Austal ship christened

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Mobile celebrated the christening of an Austal ship that will be used for naval purposes on Saturday.

“For the United States of America, I Christen the Coronado. May God bless this ship and all who serve with her,” said the ships sponsor, Susan Keith, as she broke a bottle of champagne, christening the U.S. naval ship.

“Christening is like in a church with a child. You take the child in and christen it and give it a name. That’s what we have done with this ship. Up until now, it’s only had letters associated with it and now it’s the Coronado,” said Keith.

Coronado is a city in San Diego that has a strong naval presence.

“This ship being named the Coronado memorializes that history we share as a city and as a nation. To be here in Mobile is a real treat,” said Mayor of Coronado, Casey Tanaka.

And Mobile is benefiting from the ship, too.

“I think for the city it means jobs. It gives it a sense of pride. We’re becoming one of the premier ship builders across the nation,” said President of Austal, Joe Rolla.

But it’s not the first ship to be named Coronado. Keith was at the christening of the previous Coronado in 1966.

“My mother christened the last USS Coronado and I was her matron of honor so I guess I kind of fell into it,” said Keith. “It’s very emotional to have my family and friends that had come with me from California supporting this. ”

“We in Coronado know how intertwined its residence and the navy are. But to see that name being carried around the world, to see that legacy add a new chapter, and to be on a ship that is so cutting edge 21st century; I can’t think of a higher honor to see that ship bearing that name for decades to come,” said Tanaka.

The ship will be commissioned in a year and a half. That’s when it becomes part of the U.S. Navy and is named the USS Coronado.

The navy will use the ship for anti-surface drug interdiction, anti piracy, and humanitarian relief.

“Our ship provides a very affordable versatile solution for the navy at a time when budget is paramount. So with the multi use versatility and the low cost this platform offers we feel confident the navy will continue building these ships and use our program,” said Rella.