ESG 2 Welcomes Newest Navy Warship USS New York
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS091117-06
Release Date: 11/17/2009 10:47:00 AM
By Lt. John Fage, Expeditionary Strike Group 2 Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2 welcomed the newest member of its amphibious fleet Nov. 7, when the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS New York (LPD 21) was commissioned during a ceremony held in New York City.
"By preparing USS New York for active service, you are getting ready to join the fight against those who would destroy our way of life," said Rear Adm. Michelle Howard, ESG 2 commanding officer, in a message to New York's crew. "Let the seven and a half tons of salvaged steel from the World Trade Center be a reminder of why we all serve. Let it also be a reminder that the cost of freedom is high, and our individual sacrifices count for generations to come."
Carrying nearly seven and a half tons of steel salvaged from the World Trade Center attacks in 2001, New York joins its sister ships, the San Antonio-class USS San Antonio (LPD 17) and USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), as well as the Austin-class amphibious transport dock USS Ponce (LPD 15).
"New York will be an outstanding addition to our ESG 2 family," said Col. John McElroy, ESG 2's deputy commander. "The spirits of those killed in the World Trade Center attacks will live on through the hard work of New York's Sailors and Marines and their dedication to duty as they strive to make the world a better and safer place as a global force for good."
ESG 2 also maintains oversight of the multipurpose amphibious assault ships USS Wasp (LHD 1), USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), USS Bataan (LHD 5), USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), USS Nassau (LHA 4) and dock landing ships USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41), USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), USS Ashland (LSD 48), USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) and USS Oak Hill (LSD 51).
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