first responder - uss new york commissioning

7/24/2019 First Responder - USS New York Commissioning

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The New York Yankees are

Honored to Support the Commissioning

of the USS NEW YORK


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Dear Friends and Family,

It is truly an honor and a privilege to bring this magnificent warship to New York for her commissioning andto bring her to life. The commissioning of a naval vessel is traditionally a time of celebration, the welcoming of anew ship and its crew, to the fleet. This ceremony marks the culmination of much hard work and is a symbol of ourgreat national pride and steadfast resolve. Todays events capture these things, but also encapsulate so much more.Specifically, this commissioning is also a homecoming, a chance for each of us to bring NEW YORK home andintroduce her to all New Yorkers.

September 11, 2001, will forever be a day that stands in the minds of those who experienced it. On that day, allthe citizens of the United States became New Yorkers, and our country was transformed. An act that was meant totear us apart and show our weakness brought us together as a nation and made us stronger. With 7.5 tons of steelrecovered from the World Trade Center site and forged into the bow of this ship, the crew of USS NEW YORK will

ensure that the world will never forget that day. The spirit of those who have gone before us inspire us each day.We draw strength from their sacrifice and have placed the mantle of their memory upon our shoulders.Today, Mrs. Dotty England will help commission NEW YORK with the words, Man our ship and bring her to

life. This moment is the product of several years of planning and dedicated effort by many great Americans. Theshipbuilders of Northrop Grumman persevered in the aftermaths of Hurricanes Katrina and Gustav to completethis very special ship built to carry the Navy-Marine Corps team well into the 21st century. Many of thoseshipbuilders, as well as the Navys support team, made significant sacrifices to continue production, in order to getus here today. My heartfelt thanks to them, for their hard work and dedication and to so many more, who were vitalin completing this effort that we now know as NEW YORK.

Additionally, a specific group of people have been relentless in their labors to make this day both a reality and a

success. We could not have reached this moment without the personal support of Governor Paterson and MayorBloomberg. The Commissioning Committee, led by Mr. Robert Woody Johnson and RADM(ret) Robert Ravitz,have strived for years to bring this day to fruition. All of their work and support is humbly appreciated.

The Navy specifically selected the members of the crew before you today for the unique responsibilities and

challenges of pre-commissioning duty. NEW YORK sailors are smart, hard-working and enthusiastic, and theyhave done a magnificent job in preparing her for fleet service. Each crew member has their own story as to how they

became part of the NEW YORK team. I encourage you to talk to them, to find out why they have joined, why theyare here and why they serve. I am incredibly proud of each and every one of them!

After commissioning, NEW YORK will take her place in the fleet and serve for 40 years as a roving ambassador

and symbol of American technological prowess, industrial might, security personified and dreams fulfilled.

Thank you for joining us to celebrate the commissioning of this great warship and to commemorate those whohave gone before us.

Strength Forged through Sacrifice. Never Forget.

F.C. JonesCDR, USN

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVYUSS NEW YORK (LPD 21)

FPO AE 09579-1721


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IPAA Leadership:

H.G. BUDDY KLEEMEIER | CHAIRMAN

BRUCE H. VINCENT | VICE CHAIRMAN

DIEMER TRUE | TREASURER

BARRY RUSSELL | PRESIDENT AND CEO

INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM ASSO CIATION OF AMERIC A

THANK YOU.

TO THE MEN AND WOMEN OF AMERICAS ARMED SERVICES WHOSE DEDICATION

AND BRAVERY KEEP OUR NATION SAFE AND PROTECT FREEDOM ABROAD.


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ENDURING

RESOLVE.

The Mission

Matters Most

We honor the many lost in the

name of freedom. We remember

their sacrifice and congratulate

the crew of LPD 21.

Every day, Alions maritime

experts help the Navy

engineer mission success.

Because thats what matters.

www.alionscience.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS.............................................................................................................. 22

COMMANDING OFFICER ............................................................................................................... 29

EXECUTIVE OFFICER .......................................................................................................................31

COMMAND MASTER CHIEF..........................................................................................................33

DOROTHY HENNLEIN ENGLAND ...............................................................................................34

USS New York Sponsor

OFFICIAL SPONSORS ........................................................................................................................36

USS NEW YORK COMMISSIONING COMMITTEE ..............................................................39

MARK OF WARRIORS ........................................................................................................................ 41

By Rear Adm. Joseph F. Callo, USNR (Ret.)

USS NEW YORK:A NEW SHIP, A NEW MISSION, A NEW RESOLVE..............................44

By Arthur Herman

NEW YORK, NEW YORK ...................................................................................................................58

By Bob McManus

THE MAIN BATTERY ..........................................................................................................................60

By Col. Gary J. Ohls, USMCR (Ret.) and Lt. Col. David F. Overton, USMC (Ret.)

