Commissioning Ceremony

The Commissioning is a ceremony in which the USS Jason Dunham will become a member of the active Navy. The Commissioning ceremony marks the acceptance of a ship as a unit of the operating forces of the United States Navy. Commissioning is an elaborate event, which dignifies the occasion. The ship’s “Coming Alive” plan, when executed, is a significant and not be forgotten experience. Many high government officials and distinguished visitors participate and witness the commissioning ceremony. Receptions and opening of the ship for visitation often follow the commissioning ceremony.  It is different from a christening which is when the ship is launched for the first time and the ceremony of christening is to “ask the gods to protect the sailors”.