Matron News

Philly Shipyard on Wednesday hosted a ceremony for the first state-class National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV), the Empire State.Empire State is the first of five new NSMVs being built under a program for the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD), which owns and operates training ships for the nation's state maritime academies. The newbuild will be delivered this summer to the State University of New York (SUNY) Maritime College, replacing the school's current training ship built in 1962.Captain Elizabeth Christman…

The U.S. Navy’s newest Virginia-class attack submarine, future USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 795), was christened during a ceremony at General Dynamics’ Electric Boat shipyard facility in Groton, Conn., July 31.“This submarine is a fitting tribute to Admiral Rickover, who truly transformed our Navy,” said Adm. James Caldwell, director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, during his remarks at the celebration.Caldwell credited Rickover – who served for 63 years in the Navy and is credited…

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus named the 'R/V Sally Ride' to honor the memory of Sally Ride, a scientist, innovator and educator. Ride was the first American woman and the youngest person in space. She later served as director of NASA’s Office of Exploration as well as the California Space Institute at University of California San Diego. “The christening of this ship is not only a celebration of the hard work and dedication of the men and women who have brought this vessel from an idea to a reality, but also of the spirit of exploration and discovery shared by Sally Ride and the United States Navy,” said Mabus. The Neil Armstrong-class…

Coronado, the second Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), was christened on January 14, 2012 during a ceremony at Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama. The Independence-variant LCS, with its trimaran hull–design, offers maneuverability, stability, endurance, shallow draft, three weapon zones, and a flight deck larger than any other U.S. Navy surface combatant. Susan Ring Keith is the ship’s sponsor. Upon her birth in Coronado, Susan joined a long family history associated with the Navy and Coronado.

Coronado, the second Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), was christened on January 14, 2012 during a ceremony at Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama. The Independence-variant LCS, with its trimaran hull–design, offers maneuverability, stability, endurance, shallow draft, three weapon zones, and a flight deck larger than any other U.S. Navy surface combatant, Susan Ring Keith is the ship’s sponsor. Upon her birth in Coronado, Susan joined a long family history associated with the Navy and Coronado.

The General Dynamics Littoral Combat Ship Team (GD LCS Team) christened the LCS 2 Independence October 4, on the waters of the at the Austal USA shipyard. Present at the Christening Ceremony were over 1,000 guests and dignitaries. The Ship Sponsor was Doreen A. Scott, wife of the 10th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, Terry D. Scott. She was joined by her daughter, Maid of Honor, Lauren A. Scott, but her daughter, Matron of Honor Ensign Lindsay Fatz, USN, was out of the country on orders.

Mrs. Deborah Mullen, ships sponsor for the precommissioning unit Dewey (DDG 105) christens the newest Aegis-class destroyer, striking the traditional champagne bottle across the ship's bow at Northrop Grumman Systems Shipyard, Pascagoula, Miss., Jan. 26, 2008. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chad J. By Fred W. The ship's freshly painted gray hull gave up only a hollow "clunk" as the bottle she gripped with both hands in baseball-bat fashion glanced off its edge.

Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour cheers as ship sponsors Heidi Cooke Halsey, Alice Spruance Talbot and Anne Halsey-Smith simultaneously smash ceremonial bottles of champagne across the bow of the Aegis guided missile destroyer DDG 97, officially christening the ship "Halsey." Halsey honors the sponsors' grandfather, Fleet Adm. William Frederick "Bull" Halsey Jr., a World War I and World War II Naval hero. More than 1,000 guests attended the Saturday, January 17, 2004 christening of the Aegis guided missile destroyer Halsey (DDG 97) at Northrop Grumman Corporation's Ship Systems sector.

Preparing to name the Alaskan Frontier are Richard Vortmann, President of NASSCO, ship's Sponsor Pamela Olver, spouse of Richard Olver, Deputy Group Chief Executive of BP, Richard Olver, Diane Malone, Matron of Honor, spouse of Bob Malone chief executive of BP Shipping, Ltd., and Bob Malone. National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO joined BP p.l.c. in naming the Alaskan Frontier, the first of four Alaska-class double-hull oil tankers being built for BP Oil Shipping Company.

