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News

Navy Commissions USS New York in Big Apple
Published: November 7, 2009

From USS New York (LPD 21) Public Affairs  NEW YORK (NNS) -- USS New 
York (LPD 21), the fifth San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, built 
with steel salvaged from the World Trade Center, was commissioned here 
Nov. 7 in a ceremony held in the shadow of the city for which it is named.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, a former New York senator, was 
the keynote speaker for the ceremony.

"This ship carries with it searing memories of September 11," said Clinton.

"Lives cut short, families ripped apart, a nation attacked. And in that steel, 
burned but unbroken, lives the spirit we saw on 9/11 and the days that 
followed, the bravery of the rescuers, the resolve of the survivors, the 
compassion of this city, the patriotism of this great country."

Calling USS New York a symbol of freedom similar to the Statue of Liberty, 
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus explained how this ship will be a reminder 
of all New York and the nation went through on September 11th.

"Today, we witness the birth of another memorial to liberty. Eight years 
ago, this city witnessed the worst atrocities committed against our country. 
The New York will be a visible testimony to our resilience, to the character 
of this city, to the strength of this country," said Mabus.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead spoke to the ship's future 
and what it will mean to Americans through the years.

"Wherever she sails in the next 40 years…USS New York will forever conjure 
the valor, the sacrifice, the heroism and the tenacity of New York," said 
Roughead.

New York Governor David Paterson called the day "a great day for America, 
a great day for New York and a great day for everyone who believes in 
freedom and justice.

"USS New York, the sixth Navy ship named for the state, was built at 
Avondale Shipyard in New Orleans by Northrop Grumman and christened 
March 1, 2008.

The ship arrived in New York Nov. 2 and rendered honors at the World Trade 
Center site before pulling into Pier 88 on the Hudson River. Thousands of 
veterans and invited guests witnessed the ceremony, which was also 
broadcast live in Times Square and on the Navy.mil website.

The commissioning was the culmination of a week-long celebration of the 
Navy and Marine Corps team and the ship in New York City.

New York is an amphibious transport dock designed to transport Marines 
and their equipment. It will be used to support the nation's maritime 
strategy, to include humanitarian assistance and maritime security 
operations. The ship's homeport will be in Norfolk, Va.

For more news from USS New York (LPD 21), visit www.navy.mil/local/lpd21.

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

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