Naval Ceremonies and Commissioning

Images of naval personnel attending various ceremonies, including commissioning events and launchings, showcasing uniformed sailors and officers in formal settings.

A port view of the guided missile destroyer USS CHANDLER (DDG-996). Part of the crew mans the rail while others march aboard during commissioning ceremonies. Base: Pascagoula State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-01252. Base: Newport State: Rhode Island (RI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The crew of the combatant missile (hydrofoil) patrol ship USS ARIES (PGM-5) man the rail during its commissioning ceremony. Base: Bremerton State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Navy officers carrying programs attend the launching ceremony for the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS BUFFALO (SSN-715). Base: Newport News State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-04306. Base: Avondale State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-88-02168. Base: Casablanca Country: Morocco (MAR)

DN-ST-86-00406. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An honor guard stands at parade rest during the commissioning of the guided missile destroyer USS SCOTT (DDG 995). They have M14 rifles. Base: Pascagoula State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-04309. Base: Avondale State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Trip to Maryland, New York Florida: USS Observation Island, launching of a Polaris Missile, 11:45AM. President John F. Kennedy (center left, wearing sunglasses) speaks by radiotelephone to the crew of the submarine USS Andrew Jackson (SSBN-619) from the deck of the United States Naval ship USS Observation Island (EAG-154), at sea off the coast of Florida. Left to right: unidentified military officer; Deputy Commander of the Submarine Force of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet, Rear Admiral Vernon L. Lowrance; Commanding Officer of the USS Observation Island, Captain Roderick O. Middleton; President Kennedy (wearing a windbreaker bearing the insignias of USS Observation Island and USS Andrew Jackson presented as a gift from the crews of both ships); Senator George A. Smathers (Florida); Director of Special Projects (USN), Rear Admiral I. J. Galantin; and two unidentified sailors. The President sailed aboard the ship to view a Polaris A-2 missile launch demonstration from the submarine. See also

A port view of the guided missile destroyer USS CHANDLER (DDG-996). Part of the crew mans the rail while others march aboard during commissioning ceremonies. Base: Pascagoula State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Honored guests applaud during the "San Diego Salutes the Troops" parade, an event being held to honor all veterans, especially those units that took part in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. The officers in the front row are, from left: LT. GEN. Walter E. Boomer, Commanding General, 1ST Marine Expeditionary Force; Vice Adm. Edwin R. Kohn, Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet; and Rear Adm. (lower half) Conrad C. Lautenbacher Jr., Commander, Cruiser Destroyer Group Five, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Between Boomer and Kohn is Maureen O'Connor, the Mayor of San Diego. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD DESERT STORM Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-89-10674. Base: Naval Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-00404. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

CAPT. Wilton Stewart, commanding officer of the destroyer tender USS PRAIRIE (AD-15), salutes as he is piped over-the-side following the vessel's decommissioning. The PRAIRIE relinquishes its role as the oldest ship in naval service to the submarine tender USS ORION (AS-18). Base: Naval Air Station, Long Beach State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-89-03076. Base: New London State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Lieutenant Commander William Stone (right), navigator, and members of the crew participate in the commissioning ceremony for the nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine USS GEORGIA (SSBN 729). Base: Naval Submarine Base, Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Standing on the platform during a ceremony in their honor are, from left, LT. Robert Wetzel, LT. Lawrence Slade and LT. Jeffrey Zaun. The three naval aviators had been held prisoner by Iraq after being shot down during Operation Desert Storm. Also on the platform are, from right, Secretary of the Navy H. Lawrence Garrett III, CHIEF of Naval Operations Adm. Frank B. Kelso II and Adm. Paul D. Miller, commander in chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-89-10558. Base: Naval Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-89-08279. Base: Shanghai Country: China (CHN)

DD-ST-89-03817. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Gathered for a photograph at the christening and launch of the guided missile destroyer ARLEIGH BURKE (DDG 51) are, from left: retired Admiral (ADM) James D. Watkins, retired ADM James L. Holloway III, ADM Carlisle A.H. Trost, VADM John W. Nyquist, RADM (lower half) George N. Gee and Secretary of the Navy H. Lawrence Garrett III. Base: Bath State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

