The Dewey Takes To The Water In Pascagoula Mississippi
A new United States Missile cruiser was commissioned last week in Mississippi. The U.S.S. Dewey was christened by Mrs. Deborah Mullen, and slid into the water at the Northrup Grumman Ship Systems yard in Pascagoula, Miss.
The new nine thousand two hundred ton Arleigh Burke Class missile cruiser is the latest in technological design. Mrs. Mullen is the wife of Navy Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael G. Mullen. “I have been a Navy wife for many years, and my sons also serve in the military,†said Mrs. Mullen. “There are no words that I can use to describe, this is the greatest honor that I have had the privilege to do,†added Mrs. Mullen
Mrs. Mullen’s first blow glanced off the hull of the ship, but her second attempt resulted in a hearty pop and champagne flew everywhere. The role of Mrs. Mullin in sponsoring the ship puts her in fine company, with descendents of War Heroes, and president’s wives. The tradition dates all the way back to the year 1797.
Mrs. Mullin was invited by Navy Secretary Donald C. Winter to do the honors last year. Last year Admiral Mullen was Naval Chief of Operations, not yet being selected for the JCS position. Both the Admiral and his wife addressed the crowd at the commissioning, speaking of the need for preparedness and readiness in our Armed Forces.
“Readiness is the Warrior answering his nations call,†said Admiral Mullen. “We have to ensure that our military Servicemembers and their families are given support, education, and resources to maintain this state of readiness,†stated Mrs. Mullen.
