USS New York.
It was built with 24 tons of scrap steel from the World Trade Center . It is the fifth in a new class of warship - designed for missions that include special operations against terrorists. It will carry a crew of 360 sailors and 700 combat-ready Marines to be delivered ashore by helicopters and assault craft. Steel from the World Trade Center was melted down in a foundry in Amite , LA to cast the ship's bow section. When it was poured into the molds on Sept 9, 2003, 'those big rough steelworkers treated it with total reverence,' recalled Navy Capt. Kevin Wensing, who was there. 'It was a spiritual moment for everybody there.' Junior Chavers, foundry operations manager, said that when the trade center steel first arrived, he touched it with his hand and 'the hair on my neck stood up. It had a big meaning to it for all of us. They knocked us down. They can't keep us down. We're going to be back.' The ship's motto? 'Never Forget'
The pictures above are from the christening that occurred on 03/01/2008. The commissioning is expected to take place in the Fall of 2009. Click this LINK to go to the official website.
I hadn't heard anything about this until now. What a cool thing, and you can bet that all those serving on this ship will definitely "never forget."
ReplyDeleteB.
Glad someone posted this up, I remember while it was being assembled if ppl would feel odd about what some considered "sacred scrap" geez you have to let go eventually, and tho put to a purpose some would say is war-like, it's right and proper for the USS New York to exist as a result of tragedy risen to triumph.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you posted this. I remember my son telling me about this ship and how cool it would be to serve on it. He will be getting out of the navy a few months before it's commissioned from what I understand. I love the "Never Forget" on the ship.
ReplyDeleteMonica
Hi Ken,
ReplyDeleteI like the ship's motto ... "Never Forget." The smokestacks almost look like towers, too.
Best,
Marty
Thank you for this post. It have me chills and a lump in my throat. I had heard that they were building a ship with the scrap metal but hadn't heard that it was finished.
ReplyDeleteKathy
impressive! I had heard about this but hadn't tracked the progress of it; thanks for sharing it Ken
ReplyDeletehope you/Beth have an enjoyable weekend
betty
I remember when they started building it. I like the idea of using World Trade Center steel in it, & the "Never Forget" motto. Indeed, we must never forget.
ReplyDeleteDirk
http://tsalagiman2.blogspot.com/
Great post, and a fitting use for the steel. 'Never Forget' indeed!
ReplyDeletei have a "thing" for subs and any type of water craft on the ocean so this is SO interesting!
ReplyDeleteAmazing isn't it. I had heard about it but it had slipped my mind. Good post.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Joyce
This is so awesome, I hadn't heard anything about this. It was really touching to read how carefully they handled the steel and the feelings they have towards the ship. Really neat. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteCool ships. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteReading this you get a sense of reverence for those ships and the meaning behind them. Thank you for sharing this dear friend. (Hugs)Indigo
ReplyDelete