..- .-. . ) while being questioned by one of his North Vietnamese handlers. Defense Intelligence reported this as the first confirmation that the North Vietnamese were indeed inflicting torture on American POWs. Commander Denton was the first POW to exit the aircraft when he was finally released on February 12, 1973 during Operation Homecoming. In full uniform, now Captain Denton said "We are honored to have had the opportunity to serve our country under difficult circumstances…” Jeremiah Denton continued to serve in the Navy until his retirement in 1977 as Rear Admiral. He was a recipient of the Navy Cross for “extraordinary heroism in combat with an armed enemy force” in addition to numerous other medals. He then began a distinguished career in politics and in 1980 became the first Republican Senator elected from Alabama since 1913 and the first former admiral elected to the Senate. Senator Denton championed Family Values issues and also co- sponsored Senate bill 1698 the “Amerasian Homecoming Act" signed into law by President Ronald Reagan. In 1985, Senator Denton witnessed the Christening of the Cruiser USS MOBILE BAY (CG 53) at Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoula sponsored by his wife, Jane Maury Denton. Nearly forty years later, the Denton family would return to Ingalls and Pascagoula to christen DDG 129. The USS MOBILE BAY was decommissioned in 2023 in San Diego California.

Bruni Bradley represented the Society of Sponsors at the christening of the United States Navy’s newest oiler, the mighty USNS Sojourner Truth (T-AO 210) at the NASCCO Shipyard in San Diego on April 26, 2025. Sojourner Truth was a nineteenth century civil rights activist from New York.

The ceremony was filled with Navy tradition including the band, color guard and Chaplain. There were speeches by: the President of General Dynamics NASSCO, Mr. Dave Carver; Dr. Brett Seidle, Acting Under Secretary of the Navy and representing the Secretary of the Navy; Vice Admiral John Wade, USN, Commander Third Fleet; CAPT Micah Murphy, USN, Commander, Military Sealift Command Pacific; and most importantly by Ms. Barbara Allen, the sponsor of the Sojourner Truth. Ms. Allen is the 6th generation descendant of Sojourner Truth. Her matron of honor, Ms. Carmen Allen, is an 8th generation descendant. At least 10 direct descendants of Sojourner Truth were also in attendance.

The ceremony and timing of the speeches had to be exact, so that the christening and launching coincided with high tide at 8:56 pm. As it was an unseasonably cold San Diego evening, the many participants, particularly those in the Navy Summer White Uniforms had renewed appreciation for the Navy saying “Tide, Time and Formation, wait for no one”- not even for long-winded, high-ranking ceremony speakers.

The speakers pointed out the legacy of civil rights activist Sojourner Truth and highlighted the importance and capabilities of the USNS Sojourner Truth to the US Navy’s mission, especially in the current global maritime environment. They stated that the ship’s ability to be forward deployed with sustained operations at sea gives the Navy the ability to respond to varied missions in the shortest time possible. They also lauded the Merchant Mariners, their families, and the professionals behind all the infrastructure required to get the systems and material in place to support the mission. They also discussed the strength of US Shipbuilding and the importance to US’s the industrial base of the collaboration between private industry and the government.

Barbara Allen began her speech by saying how deeply honored and humbled she was to be part of this historic event. Her remarks centered around Sojourner Truth’s being a beacon of hope, an abolitionist, a champion of women’s rights and a warrior for justice. She concluded her remarks with: “Today as we gather to christen and launch the Sojourner Truth we honor not only her name but her spirit and mission. This ship will not merely navigate the sea, it will stand as a living testament to the values Sojourner so passionately championed. It will serve as a symbol of unity fortitude and purpose. A vessel named for a woman whose impact knows no bounds. To the crew who will man this ship I extend my heartfelt gratitude. You are the steward of this mission, the heart and soul of its journey. May Sojourner’s legacy inspire you, guide you and empower you, as you carry her name and value forward across the seas.”

The speeches came in with about 5 minutes to spare. This prompted the Master of Ceremonies to ask the Navy band to play to fill in the time with additional music. After climbing the many stairs onto the platform (in high heels), Barbara Allen christened the ship with gusto. The sparkling wine drenched not only the ship, but Ms. Allen as well. Both were truly christened. She then singlehandedly launched the ship by pushing on her bow. As the ship glided into the harbor, there were confetti streamers launched from the bow, and the ship blasted it’s horn in the tradition of a ship going backwards in the water.

There were other events surrounding this christening ceremony. The Sponsor, her guests and dignitaries went on a tour of the ship on the day prior to the christening. Ms. Allen was introduced to the ship’s mission, her capabilities, some of her crew, and to the professionals who built the ship. At the San Diego NASSCO shipyard, the ships are built on a slipway and supported by beams/keel blocks making a cradle in which the ship rests as it is being built. Prior to launching of the ship, the “cradling blocks” must be removed. The last block to be removed is called the “shore” and it was removed on April 25th, by Mrs. Debbie Anderson (Co-Sponsor of future USNS Joshua L. Goldberg (T-AO 215).

On the evening of April 25th, there was a sumptuous reception and dinner at the Marriott Marquis hotel. At this event speeches were made by Navy, local and NASSCO dignitaries. Gifts to Ms. Allen and to her maid of honor were made, including an artist’s rendering of the USNS Sojourner Truth, letters from the Secretary Navy, J. Phelan and Acting Chief of Naval Operations Admiral J. Kilby, USN, and a bowl by NASSCO President D. Carver.

Ms. Allen presented the ship with books which she authored on Sojourner Truth, a Picture of Sojourner Truth which had been signed by all of Sojourner’s relatives in attendance, and The Sojourner Truth First Day (stamp) Issue Cover issued February 4th1986, at the Sojourner Truth Library in New Paltz, New York.

Contributed by Bruni Bradley