VADM Joseph S. Donnell III, Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, other flag officers and distinguished guests listen from the speakers platform as CAPT Charles H. Gnerlich, Commander, Naval Station, New York, speaks during the station's opening day ceremonies. The guided missile frigate USS FLATLEY (FFG-21) and the guided missile cruiser USS DALE (CG-19), two of several ships in port during the event, are moored to the pier in the background. Base: Naval Station, New York State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A guest speaker addresses the spectators attending the commissioning ceremony for the guided missile frigate USS JARRETT (FFG 33). Base: Naval Air Station, Long Beach State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Vice President George Bush and his wife Barbara tour the forward deck of the guided missile frigate USS AUBREY FITCH (FFG-34) with CDR Floyston A. Weeks, commanding officer, at the conclusion of the ship's commissioning ceremony. To the right of the Vice President is the ship's Mark 13 Mod Four launcher for Standard-MR SAM and Harpoon missiles. Base: Bath State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

ADM Robert J. Kelly, commander-in-chief, U. S. Pacific Fleet, arrives for the deactivation ceremony of Naval Station, Subic Bay. Control of both Subic Bay and Naval Air Station, Cubi Point, is being relinquished to the Philippine government and Subic Bay will be recognized as the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Headquarters. Base: Subic Bay Country: Philippines

DN-ST-89-10827. Base: Naval Base, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Visit to the Atlantic Fleet: President Kennedy views fleet demonstration aboard USS Enterprise. President John F. Kennedy (left, wearing sunglasses) shakes hands with an unidentified United States Navy rear admiral on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, at sea off the coast of North Carolina. Admiral Robert L. Dennison, Commander in Chief of the Atlantic Command (CINCLANT), Commander in Chief of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet, and Supreme Allied Commander, Atlantic (SACLANT), stands right of President Kennedy; Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara (center) stands in the background; others are unidentified. President Kennedy sailed aboard the carrier to view U.S. Atlantic Fleet exercises.

A sailor makes ready a messenger line that will be sent over the side when the amphibious assault ship USS WASP (LHD 1) comes alongside the pier at Naval Station, Mayport, Florida. Base: USS Wasp (LHD 1) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

During the commissioning ceremony of the fast combat support ship USS SUPPLY (AOE-6) at Naval Air Station North Island, Vice Admiral John P. Reason, Commander Naval Surface Force Atlantic, welcomes the men and women of the Supply to the Atlantic Fleet. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

(L-R) CAPT. Earl Russell, commander, Destroyer Squadron Nine, Mr. G. C. Jones and LT. Thomas D. Baird, Chaplain Corps, pay tribute to the flag during the commissioning ceremony for the Oliver Hazard Perry class guided missile frigate USS JOHN A. MOORE (FFG-19). Base: Naval Air Station, Long Beach State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-89-10560. Base: Naval Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-00657. Base: Naval Station, Long Beach State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Trip to Western States: Visit to the Pacific Fleet, President Kennedy aboard the USS Kitty Hawk, 5:00PM. President John F. Kennedy (center) and other distinguished guests watch U.S. Pacific Fleet demonstrations from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63), at sea off the coast of San Diego, California. Seated in first row (left to right): Under Secretary of the Navy, Paul Red Fay; Senator Clair Engle (California); Governor of California, Edmund G. Pat Brown; President Kennedy; Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Fleet (CINCPACFLT), Admiral John H. Sides (mostly obscured); Secretary of the Navy, Fred Korth (mostly obscured); Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Maxwell D. Taylor; Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral George W. Anderson, Jr. Commanding Officer of the USS Kitty Hawk, Captain Horace Hardaway Epes, Jr., and Commander of the First Fleet, Vice Admiral Robert T. S. Keith (holding binoculars), stand near center right.

