USS New York sets sail: commissioning ceremony in November (photos, slideshow, video)

The USS New York, billed as America’s newest warship, was crafted with 7.5 tons of steel taken from the Twin Towers following the terrorist attack on 9/11/2001. The steel was welded into the ship’s bow and will be arriving in New York for an official commissioning ceremony on November 7, 2009. Following the ceremony, the USS New York will be stationed at Norfolk, Virginia.

The USS New York has been in New Orleans for the past three years since her construction. Built at the Northrop Grumman Ship Systems’ shipyard in Avondale, Louisiana the USS New York is the fifth amphibious transport dock of the San Antonio class. The ship will be utilized by the United States marines for transportation. Its length is 684 feet and the beam is 105 feet. New York Governor George Patki spoke about the USS New York in 2002.

He stated, “We’re very proud that the twisted steel from the World Trade Center Towers will soon be used to forge an even stronger national defense. The USS New York will soon be defending freedom and combating terrorism around the globe, while also ensuring that the world never forgets the evil attacks of September 11 and the courage and strength New Yorkers showed.”

This morning, the ship departed the Mississippi River to make her first journey. The ship departed from Avondale this morning at 7:00 a.m. and headed for the Gulf of Mexico. The ship’s journey has been met with fan fare, salutes, and glorious praise. Beginning with a New Orleans style farewell, the ship passed through Gretna and was met by firefighters and a police honor guard who sowed their honor and respect to those who died heroically on 9/11. As the ship continues to make its way to New York, she will be greeted by those who choose to remember and honor the nearly 5,000 who tragically lost their lives on September 11, 2001.