April 1, 1939 While thousands watched the hull of the battleship Tirpitz slid down the ways at the Kriegsmarine Werft in Wilhelmshaven, Germany. The ship was christened by Frau von Hassel, daughter of the ship's namesake Grossadmiral Alfred von Tirpitz. Before breaking the champagne she said "this messenger of peace must also be able in the event of danger to break any resistance aimed at a nation which is entitled to equal respect among the peoples of the world".

Admiral Adolf von Trotha, a national hero from the first war who had been Admiral von Scheer's Chief of Staff at the Battle of Jutland made the keynote speech while the Führer watched. Trotha said; "this proud ship shall carry Germany's honor into the outside world and break the resistance of our enemies if they oppose Germany's right of equality within the community of nations."

It was a busy day for Adolf Hitler, before the launch of Tirpitz he was aboard Scharnhorst where he promoted Erich Raeder to Grossadmiral, he then went into Wilhelmshaven and toured the city. He did not speak during the launch, but his speech following the launch was much anticipated by nations around the world.

He spoke for a little over an hour, but most Germans heard only a few words before the broadcast was cut off, however there was a short wave broadcast. His remarks were aimed squarely at Great Britain and Prime Minister Chamberlain. He laid out Germany's position and clearly stated that Germany was ready to "defend" itself in the event of hostile action. Following his day in Wilhelmshaven he boarded the Kraft durch Freude (Strength through Joy) ship Robert Ley and sailed to Heligoland for the weekend.

The battleship Tirpitz failed to sink even one ship on the high seas, although she did sink a British X-craft which attacked the ship while she was anchored in Norway. She was sunk by RAF aircraft on Nov. 12, 1944.