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De Sponsor actives

As the First Lady stepped down
from her special train she was
greeted by John Jay Hopkins,
Chairman of the Board and
President of General Dynamics,
and by Governor John Lodge

of Connecticut. From the train
she was escorted by Mr. Hopkins
to the platform to join other
distinguished guests.


De aunching

The "Nautilus" slipped down her launching
ways and into the waters of the Thames
at exactly 10:57 a. m.

Minutes before, as though it were a
symbol, brilliant sunshine had suddenly
broken through and dispelled a heavy
fog which, since early morning, had
shrouded the shipyard.



S unibiaseatt Lean uileheanit haltech tara

Nes Dwight —_, Ciseulowes

Distinguished sponsor of the "Nautilus
and first President's wife ever to christen
a submarine of the United States Navy.


Je Program

WELCOME
JOHN JAY HOPKINS

Chairman and President
General Dynamics Corporation

REMARKS
GWILYM A. PRICE

President, Westinghouse Electric Corporation

ADDRESS

ADMIRAL ROBERT B. CARNEY, USN
Chief of Naval Operations

ADDRESS
LEWIS L. STRAUSS

Chairman, United States Atomic Energy Commission

BENEDICTION

REAR ADMIRAL EDWARD B. HARP, JR., ChC, USN
Chief of Chaplains, United States Navy

“We cannot—if we would survive—
be less than first in research and dis-
covery—be less than first in total power
—whether that discovery and that
power be military or industrial."

"The ‘Nautilus’ is a testimonial to the
ability and determination of free men
to act in the defense of human rights
and dignity."

“As an American | feel an intense pride
in the vision, the brains, the ingenuity,
the sweat, and the teamwork that went

into the creating of the ‘Nautilus’.

"Today's historic event strengthens’ the
means of security of all free nations . . .
it gives new impetus to the peaceful
potential of the atomic force which

turns the engines of the ‘Nautilus’.”

"As the 'Nautilus' goes down to the sea
we commend her to Thy providence and
care... . May the launching of this ship
mark the beginning of a new day—a
day when all the advances of science
and the diffusion of knowledge will go
toward the building of a better world."






Save Mouths, Seven Dy 5

In the short span of one year, seven
months and seven days, the job was
done.

January 21, 1954 — She floats in 1


Or. Yeas,

June 14, 1952—Her keel plate is laid.



“<I sister thee /Veatiles



i Mans Kehalf

The launching of the "Nautilus" is an historic achievement in
man's continuing effort to make the atom work for him rather
than against him.

Nuclear propulsion is no longer dimly on the horizon of a distant
future. It is here today, embodied in this great ship.

When the "Nautilus" moves to sea under her own power, the hopes
and dreams of millions will move with her.

Into this historic vessel the United States Navy, the Atomic
Energy Commission, General Dynamics Corporation, the
Westinghouse Electric Corporation and hundreds of suppliers
have poured the resources of their minds and skills.

The "Nautilus" will be listed in the annals of man as the
first demonstration of his ability to curb the destructive force
of the atom and to turn it in positive directions.



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oe most solemn and significant event

January 21, 1954 lives in history as the launching day of the
world's first atomic powered vessel, the submarine "Nautilus."

Powered by the silent, invisible, airless “burning'' of nuclear
fuel, the "Nautilus" will cruise submerged faster, farther, longer than
any previous craft in history.

Some 30,000 persons gathered in the shipyard of our Electric
Boat Division, Groton, Connecticut, to witness this momentous occasion.
That many came from great distances is a signal tribute to the scientists,
engineers and craftsmen who worked to create this masterpiece of the
shipbuilder's art.

We were particularly honored to have as our sponsor the First
Lady of the Land, Mrs. Dwight David Eisenhower.

None of us who watched this unique and historic ship slide down
the ways and into the waters of the Thames River could doubt that we
were participants in a most solemn and significant event, not only of
our time but of all time.

This brochure is designed to commemorate that event.

Chairman and President
General Dynamics Corporation

9


When Jules Verne wrote "Twenty Thousand
Leagues Under the Sea" in 1869 he imagined
a true submersible which operated
beneath the surface of the sea for
indefinite periods, independent of the
earth's surface and atmosphere. His

ship he named "Nautilus" after the first
practical submarine, one built by Robert
Fulton in 1800. Now the sagacity and
vision of the United States Navy, the
Atomic Energy Commission and American
industry have developed a ship which
goes beyond even the fanciful creation
of Jules Verne. Today's "Nautilus" opens
the way to the world of the future.