U.S.S. New York entrance into New York City

Press Release

Contact: Dee Thompson
Public Affairs Officer
732-321-0760
Scottieth@comcast.net
http://www.news.auxpa.org/

U.S.S. NEW YORK Entrance into New York City

NEW YORK – As the United States Navy’s newest naval assault vessel the USS New York sailed into New York Harbor on Monday, November 2, 2009 members of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary were there to meet her, on the water as part of her safety patrol.

The USS New York was forged with 7.5 tons of steel salvaged from the 9/11 World Trade Center Disaster Site. The 684 foot long ship is capable of speeds in excess of 22 knots to land a surge of 800 US Marines. It carries two CH53E Super Stallion, Two MV-22 Osprey tilt rotor aircraft, four CH-46 Sea Knight, Four AH-1 Sea Cobra or UH-1 Iroquois helicopters.

Built and christened in Louisiana, this ship made this voyage to New York for its formal Commissioning Ceremony that will take place on November 7^th. She is the fifth ship to be named for New York. Prior ships were a gondola (1776), a frigate (1800-1814), armored cruiser (1893-1938), and a battleship (1914-1946).

The USS New York sailed into New York harbor accompanied by vessels from the New York City Police and Fire Departments, the United States Coast Guard and United States Coast Guard Auxiliary as well as the US Army Corp of Engineer. US Coast Guard Auxiliary members manned not only the vessels “Lady B” and “Long Splice” but were also deployed on the United States Coast Guard Cutter Sturgeon Bay.

On September 11^th, 2001 the Coast Guard Auxiliary responded to the World Trade Center disaster in lower Manhattan by foot and boat. The Auxiliary had numerous vessels responding ferrying people, Coast Guardsman and supplies to and from lower Manhattan. Coast Guard Auxiliarists worked long tedious hours into the night, side by side with other first responders, during those extensive rescue efforts.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary has been actively supporting the waterways of this nation for 70 years and will continue to respond to any and all emergencies and support of the United States Coast Guard.

The USS New York mission of defending freedom around the globe is characterized by the ship’s moto – WE WILL NEVER FORGET! The victims and responders, including the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary will never forget or falter.

Coast Guard Auxiliary member stands watch as the USS New York sails by (USCGAUX photo)