CHRISTENING OF USNS LUCY STONE (TAO 209)

CHRISTENING OF USNS LUCY STONE (TAO 209)

On September 21, 2024 on a sunny warm day in San Diego, California, a large group assembled to witness the christening of USNS Lucy Stone (TAO 209) by co-sponsors Alicia Aadnesen and Debbie Simmons. The ship’s namesake was a women’s rights and anti-slavery advocate in the 1800s. Lucy Stone kept her maiden name which denied her ability to vote because she wouldn’t take her husband’s name. Lucy Stone organized the first National Women’s Rights Convention in Massachusetts and spoke publicly about promoting laws giving more rights to women. She also helped to pass the Thirteenth Amendment which abolished slavery.

The Society of Sponsors was represented by six Society members (Rose Magnus, Linda Winter, Rosalie Calhoun, Anna Mae Meyer, Ann Zumwalt, and Allison Stiller). We were all there to cheer on co-sponsors Alicia and Debbie who have helped the Society for decades in their ship introduction roles for the US Navy.

NASSCO President, Dave Carver, welcomed all the guests and noted that Alicia and Debbie have probably executed more ceremonies than all in the audience combined. He noted that their behind the scenes work on keel layings, christenings, and commissionings have ensured events have been seamlessly executed. Mr. Carver also talked about USNS Lucy Stone’s ability to replenish 3 ships at one time. He then presented the ship to Debbie and Alicia to christen!

Chief of Naval Operations’ representative, VADM Jeffrey Jablon, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Installations and Logistics (OPNAV N4) commented that USNS Lucy Sonte is essential to the Navy’s success. The Honorable Meredith Berger (ASN EI&E) noted that Debbie and Alicia’s hands and heads have launched the Navy’s modern fleet. She noted that Lucy Stone was a voice for those that didn’t have a voice.

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro noted that ship sponsors’ spirits guide the ship in the future.He noted that Alicia and Debbie have a combined 60 years of service to the Navy and they have participated in over 300 ceremonies. He also recognized Jeanne Hanna who was in attendance for her late husband, Joe’s, contribution to the commissioning of Navy warships. He also thanked the Society of Sponsors for our support of the Navy and Marine Corps.

Co-ship sponsor Debbie Simmons thanked former Acting Secretary of the Navy Tom Harker for naming her as co-sponsor of USNS Lucy Stone. She also thanked former Secretary Hondo Geurts for his support. She thanked her family including her sister Lucy.She thanked Alicia and noted she looked forward to their journey as co-sponsors. Debbie also recounted her personal background including studying in South Africa during Apartheid where she learned that the freedoms we have are not enjoyed around the world.

Co-ship sponsor Alicia Aadensen thanked Secretary Harker, Secretary Geurts, and me for getting her considered as a ship sponsor. She noted that she had former Secretary of the Navy Don Winter’s coin in her pocket for strength. She also thanked former Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus for ensuring the name Lucy Stone was not lost in history. She wished the ship Lucy Stone strength to sustain the Navy fleet. Finally, she thanked the Matrons of Honor and her family.

Both Debbie and Alicia smashed their bottles on the bow and then they both helped push the ship down the ways to a cheering crowd!

Contributed by Allison Stiller

Author: Martha Hill

website admin & member