This past week the United States Navy recognized and recalled the great loss suffered by this country on 9-11 by commissioning its first ship built in part with steel  that was once part of the fallen World Trade Center towers.  The USS New York (LPD-21) was officially put into service on November 7th 2009.  As an amphibioius transport dock, it’s main mission will be the transport and delivery Marine forces and vehicles.

The creation of the ship was in part due to an impassioned plea made by then New York Governor, George Pataki, who requested that the Navy create a ship that would be employed in anti-terrorist activities and that it be christened the “New York.” In a letter sent to the Secretary of the Navy, Pataki requested that the Navy’s policy of only naming Submarine’s after U.S. States be subject to exemption, in order that this ship have the honor of representing and honoring those who lost their lives on that tragic day.

On September 10th of 2004, the ships Keel was laid as construction began in New Orleans.  In a bit of irony, the ships former namesake (USS New York – BB-34) itself was commissioned on September 11th 1911.  Over 15,000 lbs of steel were melted down and formed into the ship’s bow.  In a second moment of somewhat tragic irony, the shipyard where the New York was being built was besieged by the nation’s second great disaster, Hurricane Katrina, during its build.  As the former General Manager of the ships build contractor, Grumman Shipbuilding, had put it: “They had to rebuild their lives at the same time as they built the ship.”

With construction complete, the ship was Christened on March 1st 2008.  In addition to the standard dignitaries and officials that are typically included in  a Christening ceremony, several members of the FDNY, NYPD as well as families and friends of those who lost their lives in the Twin Towers were in attendance.   Later that Summer the ship made her way to Norfolk Virginia where she was ceremoniously accepted under the command of Commander F. Curtis Jones (himself a native New Yorker.)  She set sail for New York in late October.  On November 2nd, as she passed the site of the World Trade Center Towers, her crew dipped the colors and honored the city with a 21 gun salute.

The November 7th Commission Ceremony held a significant meaning in the hearts and minds of New Yorkers,  as well as Americans as a whole. It began with a moment of silence to remember those who perished.   Among the many dignitaries in attendance was current U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.  Madam Secretary was a U.S. Senator representing the State of New York when the twin towers were attacked on September 11th.  She called the ship “a symbol of our unshakable resolve; this is a city built of steel.”

Now commissioned, she will steam into the war on terror as an Amphibious Transport Dock.  In addition to crew of 360 assigned enlisted Sailors and Officers, the ship will also support and attached Marine force of 700 Marines.  As with other San Antonio Class vessels, the New York will operate in a force-protjection mode.  It’s mission will be the swift and tactical delivery it’s attached Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).  The ship will be capable of the transport and deploy of several Marine tactical craft, including: V-22 Osprey (tilt rotor aircraft), Expeditionary Force Vehicles (EFV) and Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC).

And while the USS New York is the first currently commissioned U.S. Navy ship to be named after 9-11, it will soon be followed by two similar ships which are currently under construction: the USS Arlington (LPD-24 ) which is named after the Virginia county that was home to the attack on the Pentagon, and the USS Sommerset (LPD-25) which is named after the county in Pennsylvania where the tragic crash of United 91 occurred.  Both of these ships will also incorporate various metals into their construction that were taken from the respective disasters of 9-11.

While it is true that there is no possible way to restore the lives that were lost on that tragic day, what the Navy has done with this ship and her sister vessels is important nonetheless.  Since that day a great many Americans have uttered the words “Never Forget.”  With these ships, the Navy has delivered unto us a constant reminder of all that was lost and all that is worth fighting for.  One can only pray that the spirits of those that these ships are intended to honor can guide and protect the young men and women, Saliors and Marines, and officers and enlisted who sail within.  Let us hope that God Blesses them with fair winds and following seas.

AUTHORS NOTE: While the week of the commissioning ceremony has already past, there is still time to visit the ship before she begins her commissioned career.  If you are able, you may visit the ship Wednesday (November 11th).  She is open for public visitation from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.  According to the ship’s public site (http://www.ussny.org/)

NO LARGE PACKAGES OR BACKPACKS WILL BE PERMITTED.

Those who plan to go aboard the ship are advised to:
– Arrive early as lines may be long.
– Enter at the West 46th Street and 12th Avenue entranceway.
– Bring a photo ID.
– Wear comfortable shoes.
Large packages or backpacks will not be allowed on board.

If you have the opportunity, please feel free to come back and comment and let us know how your trip went.