State-of-art Navy ship makes history

NEW YORK - With a year to go before it even touches the water for the first time, the U.S. Navy's amphibious assault ship USS New York has already made history — twice. It was built with 24 tons of scrap steel from the World Trade Center, and it weathered Hurricane Katrina.

That combination of disasters gives the ship a unique standing among the 2,000 workers building it in a shipyard near New Orleans, says Philip Teel, vice president of Northrop Grumman Corp. and head of its ship systems division.

"Because of 9/11 and Katrina, there is a real bond about this ship," Teel said. "There is a huge commonality of spirit of the people in New York and the Gulf Coast, a commitment to pull together when things get difficult."

Many of its workers have continued on the job despite losing homes and possessions to the storm last Aug. 29, Teel said.

USS New York, scheduled to go into service in 2008, is the fifth in a new, state-of-the art class of warship designed for various missions including special operations against terrorist threats. It will carry a crew of 360 sailors and 700 Marines to be delivered ashore by helicopters and surface assault craft.

The ship was named for the city, the state and victims of Sept. 11, and its motto, "Never Forget," is a popular slogan among New Yorkers.

Later ships in the class will include USS Arlington, for the location of the Pentagon, also struck by a hijacked jetliner on Sept. 11, and USS Somerset, named for the western Pennsylvania county where United Flight 93 crashed after its passengers fought with hijackers apparently planning to attack another Washington target.

At the Navy League dinner in New York last week, Teel said, "There is no other ship like USS New York nor ever will be. It is a national treasure and will be a living and breathing reminder of the price we pay as a people for our freedom."