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."
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.