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Sponsoring a warship is a big deal and a great honor; My aunt sponsored one named for her late husband, a world-class dredge expert, still on duty in New York Harbor and we all attended the ceremony. http://societyofsponsorsofusn.org/about/

Far beyond participation in ceremonial milestones, Sponsorship represents a lifelong relationship with the ship and her crew. While this bond begins with the ship’s christening and the initial (plankowner) crew, it will ideally extend throughout the ship’s service life and even beyond. In Navy tradition, the sponsor a ship is mostly a ceremonial role and normally filled by a woman. Technically the sponsor is considered a member of the crew and may advocate for the ship's continued service. Sponsors are encouraged to make every effort to foster this special relationship, and to maintain contact with the initial and successive captains and the amazing men and women who comprise her crew. This can be as simple as exchanging e-mails or holiday greetings to participating in sail-aways and homecoming events.

http://societyofsponsorsofusn.org/sponsor-information/Perhaps even a member of SUBSIM could B a sponsor....