newportnews

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newport_News_Shipbuilding

We noticed that this photo was originally showing flipped. Even though the caption at the top is now backwards, the image scene now shows correctly.

This was taken at USS Texas's launching ceremony on 18 May 1912 at Newport News, Virginia.

Secretary Meyer is George Von Lengerke Meyer. As SecNav he had a major role in overhauling the antiquated structure of the navy. See Patrician in the progressive era : a biography of George Von Lengerke Meyer, by Wayne Wiegand, for an excellent biography.

bellhalla and desert11sailor: Thanks to both of you for providing more details on the events taking place in this photograph. We will add to the descriptive information. There is an interesting article in the May 18, 1912 edition of the New York Times about this event here, which also includes information on the apparently controversial choice of choosing Miss Claudia Lyon to do the honors. She was the daughter of Cecil Lyon, an active opponent of then President Taft.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Proteus_(AC-9)

I'm reading a book now about the submarine Batfish and the tender Proteus plays a role in the story. But it turns out it's a different, later ship.

Can anyone make-out the name of the tug?

perfgeek: Tug name appears to be "Dauntless," although first letter is somewhat difficult to read.

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Newport News, Virginia!, and we'd love to have this added to the group!