COMMISSIONING OF A NAVY SHIP
The commissioning ceremony marks the official transition of a ship from its building and outfitting status to a new role as a unit of the operating forces of the United States Navy. The moment the commissioning pennant is broken, USS TAURUS (PHM 3) becomes the absolute responsibility of her Commanding Officer, who, together with his crew, is obligated to keep this ship ready at all times to support and defend the policies of our nation in peace or in war.
The customs and traditions observed during the ceremony have evolved through the 206 year history of the United States Navy, but have remained fundamentally unchanged since USS CONSTITUTION was commissioned in 1798. The ship "comes alive" today as her crew boards her and operates the topside equipment. During her shakedown cruise, the varied backgrounds and experience of every member of the crew will coalesce into a distinctive team spirit, pride and reputation which will be unique to USS TAURUS (PHM 3).
The commissioning pennant is believed to date from the 17th century, when the Dutch were a war with the English. The Dutch Admiral Maarten Harpertszoon Tromp hoisted a broom at his masthead to indicate his intention to sweep the English from the sea. This gesture was answered by the English admiral who hoisted a horsewhip, indicating his intention to subdue the Dutch. The English were victorious and since that time the narrow "coachwhip" pennant has been adopted by all nations as the distinctive mark of a ship of war. The U. S. Navy Commissioning Pennant is blue at the hoist with a union of seven white stars, and a horizontal red and white stripe at the fly.
