The USS New York

The USS New York

On Saturday, March 01, 2008 the USS New York was christened at Avondale Shipyards in New Orleans, La. The United States Ship New York (LPD-21) is the Navy’s newest amphibious transport dock ship. It is named in commemoration of those tragically affected by 9/11. Her Commanding Officer will be a native of New York City, Commander F. Curtis Jones.

Twenty-four tons of steel used in its construction came from the small amount of rubble from the World Trade Center (WTC) actually preserved for posterity. The bow stem was formed using 7.5 tons of steel from the WTC. The shipyard workers reportedly treated it with "reverence usually accorded to religious relics,” gently touching it as they walked by.

Shortly after September 11, 2001, Then Governor of New York George E. Pataki wrote a letter to the Secretary of the Navy Gordon England requesting that the Navy bestow the name USS New York on a surface warship involved in the War on Terror in honor of September 11's victims. In his letter, the Governor said he understood state names are currently reserved for submarines, but asked for special consideration so the name could be given to a surface ship. The request was approved August 28, 2002.

The bow stem is the foremost portion of the ship where it cuts through the water and offers hull integrity. "The significance of where the WTC steel is located on the 684-ft-long ship symbolizes the strength and resiliency of the citizens of New York as it sails forward around the world," said Cmdr. Quentin King, Navy program manager representative on site. "It sends a message of America becoming stronger as a result, coming together as a country and ready to move forward as we make our way through the world."

This fitting tribute by the US Navy continues to show true American grit. The ship’s motto: “Never Forget, Strength Through Sacrifice" should serve as a reminder to all Americans of the sacrifice so many has made and continues to make for our Freedom. Thank you to the US Navy and to all our brave men and women in uniform. We are truly the land of the free because we are home of the brave.

Never Forget!