Officer of the deck, set the watch. Aye, aye, sir. The officer of the deck. The commanders direct representative and while on watch is responsible for the safe operation of the ship and crew. The long blast is a traditional symbol of an officer on the decks authority and the ship of the line. We are pleased to have mr. Greg willard with us today. Greg was the white house staff assistant to gerald ford while he was president and served him after he left office. Greg will pass the long blast to lieutenant of south orange, new jersey. The first officer of the deck. The Petty Officer of the watch is quartermaster first class very well. Were delighted today to have our sponsor, Susan Ford Bales with us. Susan christened gerald r. Ford in 2013, newport news. Susan, id be honored if youd join me alt at the podium to give the order to man our ship and bring her to life. [applaus [applause] mr. President , ladies and gentlemen, in the twilight of his life, dad learned of the decision to name c
ahead and i can think of no better team to take u.s.s. gerald r. ford to sea. god bless you, your families, and our navy. thank you. [applaus [applause] ship s company, attention. will the guests please rise? chaplin barstow will now lead us in the benediction. let us pray. as we prepare to end this celebration, we pause to ask for a going away blessing, a