The Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) New York (LPD 21) made her maiden voyage from Louisiana arriving in NYC this morning. The commissioning ceremony for the new warship will be Saturday. The New York has 7.5 tons of World Trade Center steel in the bow.
This morning the Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) New York (LPD 21) navigated off the coast of Long Island prior to arriving in New York City. At approximately 8:00 a.m. EST, she came to a halt opposite the former World Trade Center site. According to the
U.S. Navy, "The future USS New York (LPD 21) will dip her colors, fire a 21-gun salute to the people of her namesake city and state and proceed to Pier 88 to be formally inducted into the Fleet at a shipboard ceremony on Nov. 7."
The New York has 7.5 tons of World Trade Center steel in the bow. The ship's motto is "Strength Forged through Sacrifice. Never Forget."
As reported by the
BBC, a navy spokeswoman told AP that "About one in seven of the 361 sailors serving on the ship are from New York state, a higher percentage than would normally be the case. There had been many requests from Navy personnel to serve on the ship."
On Nov. 1, while at sea, "The crew of the future USS New York (LPD 21) and the ship's official commissioning committee offered several New York City distinguished visitors (DV) the once in a lifetime opportunity to embark a history-making U.S. Naval vessel" the U.S. Navy said.
Marine Corps CH-46 Seaknight helicopters brought more than 80 DVs on board.
Hull Technician Fireman Apprentice Ty Ottbeiriger, an escort from the ship's "Crash and Smash" team was quoted as saying:
I'm so glad we're finally here and get to show off all the hard work we've put into bringing this ship to life. Being on this ship is like being part of a family, and we're really proud of the work we do.
The DVs were personally welcomed aboard by Cmdr. Curtis Jones, the ship's commanding officer. The guests received tours of the well and cargo deck spaces, amphibious assault vehicles, and an interactive "Blue" tour featuring "an in-depth look at the Navy's newest innovations in crew living spaces, messing accommodations and the ship's bridge" reports the U.S. Navy.
Guests dined with crew members following the tours, and the event concluded with an informal social mixer with the crew including members of the the embarked Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force 26.
Sean George, a guest from Deuschte Bank, was quoted by the U.S. Navy as saying:
Being here brings back a lot of memories from that day. I worked near the World Trade Center on 9/11 so it's great to be able to see this ship bring some of them home in a way. I was looking forward to this whole experience, but I'm most looking forward to the 21-gun salute as the ship passes ground zero tomorrow.
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Comm. Specialist 1st class Corey Lewis
The future USS New York
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According to the U.S. Navy, "This embark is an opportunity unlike any other, and few non-military personnel will ever get the chance these men and women did. To walk the passageways of this great ship, is to witness first-hand an epic part of U.S. Navy history."
