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The origin of the christening ceremony goes far back into the dawn of recorded history ever since men have built ships and sailed the sea. The custom has survived throughout the ages and today is practiced by all seafaring nations. Until the mid- 19th century, U. S. Navy ships were christened by men. In 1846 Mrs. Lavivia Watson Fanning became the first woman to sponsor a ship when she christened the sloop GERMANTOWN in Philadelphia. Thereafter, the honor has always been bestowed on a lady.

Mrs. John D. H. KANE, Jr. is TAURUS' sponsor. She christened TAURUS during launching ceremonies on May 8, 1981 at the Boeing Marine Systems Renton, Washington plant. Mrs. Kane is the wife of RADM JOHN D. H. KANE, Jr., Director of Naval History. Born in Pasadena, California, she attended the Madeira School in Langley, Virginia and graduated from Sarah Lawrence College.

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