USS Razorback Launched - 27 January 1944

USS Razorback was launched and christened 65 years ago today at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, ME.
She had been built in Drydock #1 at the shipyard along with two sister submarines, USS Redfish (SS 935) and USS Ronquil (SS 396). (Razorback is on the left.)

This was the first and only time three submarines would be built together in this fashion.

Also launched the same day at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard was USS Scabbardfish (SS 397).

The day a submarine (or a ship) is launched represents a significant milestone in her life. On that day, she leaves dry land and enters her natural element for the first time.

Christening is the official ceremony where a vessel receives her name. Razorback was christened by Mrs. H.F.D. Davis.

For more information about the history of Launching and Christening ceremonies in general, visit the US Naval Historical Center Web Site.