What Exactly Is A Commissioning?

After a vessel has completed rigorous testing and sea trials, the shipbuilder then deems the ship capable of performing her designed mission and is prepared to join the fleet. 

Expected to attend a commissioning event is the Ship’s sponsor, head dignitaries, public officials and media, the grand commissioning ceremony culminates with raising the commissioning pennant and the crew manning the vessel and ‘bringing her to life’.

For all purposes of law and tradition, the vessel then becomes a United States Navy ship. The Commanding Officer and crew come aboard and are entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining and operating their boat in peacetime and under conditions of war.

This time-honored tradition for a member of the crew to be pronounced a plankowner of a newly commissioned vessel is a distinct honor and privilege.