New ten thousand ton American cruiser launched . The USS Astoria , a ten thousand ton cruiser , was launched at Puget Sound Navy Yard , Bremerton , Washington . In contrast with the common practice of erecting a ship on slipways and allowing it to slide into the water , the Astoria was constructed in a building dock , which upon completion of the vessel was flooded permitting the craft to float free of its crib supports . The ship is named after the city of Astoria , Oregon , in recognition of Jacob Astor ' s advancement of commerce and opening up of the far west . It is expected that the cruiser will be finished and in commission by May 1st , 1934 . Photo shows ; The scene at the launch . 28 December 1933