DDG 89, the 18th DDG 51 Class Aegis guided missile destroyer to be built by Northrop Grumman Corporation's Ingalls Operations in Pascagoula,Miss., will be christened "MUSTIN" at Ingalls on Saturday, December 15, 2001.. One of the nation's most prestigious naval families will be honored December 15, 2001, when the U.S. Grumman Corporation's Ingalls Operations. The new ship, the DDG 89, will be launched December 12 and later officially christened MUSTIN in recognition of a family that has devoted nearly a century of Navy service to America. Lucy Holcomb Mustin, wife of ship's namesake Vice Adm. Henry C. Mustin, USN, retired;. Jean Phillips Mustin, wife of ship's namesake Thomas Mustin, former lieutenant commander, USN; and Mrs. Douglas Mustin St. Denis, sister of Vice Adm.

The U.S. sovereignty to the far corners of the Earth," Adm. Vernon E. Clark, USN, chief of naval operations, said during christening ceremonies in Pascagoula, Miss. on Dec. 15 for the ship built by Northrop Grumman Corporation's Ingalls Operations. Adm. Clark was the principal speaker at ceremonies for the new Aegis guided missile destroyer, which is named for a family of Naval war heroes spanning a century of service to Navy and country. The Mustin is the 18th Aegis destroyer to be built by the company's Ingalls Operations. "America is a global power ... and responsibilities come with our status," Adm. Clark said. "America's standing starts with sea power ... power that is fundamental to the security and prosperity of our nation.

National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO), a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, has joined with the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army to launch the USNS Soderman (T-AKR 317), the eighth and final Strategic Sealift ship to be built for the Navy by NASSCO. At a length of 950 ft. and with a beam of 105 ft., the strategic sealift ships are the largest ships ever launched down a sliding ways in the United States and the largest ships that can fit through the Panama Canal. The nighttime launch of the Soderman took place at 9:20 p.m., as the ship was released from its inclined building ways into San Diego Bay, accompanied by a cheering crowd of NASSCO employees and spectators and a fireworks display.

The Department of the Navy will christen USNS Soderman (T-AKR 317), its newest RoRo cargo ship, to honor a U.S. Army Medal of Honor recipient on April 26, 2002 during a 8:40 p.m. ceremony at National Steel and Shipbuilding Co. (NASSCO), San Diego, Calif. The ship will be named to honor Army Pfc. William A. Soderman, (1912-1980), a native of West Haven, Conn. Pfc. Soderman was assigned to Company K, 9th Infantry, 2nd Infantry Division during World War II. On Dec. 17, 1944, Pfc. Soderman defended a key road junction near Rocherath, Belgium. Under severe artillery barrage, mortar and machine gun fire, he remained at his post and successfully held off German counter offenses by disabling three enemy tanks with a bazooka at point blank range before being wounded.

USS Shoup (DDG 86), the newest in a series of advanced Aegis guided missile destroyers built for the U.S. Navy by Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE: NOC) Ship Systems sector, will be commissioned at 11 a.m. PDT Saturday, June 22, 2002, at Port Terminal 37 in Seattle, Wash. This ship is named in honor of U.S. Marine Corps Gen. David M. Shoup (1904-1983), a World War II naval hero, a Medal of Honor recipient for his actions during the initial landings on Betio, Tarawa Atoll, in the Pacific in 1943, and who later became the 22nd commandant of the Marine Corps. More than 5,000 invited guests are expected to be in attendance when the Ship's Sponsor and Matron of Honor order DDG 86's more than 300 officers and enlisted personnel to their posts. Claudia Natter, wife of Adm. Robert J.

"Ships like Pinckney will allow our nation and our sailors to continue to do the work in fighting for freedom, ensuring that fear and terror will never prevail against liberty and freedom," U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran of Mississippi said here today during the christening of the new Aegis guided missile destroyer built by Northrop Grumman Corporation's Ship Systems sector. "The United States Navy is second-to-none in sea power and in the capability and know-how to preserve freedom and project power for defeating terrorism and protecting the citizens of the United States of America," Sen. Cochran said. Class William Pinckney, (1915-1975), recipient of the Navy Cross for his courageous rescue of a fellow crewmember onboard the USS Enterprise during the Battle of Santa Cruz in 1942. Sen.

