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| USS NEW YORK |
Commissioning Day
for
USS NEW YORK (LPD 21)
by Richard H. Wagner
CLICK ON PHOTOS FOR A LARGER VIEW
USS New York on her commissioning
day 7 November 2009.
day 7 November 2009.
Navy ships - - USS New York - - commissioning photos
USS New York is a special ship. Her name
is a tribute to the victims and heroes of the
attacks on New York that took place on
September 11, 2001. Her bow contains
seven tons of steel recovered from the
World Trade Center. The shipyard where
she was built and its surrounding area
suffered from the impact of Hurricane
Katrina. Thus, this is a ship that was forged
in adversity.
In recognition of the uniques nature of this
ship, her commissioning was attended, not
only by the leaders of New York State and
New York City but by the heads of the
Marine Crops and of the Navy as well as by
the United States Secretary of State and the
Secretary of the Navy. In the audience
were survivors of the attacks, police and fire
department first responders and families of
those who perished in the attacks.
While this was a solemn and moving
occasion it was also a celebration of
re-birth. Out of all the sacrifice,
determination and dedication, something
new had been created.
is a tribute to the victims and heroes of the
attacks on New York that took place on
September 11, 2001. Her bow contains
seven tons of steel recovered from the
World Trade Center. The shipyard where
she was built and its surrounding area
suffered from the impact of Hurricane
Katrina. Thus, this is a ship that was forged
in adversity.
In recognition of the uniques nature of this
ship, her commissioning was attended, not
only by the leaders of New York State and
New York City but by the heads of the
Marine Crops and of the Navy as well as by
the United States Secretary of State and the
Secretary of the Navy. In the audience
were survivors of the attacks, police and fire
department first responders and families of
those who perished in the attacks.
While this was a solemn and moving
occasion it was also a celebration of
re-birth. Out of all the sacrifice,
determination and dedication, something
new had been created.
As governor of the state the ship is named
after, Governor David A. Paterson was
the first dignitary to speak.
after, Governor David A. Paterson was
the first dignitary to speak.
Since the primary mission of this
ship will be to transport, land and
support Marines, General James T.
Conway, Commandant of the Marine
Corps spoke.
ship will be to transport, land and
support Marines, General James T.
Conway, Commandant of the Marine
Corps spoke.
The keynote speaker was
Secretary of State Hilary Clinton.
Secretary of State Hilary Clinton.
Rudolph Guiliani was Mayor of the City during
the September 11, 2001 attacks and played a
vital leadership role in the City's recovery.
the September 11, 2001 attacks and played a
vital leadership role in the City's recovery.
Chief of Naval
Operations
Admiral Gary
Roughead.
Operations
Admiral Gary
Roughead.
Above: Commander
F. Curtis Jones,
commanding officer
of USS New York,
reads the orders
bring the ship into
commission while
Sailors and Marines
from the ship listen.
Right: The
ceremonial "long
glass" is passed to
the Chief as the first
watch is set.
Left: The national
colors are raised
over USS New York.
Due to the tragic
shootings at Fort
Hood, the colors flew
at half mast.
Right: The Secretary
of the Navy;s flag is
raised over USS New
York.
F. Curtis Jones,
commanding officer
of USS New York,
reads the orders
bring the ship into
commission while
Sailors and Marines
from the ship listen.
Right: The
ceremonial "long
glass" is passed to
the Chief as the first
watch is set.
Left: The national
colors are raised
over USS New York.
Due to the tragic
shootings at Fort
Hood, the colors flew
at half mast.
Right: The Secretary
of the Navy;s flag is
raised over USS New
York.
USS New York comes to life; as smoke
issues from her funnels and her radar
antennas rotate, Sailors and Marines man
her rails.
issues from her funnels and her radar
antennas rotate, Sailors and Marines man
her rails.
Officers and Sailors appear on the bridge
wing of USS New York.
wing of USS New York.
USS New York is now an official part of the
United States Navy.
United States Navy.
For more about USS New York see:
A photo tour of the ship
The history of the Navy ships that bore the
name New York
Commander Curt Jones' reflections on USS
New York while she was being built.
A photo tour of the ship
The history of the Navy ships that bore the
name New York
Commander Curt Jones' reflections on USS
New York while she was being built.
The dais prior to the ceremony.