The ship will anchor in Lower Manhattan on September 11

The amphibious transport dock ship USS New York is heading to Manhattan this weekend to participate in events honoring victims and responders of the September 11th attacks. Aboard will be 170 members of the 9/11 Families Association, which includes families of victims and first responders, in transit from Norfolk, Virginia, to New York Harbor. Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus made the announcement September 6th.

“With the steel from the World Trade Center in her bow, the USS New York represents a powerful symbol of the deeply personal connection that New Yorkers have with our military and is a symbol of the courage and resilience of our nation,” said Bloomberg. “She helps protect the freedoms that make this the world’s most diverse and tolerant city and we are honored to welcome the men and women of the USS New York back to our city.”

The ship is scheduled to be pier side in Manhattan September 8th and 9th, and will anchor in the Hudson River September 10th and 12th. On September 11th, the USS New York will move to a location within sight of the World Trade Center. Members of all branches of the military will participate in the honor guard during the city’s commemoration ceremony.

 The USS New York is the sixth U.S. Navy ship to be named to honor the state of New York. Her bow stem includes seven and a half tons of steel recovered and re-forged from the World Trade Center’s twin towers. The ship features many design elements and furnishings throughout her interior that serve as tributes to the events of 9/11. The ship’s motto is “Strength forged through sacrifice. Never forget.”

 “Every member of the crew has a tremendous sense of mission and appreciation of the unique role their ship plays for the citizens of New York,” said Mabus. “She is an emblem of the strength and renewed spirit of a city that was damaged but never defeated.”