On Saturday, October 5, ship sponsor Dana Richardson christened Oregon (SSN 793), the 20th ship of the Virginia Class. Richardson, an Oregon native, has focused much of her time on military spouse initiatives, family programs and family resources, serving on multiple boards and in a variety of leadership roles. “To the crew of the USS Oregon: today’s ceremony celebrates the tenacity and the hard work you’ve put forth, and it has culminated in achieving this goal. Our nation relies on you to keep her safe, and to defend her mightily,” she said. “It is an honor and a privilege, and I stand ready to serve as your sponsor.”
Standing on the platform for all to see, Richardson christened the ship with a sparkling Chardonnay-Rosé from the Stoller Family Estate winery in Dayton, Oregon.
In 1841, the first USS Oregon, a former brig, explored the shoals and reefs of the Hawaiian Islands, South Africa, and Rio de Janeiro Brazil, and conducted surveys in the Gulf of Mexico. She was laid up in the Norfolk Navy Yard in April of 1945 and was sold soon thereafter.
The second Oregon (BB 3), was laid down on November 19, 1891 at Union Iron Works in San Francisco, and was commissioned on July 15, 1895 as a battleship for the U.S. Navy. BB 3 was called to fight in the Spanish-American War in 1898, where she outgunned and outmatched her adversaries and contributed heavily to the U.S. victory. “She was called the Bulldog of the Navy,” said Congressman Greg Walden, who represents Oregon’s second Congressional District. During his remarks, Walden continued, “While it’s been many years since the original USS Oregon sailed her last voyage, we shall always remember the brave sailors who so proudly answered the call of freedom.”
During the ceremony, EB President Kevin Graney recognized five shipbuilders who distinguished themselves with their extraordinary work on Oregon. “They represent, individually, the collective change our workforce is undergoing. Long-serving, highly skilled shipbuilders are passing the torch to very talented, next-generation shipbuilders to carry forward the legacy of this important work for our country,” said Graney.
Larry Daniels D248, Brittany Meyer D243, Mike Thornton D915, Haley Hider D244, and Steve Corr, a recent retiree after 34 years with EB at Quonset Point, were asked to stand and were recognized among the sea of people at Saturday’s event.
“Today you bear witness to this magnificent ship,” said Graney. “While I’m only five days into my second career here at EB, I know it took world-class engineering, accurate and timely material procurement of thousands of parts and components from all across the country, a comprehensive and flexible plan, and gritty determination in execution by our New England and Virginia trade workforce.”
See photos from the christening ceremony below:
