The USS New York Sets Sail

Posted yesterday by mlh in Politics | 8 comments | 116 views

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With 7.5 tons of steel from the carnage that was once the World Trade Center incorporated into the bow of this ship, it has been Christened as the USS New York. The vessel is a San Antonio Class amphibious assault ship, the fifth of its kind.

AVONDALE, La. - Thousands of people, including families of those who died in the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks, gathered Saturday for an at-times chilling and rallying service to christen a Navy ship built with twisted steel from the ruins of the World Trade Center.

The hulking grey USS New York, which abruptly rose from the horizon, bore a seal on the bow bearing 7.5 tons of steel from the site. The shield included two gray bars to symbolize the Twin Towers; a banner over that declared "Never Forget." [...]

The video of the event is located here. To review the still photos (59), the AP has them displayed here.

The emotions evident at the event were moving and touching with the pain of the memories of lost ones readily evident.

From the US Navy site:

On 7 September 2002 in a ceremony aboard USS Intrepid in New York City, then Secretary of the Navy Gordon England announced the decision to name the fifth amphibious transport dock ship of the San Antonio class, New York (LPD 21). Secretary England said, "This new class of ships will project American power to the far corners of the Earth and support the cause of freedom well into the 21st century. From the war for independence through the war on terrorism, which we wage today, the courage and heroism of the people of New York has been an inspiration. USS New York will play an important role in our Navy's future and will be a fitting tribute to the people of the Empire State." Governor George Pataki, Governor of New York, responded by stating, "On September 2001, our nation's enemies brought their fight to New York... The USS New York will now bring the fight to our nation's enemies well into the future." Governor George E. Pataki wrote a letter to Secretary England requesting that the Navy revive the name USS New York in honor of September 11's victims and to give it a surface warship involved in the war on terror. In his letter, the Governor said he understood state names presently are 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. Governor Pataki hailed the Secretary's decision to name a new LPD-17 class amphibious transport dock the USS New York in honor of the heroes who died on September 11, as well as to honor the courage and compassion shown by countless New Yorkers in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks. "The USS New York will ensure that all New Yorkers and the world will never forget the evil attacks of September 11, and the courage and compassion New Yorkers showed in response to terror," said Governor Pataki. "I want to thank Secretary England for taking this extraordinary step and agreeing to pay special tribute to all New Yorkers by giving our name to a ship that will play an important role in the war on terror," the Governor said. "In addition, I look forward to the USS New York's first visit to our great City and State for Fleet Week." [...]

God bless the USS New York, her crew and those that built her.