Newest U.S. Navy Logistics Ship Launched
USNS Carl Brashear, which will be the newest ship in the U.S. Navy's Lewis and Clark-class of dry cargo/ammunition ships, was christened and launched during a morning ceremony Sept. 18 at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in . After a series of tests and sea trials, the ship will be delivered to the Navy’s Military Sealift Command for operations next year. The 689-ft. ship slid into the water for the first time as Lauren Brashear, granddaughter of the ship’s namesake and the ship’s sponsor, broke the traditional bottle of champagne against the ship's bow christening it USNS Carl Brashear. The ship honors Master Chief Petty Officer Carl Brashear, who joined the U.S.
NASSCO Launches USNS Carl Brashear
General Dynamics NASSCO launched the U.S. Navy's newest resupply ship, USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE 7), during a christening ceremony. The ship is named in honor of Master Chief Petty Officer Carl Brashear, the first African-American to qualify and serve as a Master Diver in the Navy. Brashear's military career was portrayed in the 2000 movie Men of Honor. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead and the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Joe Campa, Jr., spoke at the ceremony. Lauren Brashear, Master Chief Brashear's granddaughter, christened the ship by breaking the traditional bottle of champagne against the bow before the ship slid into San Diego Bay. More than 3,000 people attended the ceremony, including Robert De Niro, who starred in Men of Honor.
