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25466692
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Navy Event Sept. 94
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25466692
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Navy Event Sept. 94
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Records of the First Lady's Office (Clinton Administration)
Karen Finney's Files
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2034336537 PCU COLUMBIA SSN 771
272 P02 MAY 18 '94 13:39
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
WASHINGTON
22 April 1994
Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mrs. Clinton: Hillary
I am delighted that you have accepted our invitation to be
the sponsor of the submarine COLUMBIA on September 24, 1994, in
Groton, Connecticut.
The launching ceremony will be an exciting and memorable
occasion for you and your participation will make the event
unforgettable for the shipyard and the naval personnel present.
This letter provides additional details on the typical
christening ceremony schedule of events. We will, of course, be
happy to modify the agenda to suit your desires and the demands
upon your schedule.
The timing of the ceremony, which takes about an hour, is
dictated by the tides in the Thames River into which COLUMBIA
will be launched. It is anticipated that it will commence around
noon.
Traditionally, the shipyard hosts a dinner in honor of the
sponsor on the night before the christening. This dinner is
usually held at 6:30 p.m. at a hotel in Mystic, Connecticut.
Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics hosts the dinner to
gather platform principals in an informal setting to get
acquainted prior to the ceremony. In light of the many competing
pressures on your time, if you would prefer to omit this event
and arrive in New London on the morning of the ceremony, we would
certainly understand.
Enclosed are sample programs from launching ceremonies for
two other submarines of this same class.
We would be honored if you would agree to serve as the
event's principal speaker as well as sponsor. If you desire to
do so, we would likely follow a scenario along the lines of that
used at the christening of "SPRINGFIELD" at which then-Secretary
of Labor Lynn Martin performed the dual role of sponsor/speaker.
If you prefer to say just a few words in addition to
breaking the bottle on COLUMBIA's bow, we would follow an
itinerary somewhat like that used at the christening of
"HARTFORD."
2034336537 PCU COLUMBIA SSN 771
272 P03 MAY 18 '94 13:39
Sponsors are invited to name a maid or matron of honor to
join them on the platform at the ceremony. Often the sponsors'
daughters are selected for this role. Please let us know if you
would like Chelsea or someone else to share in this experience
with you.
Also, enclosed is a videotape of the launching of HARTFORD
last December. Your staff may wish to scan the tape to get a
better idea of a typical christening.
Following the ceremony there is a reception where the
sponsor is presented a few mementos of the occasion.
During the early evening of the day of the christening there
is a reception for the ship's crew and sponsor. Here again, we
would fully understand if your schedule precluded your taking
part in this portion of the festivities.
My staff will be in touch with yours to advise regarding
additional logistical arrangements for this event.
We are delighted that you have agreed to christen this fine
new ship and to help launch her on her mission to defend our
great nation.
Sincerely,
Jun John H.
Dalton
Enclosures
d hope this is a grant experience
for you. d think it will be,
2
2034336537 PCU COLUMBIA SSN 771
272 P01 MAY 18 '94 13:39
FAX TRANSMITTAL
# of pages
3
To
From
KAREN FINNEY
LT JAY KNIGHT
Agency
Phone #
PRESS DEPT
203 433 4920
Fax #
Fax #
TE HOUSE
456 7806
203 433 6537
NSN 7540-01-317-7386
5099-101
GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
INGTON
May 18, 1994
LT Jay Knight
197 Pelican Drive
Groton, Connecticut 06340
Dear LT Knight:
Thank you for your kind letter and invitation to Mrs.
Clinton to christen a new Los Angeles class submarine to be
called "COLUMBIA."
Mrs. Clinton would be pleased to serve as COLUMBIA's sponsor
and participate in the christening ceremony in September in
Groton, Connecticut. Our office will be in contact with you
again to work out the details of Mrs. Clinton's visit.
Please do not hesitate to contact our office with any
questions or concerns that you might have.
Sincerely,
Battsfris
Patti Solis
Special Assistant to the President
Director of Scheduling
for the First Lady