U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran of Mississippi will be the principal speaker for a ceremony here June 29 honoring the selfless heroism of a U.S. Navy cook when the Navy's newest Aegis-guided missile destroyer is christened at Northrop Grumman Corporation's Ship Systems sector. The new ship, designated DDG 91, will be officially christened with the name Pinckney to honor Navy Cook Third Class William Pinckney, (1915-1975), recipient of the Navy Cross for his courageous rescue of a fellow crewmember onboard the USS Enterprise during the Battle of Santa Cruz in 1942. Pinckney's widow, Mrs. Henrietta Middleton Pinckney, of Beaufort, S.C., has been…

Military and Congressional leaders called on the nation to purchase more technologically advanced ships like the USS Shoup (DDG 86), because, in the words of the commandant of the U.S. destroyers built for the U.S. Navy by Northrop Grumman Corporation's Ship Systems sector in Pascagoula, Miss., was commissioned on Saturday before more than 5,000 guests in attendance at Port Terminal 37 in Seattle. The ship is named in honor of U.S. Marine Corps Gen. David M. of the Marine Corps. "This great ship builds on Gen. the embodiment of the power of our naval teamwork," said Gen. James L. principal commissioning address. our freedom - still mankind's best hope for the future. free, we'll also have to be the home of the brave," Gen. Jones said.

The U.S. Navy will commission the Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer, Shoup (DDG 86), on Saturday, June 22, 2002, during an 11 a.m. PST ceremony at Port Terminal 37 in Seattle. The ship honors 22nd Commandant of the Marine Corps and Medal of Honor recipient Gen. David M. Shoup (1904-1983) for his actions during the initial landings on Betio, Tarawa Atoll, in the Pacific on Nov. 20-22, 1943. While in command of the Second Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, he carried out his leadership duties and exposed himself to withering enemy fire despite suffering a serious, painful leg wound, which had become infected. On Jan. 22, 1945, Shoup received the Medal of Honor for his actions. In 1959, President Dwight D. Eisenhower appointed Shoup the commandant of the Marine Corps.

National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO, www.nassco.com), a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, has joined BP p.l.c. in naming the Alaskan Explorer, the second of four Alaska-class double-hull oil tankers being built for BP Oil Shipping Company, USA. Maureen Hayward, spouse of Tony Hayward, Group Chief Executive of Exploration and Production for BP, was the ship's sponsor, officially naming the Alaskan Explorer and striking a ceremonial bottle of champagne across the ship's hull.

The U.S. Navy will commission Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer, McCampbell on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2002, during a ceremony in San Francisco at Pier 30. The ship honors the late Navy Capt. David McCampbell (1910-1996). serving as commander, Air Group 15, the USS Essex, during the Battle of the Philippine Sea (June 19, 1944) and the Battle of Leyte Gulf (October 24, 1944). down seven. In the Battle of Leyte Gulf, he daringly attacked a formation of at least 60 Japanese land-based aircraft. McCampbell shot down at least nine of these aircraft, forcing the remainder to abandon the attack. In addition to the Medal of Honor, McCampbell received the Navy Cross, Silver Star and Distinguished Flying Cross. No previous ship has been named McCampbell. Dionel M.

On Saturday, National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, joined BP in naming the Alaskan Navigator, the third of four Alaska-class double-hull oil tankers being built for BP Oil Shipping Company. The ship is scheduled to be delivered to BP later this month for service delivering oil from Alaska to West Coast ports, including BP refineries in Los Angeles , Calif. , and Cherry Point , Wash. Caroline Shorten Conn , spouse of Iain Conn, BP Group Executive Officer, is the ship’s sponsor. Mrs. Conn officially named the Alaskan Navigator and broke a ceremonial bottle of champagne across the ship’s hull. Diane Malone, spouse of Bob Malone, Chief Executive of BP Shipping, Ltd., was the sponsor’s Matron of Honor for the ceremony.

Caroline Shorten Conn, spouse of Iain Conn, BP Group Executive Officer, smashes ceremonial bottle of champagne on the hull of the Alaskan Navigator, the third Alaska-Class double-hull oil tanker being built for BP Oil Shipping Company, USA. On Saturday, November 12, National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO. www.nassco.com), a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, joined BP p.l.c. in naming the Alaskan Navigator, the third of four Alaska-class double-hull oil tankers being built for BP Oil Shipping Company, USA. The ship is scheduled to be delivered to BP later this month for service delivering oil from Alaska to West Coast ports, including BP refineries in Los Angeles, Calif., and Cherry Point, Wash.

The Navy will christen USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2), the newest ship in the Lewis and Clark class of underway replenishment ships, June 24 during a launching at National Steel and Shipbuilding Company, San Diego. The name Sacagawea will honor the Lemhi Shoshone woman who acted as guide and interpreter for the Lewis and Clark expedition into the Northwest region of the United States. This well-documented expedition over two years and 6,000 miles opened routes to vast new territories throughout the American West, which allowed passage for American settlers and traders. Legendary for her perseverance and resourcefulness, Sacagawea (1788-1812) provided invaluable assistance to the explorers through her knowledge of topography and edible roots and plants previously unknown to European-Americans.