The Commissioning of USS New York will take place on November 7th, 2009 at the Intrepid Museum at 46th St & 12th Ave, New York City, New York, USA.

Finally, some of what we lost returns USS New York, LPD-21, will parade into New York Harbor on Monday, November 2nd of 2009 for what will undoubtedly be the Commissioning event of the century. No other ship in world history carries the sentiment and import this ship possesses. In her bow is 7.5 tons of World Trade Center Steel,

On her decks are the best and brightest crew this nation can produce

and in our hearts, the hopes and dreams of a nation that will not be kept down. Please join us for the Feel Good America event of our generation We all knew where we were when they fell You want to be here when they return!

Monday, Nov. 2nd, 2009 – NY Harbor entrance

PCU New York will pass under the Verrazano Bridge and be joined by a flotilla of boats from Federal, State and City organizations as well as local municipalities, ferry companies and private boats.

Many of these vessels responded on 9-11 to assist with evacuation, some with firefighting and some with the aftermath as New York struggled to clean-up and rebuild. A few are named after heroes who fell that terrible day, like PCU New York. They all come to pay respect to what was lost and to welcome what has returned. It is here, at this time and place that we draw a line in the sand and say…

We Will Never Forget

Commissioning Day USS New York LPD-21 Saturday, November 7th, 2009

Its been 2948 days since the attack, more than a day for every man, woman and child killed. The greatest testament to our resolve is being Commissioned into service with the United States Navy. There will be speeches, songs, tears, and emotions so strong its hard to speak.

With the words “Man your ship and bring her to life” the world will change At least for us She will never fill the hole, but she will fill our hearts.

God Bless the USS New York God Bless her Captain and Crew God Bless America

Story Number: NNS090911-20
Release Date: 9/11/2009 4:41:00 PM

By Mass Communciation Specialist 1st Class Corey Lewis, Pre-Commissioning Unit New York

AVONDALE, La. (NNS) — The crew of Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) New York (LPD 21) honored those who lost their lives Sept. 11, during a ceremony that included a timeline from the events of 9/11 narrated by members of the crew.

“Strength forged through sacrifice. Never Forget” is the motto of PCU New York.

Quotes from survivors, first responders and voicemail messages of victims who were able to say final goodbyes were interspersed throughout the timeline to bring the story to life.

“The events of 9/11 happened to real people on a typical workday,” said Lt. Cmdr. Laura Bender, command chaplain. “Hearing their words connects us with them in a unique and powerful way. What would we have said if we had to make that last call home?”

James Bennett, crew member of USS New York (BB-34) from 1935-1940 visited the crew and took part in the ceremony. Bennett will be 94 years old the day of the ship’s commissioning Nov. 7. He toured some of the ship with his family afterward.

“It’s a wonderful ship,” Bennett said. “I feel a strong connection to the crew. Being a member of BB-34 and watching this ship progress has been a wonderful thing, and I am waiting for this ship and crew to begin their mission.”

Ceremony participant Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Winette Cox said, “I was honored to participate in the ceremony. It was an emotional yet touching event. I think the ceremony drove home why we are working so hard to get the ship ready to do her job.”

For more news from Pre-Commissioning Unit New York (LPD 21), visit www.navy.mil/local/lpd21.

By Jon Lane
Derek Jeter’s pursuit of Lou Gehrig is great, but far more important is that Friday is the eighth anniversary of 9/11. The Yankees announced that they will hold a special ceremony before the game to honor the USS New York and the ship’s crew.

Here’s the 411:

The New York Yankees today announced they will hold a special pregame ceremony on Friday, September 11, prior to the Yankees’ 7:05 p.m. game vs. the Orioles.

USS NY at Yankee Stadium

During the home plate ceremony, the Yankees will give special recognition to the USS New York and the ship’s crew as well as the commissioning committee during a home plate ceremony. The state-of-the-art stealth ship, whose bow stem includes seven-and-a-half tons of steel recovered from the fallen World Trade Center, is scheduled to be commissioned into the U.S. Navy’s fleet on November 7.  

The presentation of colors will be made by the USS New York Naval Color Guard, the FDNY Color Guard, the NYPD Color Guard and the Port Authority Color Guard. Naval musician Laura Carey will sing the national anthem.

Representing Washington, D.C. – an area also affected by the 9/11 tragedy – will be Janet Napolitano, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, who will throw out the game’s ceremonial first pitch.

Scheduled to arrive into the New York Harbor on November 2, the USS New York will proceed up the Hudson River, where she will pause and dip her ensign (the American Flag) as she passes the World Trade Center site, then proceed up to the George Washington Bridge, turn and dock at her Manhattan pier. On November 7, she will enter naval service. 

Source: http://yes.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/09/yankees_to_commemorate_911_ann.html