USS NEW YORK WELL DECK AND FLIGHT DECK OPS ....................................................68By Mark D. Faram

BUILDING USS NEW YORK .............................................................................................................80

Pride Overcomes Construction Challenges

By Edward L. Winter

A SHIP, A STATE, A CITY, AND ITS PEOPLE ...........................................................................90

By Doug Tsuruoka

USS NEW YORKSTRENGTH FORGED THROUGH SACRIFICE. NEVER FORGET.

COMMISSIONING NOVEMBER 7, 2009


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particular shipment was one tall order!ACL transported the steel beams that anchor Ne

York Citys FREEDOM TOWER. The first shipment of 9

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tured in Luxembourg. They were secured at the ste

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load presented no problem for the ships 420 metr

ton capacity stern ramp.

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The Mission

Matters Most

Naval Architecture.

Marine Engineering.

Program and Acquisition

Management.

Production Support.

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you achieve your mission.

Because thats what matters.

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CLEAR VISION.

DECISIVE RESULTS.THE WAY AHEAD FOR AMERICAS SEA SERVICES ...........................................................98

A Strategy for the 21st Century


EXPEDITIONARY WARFARE COMES OF AGE IN WORLD WAR II ........ ......... ........ ...... 110

By George Daughan

THE LEGACY OF THE SHIPS NEW YORK ..............................................................................124

By James L. Nelson

THE HISTORY OF THE U.S. NAVY AND MARINE CORPS RELATIONSHIP AND

ITS IMPACT ON AMPHIBIOUS WARFARE ...............................................................................132

By Col. Gary J. Ohls, USMCR (Ret.)

THE NAVY AND NEW YORK CITY.............................................................................................144

By Richard H. Wagner

SILVER WEDDED TO STEEL:

A TRADITION CARRIES ON IN USS NEW YORK (LPD 21) ................................................156

By Colin E. Babb

A HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK COUNCIL ............................................................................ 162

Navy League of the United States

By Richard H. Wagner

SHIPBUILDER: AN INTERVIEW WITH MIKE PETTERS,

PRESIDENT OF NORTHROP GRUMMAN SHIPBUILDING ................................................171

By John D. Gresham and Susan L. Kerr

PLANKOWNERS .................................................................................................................................177


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USS NEW YORKLPD 21

22

Colin E. Babb

Colin Babb is a senior writer with Naval Air Systems Command, and he previously served for more than six yearsas an associate editor for U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings and Naval History magazines. He is currently working on

his doctorate in military history at the University of Maryland in College Park. email: [email protected]

Rear Adm. Joseph F. Callo, USNR (Ret.)

Rear Adm. Callos latest book, John Paul Jones: Americas First Sea Warrior, earned the Naval Orders Samuel

Eliot Morison Award. He has also written three books about Adm. Lord Nelson and was U.S. editor forWhos Who

in Naval History. He writes frequently on naval subjects for magazines and newspapers. Callo is a Yale University

NROTC graduate, and he earned a Surface Warfare designation during two years of sea duty in the U.S. Navys

Atlantic Amphibious Force. He was a senior advertising agency executive and a producer for NBC-TV and PBS

programs. He earned a Peabody Award as line producer for the NBC-TV prime time program, Tut: The Boy King,

and a Telly Award for his script The Second Life of 20 West Ninth, which aired on the History Channel and PBS.

He is a Naval Historymagazine Author of the Year.email: [email protected]

George Daughan

George Daughan holds a Ph.D. from Harvard University. He spent three years in the United States Air Force dur-

ing the Vietnam War and was an instructor at the Air Force Academy. Subsequently, he taught at the University of

Colorado, the University of New Hampshire, Wesleyan University, and Connecticut College. He is the author most

recently of: If By Sea: The Forging of the American Navy From the Revolution to the War of 1812, for which he

received the Samuel Eliot Morison Award from the Naval Order of the United States. email: [email protected]

Mark D. Faram

Mark Faram is currently the senior staff writer and the Hampton Roads Bureau Chief for the Navy Times.

His assignments have taken him on board scores of U.S. Navy operating units, including USS San Antonio,

the first of the Amphibious Transport Dock (LPD)-class ships. His interests include researching and writing

about the lives and history of those in the Navy and he has published a book entitled Faces of War The

Untold Story of Edward Steichens World War II Photographers. Faram served on active duty in the Navy

for nine yea rs as a photographers mate and as a d iver, second class, and he continues to apply his specia l

combination of writing and photographic skills in his work. He is a graduate of the Military Photojournalism

Program at Syracuse University. email: [email protected]

John D. Gresham

John D. Gresham lives in Fairfa x, Va. He is an author, resea rcher, game designer, photographer, and mili -

tary commentator with numerous publishing, design, speaking, and television appearance credits in his

por tfolio . He was the primar y resea rcher and partner to Tom Clancy on his b est -sell ing ser ies of non- fic tion

guided tour books about military units. These include Submarine (1993), Armored Cav (1994), Fighter

Wing (1995), Marine (1996), Ai rbor ne (1997), Carrier (1999), and Special Forces (2001), all published by

Berkley Books.