DN-ST-85-03850. Base: Naval Air Station, Long Beach State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-05268. Base: Naval Station, Long Beach State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-87-12471. Base: Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An honor guard drill team performs during commissioning ceremonies for the first Aegis guided missile cruiser USS TICONDEROGA (CG-47) at Ingalls Shipbuilding. Base: Pascagoula State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-85-02690. Base: Pascagoula State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-01227. Base: Newport State: Rhode Island (RI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-88-00977. Base: Naval Amphib Base, Little Creek State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

CDR Ellis, commanding officer of the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI (SSN-705), speaks during the ship's commissioning ceremonies. The ship was built by the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation. Base: Naval Submarine Base, Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-04304. Base: Avondale State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Crew members file down the accommodation ladder and assemble on the pier during the decommissioning ceremony for the battleship USS WISCONSIN (BB-64). The ceremony marks the end of the WISCONSIN's third period in commission, which began on October 22, 1988. Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia(VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Officers monitor the passage of the destroyer USS O'BANNON (DD 987) through the Panama Canal during Unitas XXXII, a combined exercise involving the naval forces of the United States and nine South American nations. Subject Operation/Series: UNITAS XXXII Country: Panama(PAN)

ADM James D. Watkins, chief of naval operations, salutes during the launching ceremony for the nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine USS GEORGIA (SSBN-729). Base: Naval Submarine Base, Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-03653. Base: Naval Submarine Base, Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Vice President George Bush tours the bridge on the guided missile frigate USS AUBREY FITCH (FFG-34) with CDR Floyston A. Weeks, commanding officer, at the conclusion of the ship's commissioning ceremony. Base: Bath State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Navy chaplain offers the invocation during the commissioning of the Naval Strike Warfare Center. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-85-10708. Base: Naval Submarine Base, Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A crew member from the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CVJ-66) carries his gear to shore following the vessel's arrival in port. The AMERICA has returned to Norfolk after being deployed in the Persian Gulf area during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-01176. Base: Seattle State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-87-00229. Base: Boston State: Massachusetts (MA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-00650. Base: Naval Station, Long Beach State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Sailors aboard the guided missile destroyer USS MACDONOUGH (DDG-39) man the rails as the ship approaches the mouth of the Cooper River and the ship's home port of Naval Station, Charleston, S.C. The MACDONOUGH is returning to Charleston following its deployment to the Persian Gulf region for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD DESERT STORM Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Communication Technician 3rd Class John A. Swessel, Quartermaster Jeffery A. Jackson and Fireman Don Bailey (from left to right) look at a map alongside their ship, the destroyer USS JOHN RODGERS (DD-983). Base: Casablanca Country: Morocco (MAR)

S69-21736 (24 July 1969) --- President Richard M. Nixon photographed on the deck of the USS Hornet, prime recovery ship for the Apollo 11 lunar landing mission, awaiting the Apollo 11 crew arrival. Apollo 11 splashed down at 11 40 a.m. (EDT), July 24, 1969, about 812 nautical miles southwest of Hawaii.

DN-ST-86-01703. Base: Bath State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SC-89-03220. Base: USS Sumter (LST 1181)

From left to right, Chief of Naval Operations ADM James D. Watkins, Secretary of the Navy John F. Lehman Jr. and President Ronald Reagan stand as the national anthem is played during the recommissioning ceremony for the battleship USS NEW JERSEY (BB-62). Base: Long Beach Naval Shipyard State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-85-03855. Base: Naval Air Station, Long Beach State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Vice Admiral Bernard M. Kauderer, Commander of Submarine Force, US Atlantic Fleet, speaks during the commissioning of the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS PITTSBURGH (SSN 720). Standing to his right is Lieutenant Commander Peter A. Scala, executive officer of the ship. Base: Naval Submarine Base, New London State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-89-06016. Base: Naval Station, San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Sailors and Marines crowd onto the port side of the battleship USS WISCONSIN (BB-64) as the ship ties up to the pier. The WISCONSIN has returned to Norfolk following its deployment to the Persian Gulf region for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Chilean naval personnel stand in formation during a wreath-laying ceremony for crew members of the American frigate USS ESSEX who were killed during a 19th century engagement between the ESSEX and the British frigate PHOEBE and CHERUB. U.S. naval personnel are currently in port as part of Unitas XXXII, a combined exercise involving the naval forces of the United States and nine South American nations. Base: Valparaiso Country: Chile(CHL)

A Marine pauses on the brow leading off of the amphibious assault ship USS OKINAWA (LPH-3) to shout to a friend on the pier. The OKINAWA has returned to San Diego following its deployment to the Persian Gulf region for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SN-86-06897. Base: Pearl Harbor State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-85-02672. Base: Pascagoula State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-89-02076. Base: USS Yellowstone (AD 41) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

Estimation of Prince Willem Alexander as Ltz 3kmr.

