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"Esso Florence" Launched
Last of Six Tankers for Esso Shipping Co.
THE Esso Florence was launched from Shipway Nine on November 20. 1953 at 11:30 a.m. The vessel was christened by Mrs. Peter T. Lamont. Miss Louise F. Lamont, the sponsor’s daughter, was the Maid of Honor.
 Mrs. Peter T. Lamont is shown poised to christen the "Esso Florence".
The launching of the Essa Florence was originally scheduled for 11:15 a.m., but because of a delay by poor Weather the planes carrying the launching party were late in leaving New York City. The fifteen-minute delay, however, did not hinder the launching operations which were faultless.
 "Esso Florence" slides down the slipway.
A great deal of credit is due the launching crews for the smooth rnanner in which all of our launchings have been made. Launching operations for most of the tankers have started as early as 7:00 a.m., yet on every occasion the vessel has been released at the exact schedule time.
The Essa Florence is the last of a series of six tankers which we contracted in 1951 to build for the Esso Shipping Company. The Esso Newark, first of the series, was delivered on August 19, 1952; the Esso Florance was delivered on January 15, 1954.
 Shown on the Sponsor's stand shortly before the christening of the Essa Florence are: Mrs. Peter T. Lamont, the Sponsor; Mr. Lamont, who is the Marketing Coordinaicr for Siandard Oil Company (New Jersey); Miss Louise F. Lamont, the daughter of the Sponsor and the Maid of Honor; M.G. Gamble, President of Esso Shipping Company; and J.B. Woodward, Jr., President of the Yard.
The following is a partial list of the guests that attended the launching: Peter T. Lamont; Miss Louise F. Lamont; Mr. and Mrs. H.W. Fisher; Mr. and Mrs. E.F. Johnson; Mr. and Mrs. D.W. Ramsey; Mr. and Mrs. D.M. Dixon; Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Sinclair; Mr. and Mrs. B.B. Howard; Mr. and Mrs. Emile E. Souhry; Mr. and Mrs. M. C. Gamble; John D. Rogers; E.L. Stewart; W.Z. Gardner; A. Warner Melvin; Mr. and Mrs. Walter F. Spath; and Mr. and Mrs. W.I. Ivey.
 "Esso Florence", for the first in the water.
Source : NEWPORT NEWS SHIPYARD BULLETIN, January, 1953. ( Thanks to S. Dale Hargrave )
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