His book DEFCON-2 (with Norman Polmar), a new single-volume history of the Cuban missile crisis,

was published in 2006. His latest book, Beyond Hell and Back (October 2007, with Dwight Zimmerman),

describes seven key U.S. special operations missions. email: [email protected]

Arthur Herman

Arthur Herman has authored five books. His latest, Gandhi and Churchill: The Epic Rivalry That Destroyed an

EmpireandForged Our Age(2008), was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. His previous book, Rule the Waves: How the

British Navy Shaped the Modern World(2004), moved him to the forefront of American naval historians and was a

U.S. and Canadian best-seller. How the Scots Invented the Modern World(2001), a New York Timesbest-seller, sold a

half-million copies. His military analyses appeared in Commentary, The Wall Street Journal, New York Post,andWall

Street Journal Asia. His Commentaryarticle predicting the success of the Iraq surge circulated at senior Pentagon

and White House levels, while his article, Who Owns The Vietnam War?, was featured in a public discussion with

Henry Kissinger at the New York Historical Society. He has been commentator on military matters on major network

television news programs. email: [email protected]

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS


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For employment opportunities, visit www.buschjobs.c


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LPD 21USS NEW YORK

Bob McManus

Bob McManus has lived in Buffalo, Binghamton, Albany, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. He is editorial page editor of The

New York Postand a Cold War veteran of the U.S. Navys submarine service. email: [email protected]

James L. Nelson

James L. Nelson was bor n and g rew up in Lew iston, Maine, and after work ing in the televi sion indus try for two

yea rs he ran away to sea , sail ing a board repro duct ions of three famous ships of theAge of Sai l: Golden H ind, Lady

Wash ington and HMS Rose. In 1994, Nelson finished By Force of Arms, his first book, and married former ship-

mate L isa Page . They now live in Har pswel l, Me ., with the ir four chi ldren. Nelson has written 14 books , both f ict ionand nonfiction. His novel Glory in the Name was the 2004 winner of the American Library Association/William

Young Boyd Award for best Military F iction and his latest nonfiction work, George Washingtons Secret Navywas

selected for the 2009 Samuel E liot Morison Award for Naval His tory. He is a graduate o f UCLA Film School . Noted

author Patrick OBrian described Nelson as a master of both his period and the English language.

email: [email protected]

Col. Gary J. Ohls, USMCR (Ret.)

Gary Ohls currently serves as associate professor of Joint Maritime Operations in the Naval War College Program

at the Naval Post Graduate School. He received a Ph.D. in history from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth , Texas,

holds three masters degrees, and is a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, R .I. Prior to

his current assignment, Professor Ohls served as a member of the Marit ime His tory Department at the Naval War Col-

lege in Newport . Colonel Ohls served 35 years in the United States Marine Corps, including duty as an enlisted man,

regular officer, reserve officer, and reserve officer on active duty. During this service, he performed in both command

and staff positions at various locations worldwide and at sea. Additionally, he has worked in management positions

with Northrop Grumman Corporation and the Aerospace Corporation. email: [email protected]

Lt. Col. David F. Overton, USMC (Ret.)

David F. Overton, MS, is associate professor of Joint Maritime Operations at the U.S. Naval War College in Mon-

terey, Calif., and adjunct faculty for the Marine Corps University Command and Staff College Distance Education

Program. He served 26 yea rs in the U.S . Marine Corps; four years as an enlisted electronics technician and 22 years

as a Naval Flight Officer in the EA- 6B Prowler aircraft. He has more than 2,000 flight hours, with 250 hours logged in

air combat operations. He and his wife, Susanne, are both Norwalk, Conn., natives. He is a retired lieutenant colonel

and now resides in Monterey with his wife. email: [email protected]

Doug Tsuruoka

Doug Tsuruoka is a former foreign correspondent who has worked for Newsweek, the Far Eastern Economic Review,

AP-Dow Jones News Service and other publications. He is currently an editor at Investors Business Daily. A native New

Yorker, Tsuruoka spent his early years editing community papers in Brooklyn. He also worked on the staff of the New York

State Assembly and the New York City Board of Correction. He graduated from Harvard College and the Graduate School

of Journalism at Columbia University. email: [email protected]

