Personally, I consider the Silversides' launching day just as important as her commissioning day, where her "birthday" is concerned. Launching is the first time a vessel is ceremonially named and tastes her element (water). It was a beautiful August day in Northern California when Christian Brothers champagne was splashed across her prow and she proudly slid into the brackish waters of the Napa River with nary a ripple. The photos of her before and after launching that day, in pristine paint, are just gorgeous, even in black and white.
