Ship Carries Memory of 9/11
The Navy's newest vessel, the U.S.S. New York, was commissioned last weekend in New York City, with over 6,000 people in attendance. The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock carries seven and a half tons of steel from the World Trade Center in its bow. This physical connection that the ship bears to the attacks of September 11, 2001, heightened the symbolism that was evident at the ceremony.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton noted that the New York symbolizes “the bravery of the rescuers, the resolve of the survivors, the compassion of this city and the patriotism of this great country." The vessels' motto is "Strength Forged Through Sacrifice - Never Forget."
Clinton was joined by New York Gov. David Paterson as well as several high-ranking Navy and Marine officials, including Navy Secretary RayMabus and Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James T. Conway.
The New York will remain in Manhattan until Thursday of this week, then it returns to its home port at Norfolk and soon after it will be sent on its first mission yet to be determined.