Richard Wagner

Richard Wagner is a writer and photographer specializing in ships and history. He is the editor of The Log, the official

journal of the Navy League of the United States, New York Council and publishes Beyondships.com, which is devoted to

ships and naval history. His articles have also appeared in TheSupreme Court Historical Society Quarterly, the World

Ship Society Porthole, the Journal of Supreme Court History,and the New York Law Journal Magazine. Mr. Wagner holds

degrees from Cornell University, John G. Hagan School of Business and Pace University School of Law. He also studied

law at Cambridge University. A member of the New York bar, he was Senior Litigation Counsel for Verizon and appeared

regularly before the federal and New York courts. He is an officer and director of the New York Council of the Navy

League and a member of the Naval Order of the United States. email: [email protected]

Edward L. Winter

Edward Winter, APR, is manager of communications for the Avondale Facility of Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding

Gulf Coast. He has worked at the Avondale shipyard in the New Orleans area, where USS New York(LPD 21) was built, for

nearly 25 years in various positions in employee relations, public affairs, public relations, and communications. A native

of New Orleans and a graduate of the University of New Orleans, Winter is an accredited member of the Public Relations

Society of America and a member of the International Association of Business Communicators and the Press Club of New

Orleans. He is also a board member of the Jefferson Parish Chamber of Commerce and Raintree Children Services. He

resides in the New Orleans area with his wife of 25 years, Yolanda, and the couple has one daughter, Emily.

email: [email protected]


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Looking to the future with their

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Publishers

Ross W. Jobson and Peter M. Antell

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Lawrence Roberts

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Business Development

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Director of Information Systems

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[email protected]

Webmaster

Clyde Sanchez

Cover photo courtesy

of Northrop Grumman

Contributing Writers

Colin E. Babb, Rear Adm. Joseph F.

Callo USNR (Ret.), George DaughanMark D. Faram, John D. Gresham

Arthur Herman, Bob McManus

James L. Nelson, Col. Gary J. Ohls

USMCR (Ret.), Lt. Col. David F. Overton

USMC (Ret.), Doug Tsuruoka,

Richard H. Wagner, Edward L. Winter

Editorial Director

Charles Oldham

[email protected]

Consulting Editor

Rear Adm. Joseph F. Callo

USNR (Ret.)

Senior Editor

Ana E. Lopez

Editors

Rhonda Carpenter

Iwalani Kahikina

Assistant Editor

Steven Hoarn

Art Director

Robin K. McDowall

Design and Production

Rebecca Laborde

Daniel Mrgan

Lorena Noya

Kenia Y. Perez

Production Assistant

Lindsey Brooks

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Sales Support

Joshua J. Roberts

Office Administrator

Aisha Shazer

Copyright 2009, Faircount Media Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction of editorial content in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

Faircount Media Group does not assume responsibility for the advertisements, nor any representation made therein, nor the quality or deliverability of the

products themselves. Reproduction of articles and photographs, in whole or in part, contained herein is prohibited without expressed written consent of the pub-

lisher, with the exception of reprinting for news media use. Printed in the United States of America. Permission to use various images and text in this publication

was obtained from the U.S. Department of Defense and its agencies, and in no way is used to imply an endorsement by any U.S. Department of Defense entity

for any claims or representations therein. None of the advertising contained herein implies U.S. government, U.S. Department of Defense or U.S. Department of

the Navy endorsement of any private entity or enterprise. This is not a publication of the U.S. Department of Defense or the U.S. government.

North American Headquarters

701 North West Shore Blvd.Tampa, FL 33609, USA

Tel. (813) 639-1900 Fax (813) 639-4344

Strength Forged Through Sacrifice. Never Forget.

FIRSTRESPONDER

COMMISSIONINGNOVEMBER7,2009

I I I

USSNEWYORK


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More than seven tons of steel that once towered above a nation

will now be put into service to protect it.

With more than seven tons of steel from the World Trade Center forged into her bow, the USS New Yorkhas entered

service as a fully commissioned ship in the greatest Navy on earth. Campbell-Ewald and The Interpublic Group of

Companies are proud to serve as sponsors of such an inspirational part of Americas past, present and future.

Photograph courtesy of Northrop Grumman Shipbuildi

The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey celebrates the commissioning of USS New York.

Strength forged through sacrifice. Never forget.


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LPD 21USS NEW YORK

Cmdr. F. Curtis Jones was born and raised in the Finger Lakes region of New York.

He has most recently been on the staff of the Naval Personnel Command (NPC) as deputy direc-

tor of Surface Warfare Officer Distribution. While attached to NPC, he deployed to Afghanistan and

became part of Joint Task Force Paladin, the counter-improvised explosive device team.

He previously served as executive officer of USS Coronado (AGF 11), the flagship of the Com-

mander, Third Fleet based in San Diego. Prior to duty on USS Coronado, Jones was assigned to theUnited States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) in Omaha, Neb., as an emergency actions officer

and later became aide-de-camp for the Deputy Commander, USSTRATCOM.

