Keel Laying

The Keel Laying is a major milestone in the life of the ship, for it symbolizes the point at which the ship begins to transition from design to reality. The ceremony acknowledges the joining together of the first major modules of the ship, authenticated with the initials of the Sponsor (if available) or a designated dignitary. SECNAV authorizes the execution of “significant” keel laying ceremonies for the first ship of a new class or for a ship of unique national significance.

During the Keel Laying ceremony, the Sponsor etches her initials into the keel plate to verify that the ship’s keel has been “truly and fairly” laid.