Navy has Agreed to Anchor U.S.S. New York Off Manhattan for 9/11 Tenth Anniversary Ceremony

Press Release

NAVY HAS AGREED TO ANCHOR U.S.S. NEW YORK OFF MANHATTAN FOR 9/11 TENTH ANNIVERSARY CEREMONY
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced today that the United States Navy has agreed to anchor the USS New York off lower Manhattan to join the 10th anniversary ceremonies of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. In a personal letter to Secretary Ray Mabus in July, Schumer urged that the Navy return the USS New York to her namesake for the commemoration, as its presence in New York Harbor would be of incredible significance to those who lost loved ones in the attacks. After weeks of negotiation, Schumer today announced the ship will anchor off Manhattan to provide a backdrop for the day's services, and will port for several days at a New York pier before the ceremony.

"It just didn't make sense for this powerful and awesome demonstration of American strength, born out of the rubble of 9/11, not to be present for the 10th anniversary ceremonies," said Schumer. "Over seven tons of steel from the World Trade Center were used to construct this ship and its return home makes good on its motto, "Never Forget'."

The USS New York is a U.S. Navy amphibious transport ship built using steel from the site of the World Trade Center in New York City. Schumer noted that the attendance of the USS New York's crew would also play an incredibly important and symbolic role in the September 11th anniversary ceremony, as these brave individuals fight to combat terrorism and defend the United States' freedom each day.

The USS New York LPD-21 was commissioned on November 7, 2009, and is the fifth amphibious transport dock of the San Antonio class. The ship was named New York after the state and incorporates in its construction steel salvaged from the World Trade Centers. The ship wasbuilt with 7.5 tons of steel from the World Trade Center in her bow. Her ship motto is "Never Forget." Schumer noted that the steel from the WTC towers, now in the form of the USS New York, is now fittingly being used to combat terrorism and defend the United States' freedom.

A number of events are planned in the city on September 11, 2011, and calls for the ship's presence had been echoed by a range of area groups, including 9/11 survivors and the FDNY Uniformed Firefighters Association.

Source