Jones previous sea duty included the pre-commissioning crew of USS Bataan (LHD 5), both in

Pascagoula, Miss., and Norfolk, Va., and as chief engineer for USS Cleveland(LPD 7), homeported in

San Diego. There he received the Surface Navy Associations Arleigh Burke Award for operational

excellence.

His initial sea assignment was in 1989 on the USSSan Jose (AFS 7), homeported in Guam. From

1989 to 1993 he made deployments to the Western Pacific and the Middle East, including Operation

Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.

A 1989 graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a bachelors degree in philoso-

phy, Jones received his commission through the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps at MIT.

He earned a masters degree in national security affairs from the Naval Postgraduate School in

Monterey, Calif., where he was active in student government and served a term as chairman of the

Officer Student Advisory Committee.

Jones personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Medal (two awards), Meritorious Service

Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy Achievement Medal (two

awards), and the Army Achievement Medal.

COMMANDER F. CURTIS JONESCOMMANDING OFFICER


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LPD 21USS NEW YORK

Cmdr. Erich Schmidt was most recently on the staff of the Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces

Command as the current readiness officer.

He previously served as chief of staff for Maritime Pre-positioning Ship Squadron One,

forward-deployed to the Mediterranean. Prior to duty with the squadron, Schmidt was as-

signed to the Operational Test and Evaluation Force Command in Norfolk, Va., as the op-

erational test director for the Navys newest amphibious ship type, the San Antonio class.

Previous sea duty included USS Sides (FFG 14), homeported in San Diego, where he

served as operations officer. During that tour, theSideswas awarded the Battle E award

for operational excellence on a deployment to the Western Pacific in support of a readiness

and training exercise with five allied navies. He later served as operations officer in USS

Austin(LPD 4), homeported in Norfolk.

In 1997, Schmidt was assigned to the Expeditionary Warfare Training Group, Pacific in

San Diego, Calif., as an instructor in amphibious warfare, where he qualified as a master

training specialist.

Schmidts initial sea assignment in 1992 was with the USS South Carolina (CGN 37),

aboard which he deployed to the Mediterranean and Adriatic in support of peace-keeping

operations in Bosnia. In 1995 he served on the staff of Commander, Amphibious Squadron

Five, where he was supporting arms coordinator and assistant operations officer, deploy-

ing to the Western Pacific and the Arabian Gulf.

Schmidt graduated from the University of Arizona in 1991 with a bachelors degree in me-

chanical engineering, receiving his commission through the Navy Reserve Officer Train-

ing Corps. He earned a masters degree in educational technology in 2004 from Troy State

University.

Schmidts personal awards include the Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), the

Navy Achievement Medal (three awards), and numerous campaign and unit citations.

COMMANDER ERICH SCHMIDTEXECUTIVE OFFICER


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LPD 21USS NEW YORK

CMDCM(SW) Robert W. Stocklin has served on active duty for 28 years.

Stocklins most recent assignment was command master chief of Naval

Support Activity Mid-South in Millington, Tenn. He was previously command

master chief of USSJohn L. Hall(FFG 32), homeported in Pascagoula.

Prior to serving in USSJohn L . Hall, he was CMC of USS Portland(LSD

37), during which time he deployed with Amphibious Task Force East,landing Marines in the Gulf Region in advance of the initial air strikes at

the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Previous sea duty included USS Inchon (MCS 12), where he served as

legal officer and force protection officer; USS Detroit(AOE 4), where he was

legal officer; and USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), where he served in the legal de-

partment.

Stocklin entered active service in 1981 at the Great Lakes, Ill., Recruit

Training Center, receiving yeoman training at A School prior to reporting

to USS Peterson(DD 969) in 1982. He earned a legalman rating, attended

Naval Justice School, and served in the staff judge advocates office in New-

port, R.I. He is a native of Philadelphia, Pa.

Other shore assignments included a Naval Legal Service Office Detach-

ment in Corpus Christi, Texas, and the Senior Enlisted Academy in New-

port, R.I.

Stocklins personal awards include the Navy Commendation Medal (four

awards), the Navy Achievement Medal (two awards), and the Good Conduct

Medal (five awards).

CMDCM(SW) ROBERT W. STOCKLINCOMMAND MASTER CHIEF


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USS NEW YORKLPD 21

34

her husband was serving two separate tours as Secretary

of the Navy during 4.5 years between 2001 and 2006, she

devoted her time to the families of the men and women of

the Navy and Marine Corps, with particular emphasis on

their housing, medical care, and the other special needs of

our U.S. Navy and Marine Corps families. Presently she is

enjoying activities with her extended family, traveling, and

participating in community activities in Fort Worth.

