USS New York (LPD 21)
New York ‘Sails Away’ From Shipyard En Route to New York City for Commissioning
By Team Ships Public Affairs
10/13/09 - WASHINGTON -- The future USS New York departed Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding Avondale Operations Oct. 13, ‘sailing away’ from the building yard manned for the first time by the ship’s crew. This milestone marks the government/industry team’s production completion of LPD 21, the fifth ship of the San Antonio class.
The ship will now transit to her homeport of Norfolk, Va., before sailing to New York City for the
commissioning ceremony.
“New York is a product of continued improvement in LPD 17-class construction, testing and support,”
said Jay Stefany, LPD 17 class program manager for the Navy’s Program Executive Office, Ships (PEO Ships).
“Each new ship in this class represents the lessons learned from the experiences of her four preceding sister ships. The ship’s performance at sea trials reflects that New York is the best ship of the class.”
The crew is looking forward to joining the fleet. “Many in the crew have been working toward sailaway for
more than a year,” said Cmdr. Curt Jones LPD 21’s commanding officer. “We have had the opportunity to see
the shipyard and Navy team in action and are especially gratified to be the owners of such a great ship.
In New York’s expected service life of 40 years only one crew will ever sail her on her maiden voyage – we are honored to be that crew.”
New York will become USS New York when ceremonially commissioned Nov. 7 in New York City. Named for the state of
New York, the ship and its motto “Never Forget” honor the victims and first responders of the Sept. 11, 2001, World Trade Center attacks.
The ship’s bow stem contains 7.5 tons of steel salvaged from the World Trade Center. Additionally, an American flag flown above the World Trade Center
recovery efforts will be presented to the ship’s crew. The flag had been presented to Boy Scout Troop 40 of Hopewell Junction, N.Y., for safe keeping and is being donated to the ship.
During the ceremony, Sept. 11 victims’ families and police, firefighters and Port Authority personnel will serve as an honor guard. New presentation silver donated by the citizens
of New York will also be given to the ship.
PEO Ships is currently managing the design and construction of 21 major surface ships and a wide range of small boats and craft. Since its creation in November 2002,
PEO Ships has delivered 35 major warships and hundreds of small boats and craft from more than 20 shipyards and boat builders across the United States.
PEO Ships is committed to affordable and efficient shipbuilding and is focused on the necessity of getting ships into serial production, which is leading to significant cost and
schedule reductions across the shipbuilding portfolio.
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Last Updated:
22 February, 2010
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San Antonio class
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