The stepped out section at the bow, the step just above the water line, and the rows of light colored fasteners show that topside armor was to be applied after launch, as part of the many months of finishing work ahead. That armor is heavy, and would have made the launch more difficult, as well as making the ship topheavy and unstable during the critical transition from cradle to water.

When completed, she would probably sit at the level of the stepped out bottom armor, due to a lot of added weight.

Take a look at the book "The Yard", about Bath Iron Works in recent times, describing the last traditional end launch like this. Excellent read!

Back when they really stood tall.