As part of her role as the sponsor of USS New York, Mrs. Eng-

land also focused on the well-being of the shipyard workers

who were part of the ships construction team. She pointed outthat those workers, many of whom had their homes destroyed

and their families dispersed by Hurricane Katrina, had re-

mained undaunted in carrying out the important work of build-

ing not only a ship, but a tribute to the spirit of America and to

the spirit of New York.

In 2003, Mrs. England participated in the ceremonial pour-

ing of 7.5 tons of steel salvaged from the World Trade Center

Twin Towers to form USS New Yorks bow stem. She also offici-

ated over the keel laying of the ship in 2004.

When asked to describe her role as the sponsor of USS New

York. Mrs. England put strong emphasis on the future:

While part of USS New Yorks motto is Never Forget, its

very important to think in terms of this ships future and her

important role in the defense of the United States. The men

and women of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps who will go to

sea in USS New Yorkembody the first half of the ships motto:

Strength Forged through Sacrifice, and they deserve every bit

of support we can give them in the coming days and years. They

are the best our nation has to offer, and they will be involved in

difficult and at times dangerous tasks, and I will do my part

in seeing that they continue to get the support they need and

deserve. The last lines of that promise reflect the final part of

the traditional role of a ships sponsor: remain in contact with

the ships crew in the future.

With the words of that time-honored naval ceremony, includ-

ing the accompanying expression of hope for the safety of

those who defend our country on and from the sea, the wife of

then-Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England brought a

new ship another significant step closer to becoming an official

part of the United States Navy.

With her words, England was leading a traditional obser-

vance that has been an essential step in making a ship an of-

ficial unit of the United States Navy since the nations founding

more than two centuries ago. In this instance it was a ship with

a very special link to 9-11 and New Yorkers.

Following the ceremony at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding

in Avondale, La., she added a personal note:

For me it is a humbling and profound honor to represent

the victims, their families, and the heroes of 9-11, the people

of New York, and all Americans in sponsoring this ship. Navy

tradition says that during christening the ship receives the

spirit of the sponsor. But with this unique ship, we now give

it not only my spirit but the spirit of the 9/11 heroes, the spirit

of New Yorkers, and the indomitable American spirit. We will

keep that same spirit in our hearts and minds forever. We

will never forget our heroes and their loved ones, and we will

never forget all those who stand on watch today to preserve

our freedoms and libert ies.

England is a native of Maryland and is a proud resident of

Fort Worth, Texas. She and her husband met when they were

students at the University of Maryland, and they were married

in the campus chapel. She and former Secretary England

have three grown children and three grandchildren. During

her husbands service in Washington, she divided her time

between Texas and Virginia and took an active interest

in community and cultural affairs in both locations. While

DOROTHYHENNLEIN

ENGLAND

With a firm two-handed swing, the bottle

shattered and the Champagne sprayed over

the bow of a ship with a unique place in

history from her very beginning. The future

USS New Yorks sponsor, Dotty England,

spoke the essential words: In honor of thecity, the state, and the people of New York and

in the name of the United States of America,

I christen thee New York. May God bless this

ship and all who sail in her.

USS New York Sponsor


37/188

T&CO.

2009

TIFFANY & CO.

CONGRATULATES

THE OFFICERS AND CREW OF

USS NEW YORK(

LP D -2 1)


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37

LPD 21USS NEW YORK

SHIPMATE

American Legion, St. Stanislaus Memorial Post 1771,

Brooklyn, N.Y.

Mr. Kenneth Anderson, USNR (Ret.)

Mr. Arthur S. Bookbinder

Ms. Martha Duncan and Ms. Maggie ThompsonEWA Technologies, Inc.

Fleet Reserve Association Branch 115, Bethlehem, Pa.

Albert Fried & Company, LLC

Mr. and Mrs. F. Thomas Jones

Mr. Timothy Jones

Mr. Michael A. Kling

Mr. J. Robert Lunney

Mr. Michael Luper

Mrs. Marilyn McLellan

Marine Corps League, ET Brisson Detachment, Naples, Fla.

Marine Corps League Troy, New York Detachment

Naval Reserve Association,

ENS James Burke Chapter, Larchmont, N.Y.

Omni FinancialMr. Raymond Saleeby

Mr. Kevin Wensing

NEW YORK CREW MEMBER

Mr. William Adelaar

American Legion, Board of Education Post 1088, Bronx, N.Y.

American Legion, Dan OConnell Post 272

American Legion, Patrick J. Salessio Post 1310,

Staten Island, N.Y.

American Legion, Samuel H. Young Post

American Legion Watkins-Kellett Post 277, Staten Island, N.Y.

