Monongahela (AO 178) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 7 text:

USS MONONGAHELA Construction and Christening The origin of the christening ceremony for sea-going ships goes far back into antiquity, and the practice has now become so widespread as to represent an almost inviolable tradition. The christening of ships and boats by a special person is practiced today by all nations in one form or another. The first U.S. Navy ship to be christened by a woman was the frigate USS CONCORD, launched in 1828. This young lady of Portsmouth founded a powerful tradition, for during the past seventy years, there have been only two known male sponsors. The sponsor holds a special place in the hearts of the men and women who sail the ship she christens, because the spirit of the sponsor is said to enter the ship at christening and remain with her forever. The below photos feature MONONGAHELA during her construction and her christening ceremony. Christening ceremo- nies for MONONGAHELA took place at Avondale Shipyards, Inc. on Saturday, 4 August 1979.