| Deactivation Ceremony Program | Meaning of Deactivation |
 
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The Program
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Musical Selections I Corps Army Band Arrival of Official Party Inspect the Honor Guard Honors for the Official Party Parade the Colors
National Anthem
Invocation
Welcome and Introduction of
Remarks |
Welcome and Introduction of Rear Admiral Harms Captain Steven K. Johnson, Commanding Officer
Remarks
Remarks
Strike the Steaming Ensign
Final Salute to CALIFORNIA
Taps
BENEDICTION
Departure of Official Party |
| THE DEACTIVATION CEREMONY Continuing in Navy tradition USS CALIFORNIA (CGN 36) lowers her Steaming Ensign |
| Naval ceremonies originate as far back as the ancient Phoenicians, common dangers, shared experiences, and victories contributed to a sense of camaraderie which binds sailors together with common traditions, proven practices, and ancient customs. These tried and tested customs have also had a profound influence on the formulation of today's Navy Regulations. |
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| The Deactivation Ceremony is the newest of the many traditional ceremonies of the U. S. Navy. This ceremony is designed to mark the completion of the ship's active duty in the operational fleet. It is similar to the decommissioning ceremony that normally marks the final moments of a conventional ship's operating life. |
| The decommissioning ceremony reenacts a tradition dating back to the seventeenth century. A naval vessel normally flies a commissioning pennant, when a flag officer is not embarked, from the first time it is commissioned. The custom originated during the wars between Holland and England, when a Dutch admiral hoisted a broom to his masthead to indicate he would sweep the English from the sea. His English opponent hoisted a horsewhip, indicating his intention to chastise the Dutch. Ever since that time, the coachwhip pennant has been the distinctive mark of a warship, and has been adopted by almost all nations. When the ship is decommissioned, the pennant is hauled down. |
| Because the shipyard requirements interfere with a traditional decommissioning ceremony, we mark the passing of the ship prior to her entry into the shipyard with a deactivation ceremony, where the steaming ensign is lowered. Although her operating service will be completed, the final decommissioning and striking of the colors will take place in another year. |
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