On a perfect Saturday morning in January, the Trojan Navy Christened a new four-man shell  into the USC fleet.

It was an intensely private affair at LMU Boathouse, just the Crew and Henry Brown, the sponsor of the new shell, "Cymodocea."

Following introductory remarks by crew-captain, Blair Jones, varsity coxswain Emily Chin sang the National Anthem and then recited a poem she
wrote to capture the spirit of the occasion:
  
CYMODOCEA
The darkness of a morning fog,
So silent and empty,
Broken by the splashing of oars
And waves in from the sea.

The crash of golden blades drawn deep,
Driving, sending, prying,
Cutting through the marina green,
And night, slowly dying.

Below, the waters swell and roll,
An energy so free,
While up above the waves it glides,
A spirit of the sea.

The future of the crew looms tall
As men of triumph sure,
Each race with bravery and strength
This navy will endure.

So as a new day dawns so bright
And sun glints Cardinal and Gold,
The Trojan fleet grows stronger still,
With power, speed untold.

Coach then explained the shell would be Christened with  a combination of the finest champagne and USC's own home waters, a moment which would signify her acceptance for service and official entry
into the Trojan Navy.

"This ceremony, a custom deep in tradition in all navies for centuries, and in the Trojan Navy since its earliest beginnings, marks the formal inception of the shell into the naval forces of this great University," said Coach.

Henry Brown then gave an account of the origins of the name for the shell, informing the crew that Cymodocea was an ancient Nymph of Troy. This seemed to greatly please the freshmen who had only dreamed of nymphs up to this point. Mr. Brown then gave the following Christening proclamation:  

"Today, this vessel, 'Cymodocea,' and her crew stand ready to take their place in the Trojan Navy's historic heritage in the sport of rowing. Like all Trojan shells before her, she will be rowed with oars, painted gold with cardinal chevrons. These are her colors; her personal flag and they will be displayed with pride.

'Cymodocea' now becomes the responsibility of her Captain and Crew. From this day forward, she will assume a unique personality and be infused with the will, the spirit and the dedication of those who serve
her.

In the name of the University of Southern California, I christen this shell 'Cymodocea'. May God bless her and all who row in her."

Once the champagne was poured and photographs taken, Henry gave the command to "man the shell and bring her to life."

The morning was concluded with the varsity successfully facing off a challenge from the freshmen, who were quite keen to chase the nymph but expended all their energy in the first ten strokes.