Champagne Bottle Used to Christen the USS Lafayette
Artifact IDMO 63.1325
Object Type
Bottle, Champagne
Date
1962
Gifter
General Dynamics
Medium
aluminum, glass, textile
DimensionsOverall H 13 1/2 in x W 5 in (34.3 cm x 12.7 cm)
Physical DescriptionBroken champagne bottle inside an aluminum holder with a red, white and blue ribbon tied around the neck. The holder is engraved for the launch day of the USS Lafayette in Groton, Connecticut, May 8, 1962. The bottle is in a wooden presentation box.
Historical NoteCeremonial practices for christening and launching in the United States have their roots in Europe. Since the 19th century it has been an American traditional for a woman to christen ship using champagne. On May 8, 1962, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy used this bottle to christen the submarine USS Lafayette, the lead fleet ballistic missile nuclear submarine of its class.
Built by Electric Boat Division, General Dynamics, Groton, Connecticut, the USS Lafayette was commissioned on April 23, 1963. The submarine, initially outfitted with a Polaris A-2 missile, conducted deterrent patrols in the Atlantic for close to 30 years, until deactivated in 1991.
Additional DetailsBuilt by Electric Boat Division, General Dynamics, Groton, Connecticut, the USS Lafayette was commissioned on April 23, 1963. The submarine, initially outfitted with a Polaris A-2 missile, conducted deterrent patrols in the Atlantic for close to 30 years, until deactivated in 1991.
Custodial History NoteItem is from the personal collection of President and Mrs. Kennedy. It was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesFirst Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view