Soviet sailors and United States (US) sailors converse aboard the guided missile cruiser USS BELKNAP (CG 26), flagship of the US Sixth Fleet. The BELKNAP is in port in preparation for the summit meeting between President George H.W. Bush and Soviet Chairman Mikhail Gorbachev to be held on December 2-3. Base: Marsaxlokk Bay Country: Malta (MLT)

DN-SC-85-12196. Base: USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)

US Navy Captain (CPT) Richard P. Terpstra Commander, Submarine Squadron Six Norfolk, VA, salutes Commander (CDR) Kenneth D. Walker as Commander (CDR) John M. Bird looks on during the Change of Command Ceremony for the US Navy nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, USS SCRANTON (SSN 756). CPT Walker, who relieved CDR Bird, became the ship's fourth commanding officer since its commissioning in 1991. US Navy Captain (CPT) Richard P. Terpstra Commander, Submarine Squadron Six Norfolk, VA, salutes Commander (CDR) Kenneth D. Walker as Commander (CDR) John M. Bird looks on during the Change of Command Ceremony for the US Navy nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, USS SCRANTON (SSN 756). CPT Walker, who relieved CDR Bird, became the ship's fourth commanding officer since its commissioning in 1991.

DN-ST-86-05998. Base: Naval Station, Mayport State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-88-02491. Base: Naval Operating Base, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SC-85-04281. Base: Bath State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Edward J. Campbell, President of Newport News Shipbuilding, speaks at the commissioning ceremonies of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72). Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-85-10928. Base: Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The audience and distinguished guests on the speaker's platform listen as Newport News Shipbuilding President Edward J. Campbell introduces ADM Harry D. Train II during the keel laying ceremony for the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71). Train is commander in chief, Atlantic Fleet and Supreme Allied Commander. Base: Newport News State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-01423. Base: Naval Air Station, Cubi Point State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

DN-ST-89-08289. Base: Shanghai Country: China (CHN)

Senator John Warner, R-Virginia, is accompanied by Captain Carl A. Anderson, Commanding Officer of the Aegis guided missile cruiser USS YORKTOWN (CG 48), as they inspect a group of men wearing the uniform of the Colonial Navy of Massachusetts during the commissioning ceremony for the YORKTOWN. Base: Naval Weapons Station, Yorktown State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Vice Adm. Robert F. Schoultz, commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific, stands to acknowledge his introduction during the ground breaking ceremony for the new Naval Regional Medical Center. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-90-00159. Base: Annapolis State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A view of the bridge of the aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63). The ship's helm is visible in the center. Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)

During the launching ceremony Sponsor Sheila McKinney Watkins, Susan Watkin breaks the traditional bottle of champagne over the nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine USS GEORGIA (SSBN 729). Behind her, from left to right, is David S. Lewis, Chairman of the Board at General Dynamics; Admiral James D. Watkins, Chief of Naval Operations, and Maid of Honor Susan Watkins. Base: Naval Submarine Base, Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-89-06881. Country: Unknown

DN-ST-89-10374. Base: Sevastopol Country: U.S.S.R. (SUN)

A U.S. Navy band plays a musical selection during the commissioning ceremony of the guided missile cruiser USS LEYTE GULF (CG-55). Base: Fort Lauderdale State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Naval officers salute and civilian dignitaries stand at attention during the playing of the national anthem during the commissioning ceremony of the amphibious assault ship USS ESSEX (LHD-2). Base: Naval Air Station, North Island State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Admiral Charles R. Larson, Commander in CHIEF, US Pacific Fleet, speaks through a translator to Admiral Gennadi Khvatov, Commander, Soviet Pacific Fleet, Larson is in the Soviet Union with two US Navy ships, the guided missile cruiser USS PRINCETON (CG-59) and the guided missile frigate USS REUBEN JAMES (FFG 57), for a four-day goodwill visit. Base: Vladivostok State: Siberia Country: U.S.S.R. (SUN)

A military official from the People's Republic of China tours the bridge of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS NIMITZ (CVN-68) as he and other Chinese military personnel visit the carrier. Country: Pacific Ocean(POC)

DN-ST-85-03514. Base: Bath State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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