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Launch of the USS New York

I believe I mentioned this when the story about the World Trade Center steel first came out. I am sure most of our readers will appreciate the symbolism in this DOD press release:

The Navy will christen the newest San Antonio class amphibious transport dock ship New York (LPD 21) at 10 a.m. CST on Saturday, March 1, 2008, during a ceremony at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding facilities in New Orleans, La.

The ship is named New York in honor of the state, the city and the victims of Sept. 11, 2001. A unique characteristic of the ship is the use of 7.5 tons of steel salvaged from the World Trade Center wreckage that was incorporated into the construction process. The steel was melted and formed to make the bow stem of the ship. Use of this steel symbolizes the spirit and resiliency of the people of New York. The official motto of New York is: “Never Forget.”

And I will not. Not until the day the last Al Qaeda swings on a loose noose at Guantanamo or lies rotting in some forgotten mountain fastness with a precise hole drilled in the forehead of their sun-bleached skull.

13 comments to Launch of the USS New York

  • D. Anghelone

    The official motto of New York is: “Never Forget.”

    The official motto of the USS New York is: “Never Forget.”

  • Dale Amon

    Perhaps you’d like to ring the Pentagon and to ask them to fix their Press Release then. I don’t ‘correct’ direct quotes, only my own.

  • I can assure you that neither New Yorkers nor sailors aboard the USS New York will ever forget.

    And this is one fine vessel, is it not? I’ve heard it was a big deal in Navy terms to get commissioned to its maiden voyage.

  • Max

    Nothing to fix. A U.S. Navy ship can be referred to by name without the USS.

  • D. Anghelone

    I don’t ‘correct’ direct quotes, only my own.

    You weren’t asked to correct anything.

  • The prefix USS is not added untill the ship is commissioned, which will occur sometime late in 2009 in New York. She also does not fly a flag untill then. For more info you can go to http://www.ussnewyork.com
    Thanks
    Scott

  • Zimon

    The press release is correct for USN style guide.

    First reference: Ship name and the hull number, prefix USS if in commission.

    On second reference, use only ship name.

    Print publications should italicize ship name. Never capitalize.

    No “the”. Ever.

  • Millie Woods

    Just FYI the motto of the province of Quebec, Canada, found on all licence plates is – Je me souviens.

  • Sunfish

    So, what happens when New York docks at a Saudi seaport and hangs a huge banner over the side: “We’re heeeere!”?

    I think it would be awesome.

  • James Waterton

    Man, I can’t stand pedants. It’s amusing when they’re wrong, however – thanks for pointing that out, Zimon.

  • KG

    “Not until the day the last Al Qaeda swings on a loose noose at Guantanamo or lies rotting in some forgotten mountain fastness with a precise hole drilled in the forehead of their sun-bleached skull.”

    Too bloody right!

  • “Not until the day the last Al Qaeda swings on a loose noose at Guantanamo or lies rotting in some forgotten mountain fastness with a precise hole drilled in the forehead of their sun-bleached skull.”

    Enlisted yet, Dale?

    Yeah, didn’t think so.

  • coffeediva

    When my husband read an article a couple of years ago about the ship being built from the steel he was so moved that he wrote a poem about it. He showed it to some friends of his and they wrote a song and took it to Nashville. The song sung by Charlie Daniels at the christening was the end result of that process.