CHRISTENING OF USNS SOJOURNER TRUTH (T-AO 210)

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

Author: Martha Hill

website admin & member