She packs over seven tons of reclaimed steel from the World Trade Center, an on-board memorial to 9/11 and her motto sends shivers down your spine: "Strength forged through sacrifice. Never forget." A phoenix from the ashes, USS New York is a deadly memorial to both a terrible tragedy and astonishing heroism.
She is the fifth ship in the U.S. Navy to bear the name New York, but the meaning of that title was much differed for her predecessors. Her naming roots come from a letter Governor George Pataki wrote the Navy shortly after 9/11 requesting a ship that would be directly involved in the war on terrorism be named New York in honor of those who died during 9/11. The Navy was happy to oblige.
During construction, the 7.5 tons of World Trade Center steel that were integrated into the ship's bow structure were treated similar to priceless religious relics, with shipbuilders handling them with incredible care, and lightly touching them as they walked by. A contact of mine who worked with Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, the New York'sprimary contractor, said the ship is probably the best built vessel in the Navy, as workers understood their part in its creation on a very personal level.
This unique emotional connection with the ship and what it represents also exists among the ship's crew. I have talked with a sailor who served on the USS New York, and he made it quite clear to me that it was not a common assignment. From his memory, there was a sort of solemn dedication from her crew that he did not encounter while serving on other Navy ships. In his own words:
"USS New York, at least when I was aboard, had the most motivated crew I have ever worked with. It was a different place. You felt both honored and challenged being there. It is a very special ship for the Navy and you are reminded of that daily when you are part of her crew."