Capt. Robert S. Bazan, USN

Mr. Bryan Birch

Catholic War Veterans Post 1934, Staten Island, N.Y.Catholic War Veterans, Eugene L. Kelley Post 1937,

Pine Bush, N.Y.

Capt. Matthew Coffey, USNR (Ret.)

Commander, Naval Enlisted Reserve Association 3rd District

COMSACO, Inc.

Mr. and Mrs. Donald P. Dillon

Mr. Bernard Eldredge

Mr. John Festa

Fleet Reserve Association Branch 226, Staten Island, N.Y.

Fleet Reserve Association, Long Island Branch 071

Fleet Reserve Association, James R. Smith, RVPNE

FRA, NERA, AL, Scranton, Pa.

Mrs. Antonia Fontana

Mr. Timothy Forbes

Radioman 1st Class Richard K. Hadley, USN (Ret.)

Mr. John M. Harrington

Joe Buff Incorporated

Korean War Veterans Association Chapter 171, Brooklyn, N.Y.

Korean War Veterans Association, Rockland County

Korean War Veterans, Central Long Island Chapter

Ladies Auxiliary, FRA Northeast, Manchester, N.J.

Ladies Auxiliary, FRA Unit 124, Lakehurst, N.J.

Ladies Auxiliary, FRA Unit 226

Dr. and Mrs. Michael Langan

Marine Corps League, Catskill Detachment

Masonic War Veterans Post 6, Staten Island, N.Y.Mr. James V. Mazzone, Sr.

Mr. Albert Menendez

Naval Enlisted Reserve Association, USS Briarcliff Chapter,

Staten Island, N.Y.

Nicholas & Lence Communications LLC

Northeast New York State Chapter of the Chosin Few, Inc.

Mr. Jose Noyes

Mr. Benedict P. Reyes

Mr. John Reynolds

Ms. Melissa S. Ryan

Mr. and Mrs. Sanderson

Mr. Phillip Sattler

Ms. Kathleen Shear

Mr. Larry SlackMr. Andres Tous

United Staten Island Veterans Organization

Veterans of Foreign Wars, Argonne Marine Park Post 107,

Brooklyn, N.Y.

Veterans of Foreign Wars, Ridgewood Post 123

Mr. Benedict J. Vilardo

Mr. and Mrs. Viviano

Mr. Russell Warshay

Ms. Alice White

Mr. Adrienne Zysman

FRIENDS

Anheuser-Busch

AT&T

Empire State Building

Genpak

Gray Line New York

Hard Rock Cafe New York

I Love NY

L&B Spumoni Gardens

McDonalds

Mini Cards NYC

Modells Sporting Goods

NYC & Company

New Yorker Hotel

New York Marriott Downtown

New York Marriott Marquis

PepsiCo

Planet Hollywood

Silverstein Properties

Starbright Floral Designs

ToysRUs


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HESS CORPORATION


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39

LPD 21USS NEW YORK

SPONSOR

Dorothy Hennlein England

CHAIRMAN

Robert Wood Johnson IV

CO-CHAIRMAN & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Rear Adm. Robert A. Ravitz, USN (Ret.)

VICE- CHAIRMEN

Matthew J. Harrington

Merrill Lynch

Harold Z. Steinbrenner

DIRECTOR

Capt. Sally C. McElwreath, USN (Ret.)

FINANCE

Cmdr. Peter D. Galasinao, USN (Ret.)Richard T. Kenney

PROJECT COORDINATOR

Peter A. Wolkowski

WORKING COMMITTEES

Fund Raising: Erik K. Olstein, Chairman. Joseph Benaroya,Senior Chief James E. Brown, USN (Ret.), BMCM(SW) Eugene Culligan, USN (Ret.),

The Hon. Steven S. Honigman, Councilwoman Sheila MarcotteSpecial Events: Jenna Marrone, Chairwoman. Christopher Hughes, Kerri Giovanelli

Crew/Family Event Coordination: Jenna Marrone and Donald H. Rullman Sr., co-chairs.Larry Bamberger, Ira Goldberg, John Romanovsky

Media:Christopher MittendorfWeb Site:JOC Kerry E. Smith, USNR (Ret.), James Barker, Merrilly Noeth

Sponsor Relations:John R. Dillard, Chairman. Peter A. WolkowskiGovernment Liaison: Capt. Christopher P. Boylan, USN (Ret.)

