Just out of sight to the right of this view is a destroyer that was launched just moments before this photo was taken. It was common during World War II to swing the keel of the next ship into place as the one before her entered the water. Hart's keel was laid about five months before this photo was taken. The stand for the official party is in the foreground. Christening The ship's sponsor prepares to break the traditional bottle against the ship's bow.
Some workers ride the ship to the water while others watch from areas at the left.
Unlike the ships shown in the launching photos above, some ships were launched with virtually no superstructure completed. Much of their visible structure was then built pierside. Earle was launched just three weeks before this photo was taken. Knight is further along, having been launched three months ago. Staten Island Four destroyers are seen in this 9 July 1945 view of the Bethlehem Steel facility.