A Special Chapter in Ellen’s Family History
Ellen’s great-grandmother, Mrs. Rena Ethel Fairbanks of Emmett, Kansas, made her own piece of history in 1943 when she was invited by the US Navy to travel to California and christen a brand-new warship! She was invited to christen the newly finished U.S.S. Chickasaw because, at the time, she had four sons in the Navy. The U.S.S. Chickasaw was a Navajo-class fleet tug that went on to serve in the Pacific during both WWII and the Korean War.
Coming from a small farming community in Kansas, Ethel’s invitation to christen the new warship was big news. The newspapers covered the event closely, right down to the details of her christening-day outfit and hat! To commemorate the occasion, the Navy also gifted Ellen’s great-grandmother a shining silver platter with the ship’s name and launch date, as well as Ethel’s name engraved on it.
The silver platter gifted to Ellen’s great-grandmother, as well as several newspaper articles covering the event.
A photo of Ethel Fairbanks, Ellen’s great-grandmother, at the ship christening.
In Honor of Our Veterans
Your service is a testament to resilience, honor,
and love for our country. Thank you.
