By Letters to the Editor http://www.nola.com

October 18, 2009, 1:29AM

Oh, what a day Tuesday was!

Despite foggy conditions as we went down the Mississippi River, we saw and heard the support of people. We were amazed and humbled by the number of people who came out to witness the U.S.S. New York’s maiden voyage. And we thank them.

The shipbuilders of Northrop Grumman Avondale have constructed an incredible ship.
This ship is the best in the class. We look forward to demonstrating that to all. We know that the spirit of both 9-11 victims and Katrina survivors has been built into our ship. It gives us a sense of purpose like no other.

Over the last year, we have enjoyed the hospitality of the region. We thank the citizens of New Orleans and South Louisiana for welcoming us while we were preparing the ship and ourselves to get under way. It is a bittersweet time as we leave behind many new friends, but return to our families and get this ship operational.

We would like to offer special thanks to the Greater New Orleans Executive Association and the Ehrhardt Group for organizing and sponsoring this very special send-off. Crew members who were on watch inside the ship were disappointed they could not participate. Lining the levees was truly magnificent!

We thank each citizen, firefighter, police officer, school class, sailor, Marine, Coast Guard member, airman and soldier who lined the levees as we sailed by. It is with their support that we will go forward and complete our missions, to succeed in our role as part of the global force for good.

We will carry their well-wishes and support to New York City and beyond.

Curt Jones
Commanding Officer
U.S.S. New York

Source

http://www.nola.com/opinions/index.ssf/2009/10/uss_new_york_grateful_for_leve.html