Keel Laying Ceremonies

Photograph

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

Origformat: Print-Photographic; Resolution: 300

Name/Title

Keel Laying Ceremonies

Description

A black and white photo showing the participants of the April 15, 1943, keel-laying ceremonies of the USS Eldridge (DE-201) and the USS Craig (DE-202) at the Charleston Naval Shipyard.

Context

The Charleston Naval Shipyard supported the US Navy from 1901 until its closing in 1996. The first US Navy vessels of the fleet saw repair work at the Charleston Navy Yard in 1910, with the shipyard soon venturing into the construction of smaller ships. The first large vessels, destroyers, began construction after the United States entered World War I. The shipyard would expand significantly during World War II to support the war effort, constructing and repairing ships to keep up with the increased demand.

Collection

Charleston Naval Shipyard

Acquisition

Accession

2010.00001

Source or Donor

Palmer W. Oliff

Acquisition Method

Gift

Made/Created

Date made

Apr 15, 1943

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Transcription

"633-43 US Navy Yard, SC April 15, 1943. Keel Laying Ceremonies of the USS Eldridge (DE 201) and USS Craig (DE 202) Left to right: Mrs. A. A. Cuzzell, Mr. A. A. Cuzzell, Mrs. L. H. Pryor, Mr. L. H. Pryor, Mrs. H. R. Gissell, and Mr. H. R. Gissell. File 15303."

Update Date

October 2, 2025