Launching of the Nimitz-class Supercarrier the USS Nimitz (CVAN-68) Part 1

Description

This film documents the launching ceremony for the USS Nimitz. A United States Air Force band is shown as it performed at the ceremony, officers are seen near a podium next to a bust of Adm. Chester Nimitz, and sponsor Mrs. Catherine Nimitz Lay is shown as she stood nearby. Colors are seen as they waved from a flagpole, Capt. Samuel Sobel is shown as he gave an invocation, and Mr. L. C. Ackerman (President of the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company), Adm. Thomas Moorer, VAdm. Hyman G. Rickover, and the Honorable George H. Mahon are seen as they addressed the crowd. Bunting is shown as it hung from the bow of the ship, Mr. Ackerman is seen as he introduced some of the VIPs, Secretary of the Navy John W. Warner is shown as he gave his remarks and introduced Mrs. Lay, and Mr. Ackerman is seen as he escorted Mrs. Lay to the launch platform and watched as she christened the USS Nimitz with a champagne bottle. Secretary Warner, Mr. Mahon, and VAdm. Rickover are shown as they spoke to one another on the launch platform, VIPs are seen as they stood on the speaker's platform, yard workers are shown as they handled mooring lines, and the USS Nimitz is seen as it was moved out of drydock. Adm. Moorer is also shown as he stood on the launch platform and was interviewed by members of the press.

Collection

General Records of the Department of the Navy

Series

Moving Images Relating to Military Activities