Jim -- you are in for a treat! Commissionings are a great event . As the son of shipbuilders (both of my parents retired from Bath Iron Works -- chief competitor to Ingalls (Builder of the Higbee)), I've been able to attend a number of launchings and commissionings. They are very tradition-laden events. You will experience a rare honor to have been invited to one.
Its a sobering thought to note that most of the ships I was there in Bath for either launching or commissioning have now been scrapped or sunk as targets ...
The moment when the Sponsor commands the crew to take their stations and bring their ship to life is a stirring one!
Enjoy the day!
And ...
Beat Army!
