Reprinted with permission of Northrop Grumman Ship Systems Ingalls Operations, Pascagoula, Mississippi

(Copy of publication, courtesy of Bob and Ken Bradsell)

December 13, 1957

 

Brasil Launching Sets Pace Says R. I. Ingalls   As the new SS BRASIL slides down the ways on her launching Monday afternoon, the men and women of Ingalls Shipbuilding Corporation, the people of the Gulf Coast and throughout the Nation who contributed to her construction can well be proud of the part they are playing in maintaining a modern and efficient United States merchant marine. This new ship is the largest passenger vessel to be built in the United States since 1952. It embodies the most modern technical developments. But of more interest than its physical dimensions and engineering details is the fact that it is symbolic of the readiness of the private American ship owners, working in cooperation with our Government, to maintain a leading position on the ocean trade routes essential to our economy and our defense posture. The great problem today in our maritime affairs is to renew and steadily improve the quality of our merchant fleet in the face of rising costs and intense competition from other maritime nations.  It is likewise of vital importance to the security of the nation that we maintain a healthy shipbuilding industry.  To continue in good health we must achieve stability in the outlook for new orders, year after year — and there are encouraging signs ahead that this need is recognized to a greater degree than in the past. In 1957 the Federal Maritime Board and the major steamship lines have agreed to ship replacement programs which stretch out over the next 15 years for the construction of some 88 merchant ships with an estimated value of one billion dollars. This, along with contracts signed in the previous three years, totals nearly $2-billion, and is the "hard core" of our ship replacement outlook.  In addition, new plans, new concepts of special types of ships to meet modern transportation demands, are taking form. The shipbuilding industry, the shipping industry, and the Federal Government agencies, have long had as their objective the education of the American public to the need for maintaining its strength on the seas, both naval and merchant marine.  There have been unmistakable signs that progress has been made along those lines. We must not, however, let the recent great scientific advances in such exciting fields of missiles, rockets and sputniks, obscure the fact that we are applying scientific and technological improvements to the design and construction of ships.  Certainly here at Ingalls, with such work as the nuclear-powered submarines on the books, we are conscious of the application of new technology to naval science.

Super Luxury Liner Scheduled . . . SS Brasil Newest in Moore-Mac Fleet . . . For Launching Monday Afternoon   The SS BRASIL, a super luxury liner, will be triggered into the Pascagoula River Monday afternoon by Hal Boyle, nationally known war correspondent. As Mr. Boyle presses the button to set the vessel in motion, Mrs. Emmet J. McCormack, the sponsor, will christen it with the traditional bottle of champagne. Some ten thousand tons of ship for the Moore-McCormack Lines will then roll back waters from the Gulf of Mexico to complete the launching. The SS BRASIL will leave Ingalls Shipway 10 slightly more than 18 months after its keel plate was set in place. This the 186th ship to be launched here will be capable of speeds up to 22 knots.  The elegant, yacht-like vessel is 617 feet long and is being constructed at a cost of around $25 million.  It will be capable of luxuriously accommodating 553 passengers and a crew of 400. When put into operation next year the Brasil will offer fast and modern travel facilities between the United States East Coast Cities and port cities of Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. The Brasil's potent propulsion units will reduce the required time for the North to South American cruise by seven days. William T. Moore, Moore-McCormack president, said at the keel laying of the luxury liner that the two vessels now being built here will "increase both cargo and passenger service between North and South America as well as shorten the distance, in effect, by greater speed." When the keel was laid for the Brasil in July of 1956, Ingalls began its 14th vessel for the Moore-McCormack Lines since 1939, when the yard here at Pascagoula started operations.  A similar vessel now under construction here will be the 15th for the firm. Designers of the two luxury liners have incorporated the latest safety devices.  Unique is the "flying bridge," or observation lounge, located on the dummy stack amidships. Denny Brown stabilizers have been incorporated in the Brasil for added stability in rough waters. Also included in accommodations are a promenade deck, two swimming pools, gift shop, children’s playroom, gymnasium, theatre and special pantry facilities for serving breakfast on each passenger deck. During the hour-long ceremony Monday afternoon dignitaries will address the audience of about 750.  The sponsor and her matron of honor, Mrs. Robert C. Lee, will be introduced by R. I. Ingalls, Jr., Chairman of the Board of Ingalls. The Honorable Herbert C. Bonner, member of the United States Congress has accepted an invitation to address the guests. Speaking for his company, the Moore-McCormack Lines, will be Rear Admiral Robert C. Lee, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors. Representing one South American Country to which the Brasil will make routine trips will be His Excellency, Ambassador Erani do Amaral Peixoto of Brazil.  The luxury liner has been named for his country. Welcoming guests, including Emmet J. McCormack, Chairman of the Board, Moore-McCormack Lines, will be Monro B. Lanier, Vice Chairman of the Board of Ingalls. Attending the ceremony as a special guest will be Governor Frank Clements of Tennessee.  Introducing distinguished guests will be W. R. Guest, President of Ingalls.  A representative of the Maritime Administration will also speak to the audience. Alter its Monday launching the Brasil will be moved to the south yard outfitting basin. Here the liner will be changed from a hull into a ship ready to serve any port in the world. Complete outfitting will require several months.  Staterooms and public spaces will he furnished.  Interior painting and decorating also will be completed during outfitting. Mississippi Southern's band will furnish music during the ceremony.  The invocation will be given by the Most Reverend R. 0. Gerow, Bishop of Natchez, Jackson, Mississippi.