Jouett (DLG 29) - Naval Cruise Book

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.M|» »■■■«» CHRISTENING JUNE 30, 1964 Tradition has it that a sliip is merely a mass of metal and machinery until it is officially christened. With the time-honored breaking of a bottle of champagne across its bow, a ship is said to acquire a soul. Jouett ' s charming sponsor, Mrs. Sam Ervin, wife of the Honorable Sam J. Ervin, United States Senator from North Carolina, provided an admirable precedent for Jouett to follow. After introductory remarks by Secretary of the Navy Paul H. Nitze, and an address by Senator Ervin, Mrs. Ervin stepped for- ward to complete the tradition -steeped ceremony. Her first effort produced only a hollow clunk as the tlrick bottle ricocheted intact. Another swing, and the bottle made solid contact with Jouett ' s bow and champagne sprayed magnifi- cently. A cheer went up from the crowd, acclaiming Mrs. Ervin the heroine for proceeding undaunted in the face of perversity . 20