ON THE CUTTING EDGE: Plowshares Into Swords

The USS New York, Navy’s newest $1 billion assault ship – built with 7.5 tons of twisted steel from the smoldering wreckage of the World Trade Center – was greeted with a 21-gun salute, reports The Associated Press:

 

First responders, families of Sept. 11 victims and the public gathered Monday at a waterfront viewing area, where they could see the crew standing at attention along the deck of the battleship gray vessel. …

 

At a short ceremony later at Pier 88 near the site of the aircraft carrier, the USS Intrepid, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the USS New York couldn't have a more fitting name, representing freedom, courage and resilience.

 


"This ship is actually a physical representation of that spirit with steel from the World Trade Center built into its bow so every friend that sets foot on it and every foe that dares challenge it will feel its power and know that it is literally made from the heart and soul of the city that has scarified so much," the mayor said.

 

Of the 361 sailors serving aboard the ship, around 13 percent are from New York state, which is higher than would normally be the case, Murphy said. There were many requests from Navy personnel to serve on the ship, which will carry some 250 Marines.

 

An official commissioning ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, and the ship will be docked at Pier 88 on 12th Avenue at 48th Street and will be open to the public free of charge through Veteran's Day. Click here for dates and times.

Posted by The Stiletto at November 2, 2009
Categories: On The Cutting Edge
 

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