This is probably old news but I read about it in the most recent issue of the American Legion Magazine and thought I’d share. It seems that the Navy is building the next generation amphibious transport docking ship of which one will be named the USS New York. This will be the fifth time a US Naval vessel has been named New York, the first was commissioned in 1776 by General Benedict Arnold. What makes this one of particular interest is the unique material that will be used in contructing this warship.
Steel salvaged from the World Trade Center wreckage will be used in the construction of New York. The shipyard and Navy inspected the steel and found that it was of sufficient material strength so that it could be incorporated into the bow stem of New York.
“We’re very proud that the twisted steel from the WTC towers will soon be used to forge an even strong national defense,” said New York Gov. George Pataki. “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, 2001 and the courage and strength New Yorkers showed in response to terror.”
The brand new assault craft with a capability of carrying around 800 marines and equipment is to be named the U.S.S. New York, in tribute to the almost 2,800 people who died in the attacks of September 11 2001.
The steel is set to be shipped to Northrop’s shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi, for construction to begin in the middle of next year. The 684-foot ship should be ready for service in 2007. The ship will have the motto “Never Forget”.
The recycled steel from the Twin Towers, if it meets quality standards, will be used to form the ship’s “stem bar”. That is part of the ship’s bow, where the vessel cuts the water.
What a fitting symbol of our nation’s resolve. Sgt Hook out.
Posted by Hook @ 2128 zulu | | Permalink
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