SEATTLE -- The U.S. Navy christened its latest vessel, an unlimited hydroplane, at the Stan Sayers Memorial Pits at Lake Washington Thursday.

Following the christening ceremony, the U-50 Spirit of the Navy ran the race course on Lake Washington.

The Spirit of the Navy project is a joint effort between the U.S. Navy and Go Fast, Turn Left Racing, to honor the men and women of the armed forces all over the world.

Painted in a scheme similar to the Navy's flight demonstration team the Blue Angels, the U-50 will spend the summer of 2008 on the American Boat Racing Association's hydroplane tour, as well as making appearances at festivals and events in the Pacific Northwest.