USS New York to Arrive in New York City Tomorrow

USS New York (LPD 21) will return to New York City Nov. 8 for Veterans Week NYC 2013, honoring the service and sacrifice of all American veterans.

Named for the victims, families and first responders of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, USS New York, with 7.5 tons of World Trade Center steel in her bow, was commissioned into active service in New York City Nov. 7, 2009.

“This Veterans Week visit is a homecoming for us as well; we all consider ourselves to be New Yorkers, we all respect and cherish the connection we have with this amazing and resilient city,” said Capt. Jon C. Kreitz, commanding officer of the ship. “USS New York’s motto, ‘Strength forged through sacrifice. Never Forget,’ says everything about why we are coming to honor the sacrifice of our nation’s heroes – we couldn’t be more proud.”

As the naval senior officer for the visit, Rear Adm. Rick Snyder will be present for the ship’s arrival and various Veterans Week events.

“It’s an honor to bring USS New York back to its namesake in celebration of our veterans,” said Snyder. “Veterans have been a pivotal part of forging this great nation and it is fitting that today’s active duty Sailors and Marines have the opportunity to pay tribute, through not only their service, but also their personal thanks.”

USS New York will be moored at Pier 88 on Manhattan’s west side. Public visitation is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 9, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Monday, Nov. 11, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Lines may be capped at 3 p.m.

Visitors should wear comfortable, closed toed shoes and look for clearly marked entrances. Guests over the age of 18 will be required to show a state or federally issued photo identification. Visitors will not be permitted to carry backpacks or large bags; however, purses, camera bags and similar items are permitted after screening. Unfortunately, due to the space constraints of a shipboard environment, the ship is not wheelchair or handicapped accessible, and strollers and baby carriages will not permitted aboard.

For the safety of guests, Sailors and Marines, the following are not permitted: bottles or glass containers; banners, posters or signs of any type; mace, pepper spray, or other defensive sprays or chemicals; knives, firearms, fireworks or any explosive; illegal drugs or paraphernalia; flammable liquids or aerosol spray cans; club weapons; and animals.

Veterans Week NYC 2013 and America’s Parade are presented by the United War Veterans Council to honor the service and sacrifices of all veterans. America’s Parade is the largest Veterans Day event in the city and has been held every year since 1919.

Sailors and Marines from the USS New York will take part in a broad swath of activities including interaction with local students, cross-training with New York-based firefighters and police, attending Veterans Week remembrances and galas, and marching in America’s Parade.

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Press Release, November 07, 2013; Image: Navy