INTREPID Sea, Air & Space Museum Liaison: Lisa YaconielloInternal Ship Theme: Capt. Frank Pascual, USN

Advertising:Anthony DeVitoGifts:Richard H. Wagner

Committee Members

Jennifer Adams, Rob Binns, Lt. Col. Robert Black, NYNM, Bryan Birch, Larry Brennan, Lu Caldara,Rear Adm. Joseph F. Callo, USNR (Ret.), Phil Crosland, Chris DeVito, Joan Donovan,

Linda Federici, Steven Forsyth, Robert Haggerty, Matthew Higgins, The Hon. John G. Ingram,Ross Jobson, Jonathan Jones, Clarice Joynes, William Kraus, Lee Ielpi, The Hon. Vincent I. Leibell,

Steve Loevsky, J. Robert Lunney, James Mazzone, Debbi McCallam, James D. McDonough,Capt. Andrew McGovern, Capt. Henry Mahlmann, Jack McDermott,Roger Newman, Richard Othmer, Rear Adm. Robert A. Rosen, NYNM, Ralph Slane, Kenneth Sparks,

Thomas Spina, Dr. Daniel M. Thys, MD, Capt. Kevin Wensing, USN (Ret.), Ken Winkler

Navy Commissioning Coordinator

William Huesmann

Commissioning Protocol

Janice Comber

USS NEW YORKCOMMISSIONING COMMITTEE


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41

LPD 21USS NEW YORK

It was a warm, crystal clear morning on March 1, 2008, as guests gathered at

Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding in Avondale, La. They were at the shipyard for

the christening of USS New York(LPD 21). There was a special anticipation in

the air that you could feel. The speeches and the music punctuated regularly

by heartfelt applause moved briskly. As the ship rode comfortably at her

mooring lines, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead distilled her

mission into a few words: to be globally positioned and to take the fight forward.


MARK OF WARRIORS

Then came the climax. New Yorks sponsor Dotty

Hennlein England gave a determined swing, shatter-

ing the Champagne bottle on the ships bow. Then

she followed quickly with an historic declaration and

an ancient blessing: I christen thee New York. God-

speed to all who sail in her.

A Special Mark

The bow of the ship towered up and over the of-

ficial party during the christening ceremony, and

there were two things that were very special about

that bow. The first was that it contains seven and a

half tons of steel reclaimed from the World Trade

Center after 9/11. The second was a small reproduc-

tion of New Yorks coat of arms generally referred to

as the ships crest that had been fixed to the ships

bow for the ceremony.

Its hard to image anyone focusing on the small

crest in the excitement of the moment. Few perhaps

nobody actually thought about its importance to

the men and women who would take New York to

sea. But the details of that crest are very significant.

Those who will bring New York to life at the moment

of commissioning in the United States Navy and

those who follow them in her crew will surely shape

a true character for their ship day by day. But the

crest is the beginning of that process. And it will

also be an ongoing reminder of how and why this

special ship came to be.

The tradition of the coat of arms goes back thou-

sands of years, appearing first in Egypt, before the

recorded dynasties of the pharaohs. In those dim

early times, the predecessor to the coat of arms was

called a serekh, and it was used to identify mili-

tary allegiances as well as the products of different

groups. The use of coats of arms for towns, families,

military units, and kings and queens burgeoned

during medieval times, and that usage continues to-

day as a distinctive mark for ships of the U.S. Navy.


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42

Today, and among other things, a

ships crest reminds us of the individual-

ity of each Navy vessel. Those ships may

be manufactured in colossal shipyardassembly lines, they may be part of a

class of similar ships, and they may fre-

quently be ordered about in squadrons

or fleets, but any sailor will tell you that

each ship takes on a distinct personality

all its own.

Connections

Toward the top of USS New Yorks

crest there is a cluster of elements that

connect the ship with New York State and

New York City. First, there are seven gold-

en rays of light, representing the seven

rays of light projecting from the crown of

the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor.

And there is a coincidence in the number

of light rays and the seven seas that will

be New Yorks domain. Then there is a

depiction of the hills and lakes of New

York State, along with curved rows of ma-

ple leaves, all adapted from the official

seal of New York State.

Beneath the cluster of items repre-

sentative of New York State and New

York Cit y, there is a shield. With in the

shield there is a gray chevron pointed

upward, representing New Yorks bow,

which contains the steel from the TwinTowers. There also are two gray bars

representing the Twin Towers. A phoe-

nix is depicted rising from the flames

of the 9/11 attack. On the phoenixs

breast there is a small shield with two

drops of blood that represent the sac-

rifice of life of the first responders, as

well as blue, red, and light blue stripes

representing the New York Police De-

partment, the Fire Department of New

York, and the Port Author ity of New

York and New Jersey respectively.

Three stars symbolize the three battle

stars earned by the battleship New

York (BB 34) during the Atlantic and

Pacific actions of World War II.

Behind the shield there are crossed

swords; one is a ceremonial sword for a

U.S. Marine enlisted person and the oth-

er is a ceremonial sword for a U.S. Navy

enlisted person. The crossed swords

focus on the historic importance of the

enlisted men and women of the Navy

and the Marine Corps. They also re-

mind us of the important links between

the Navy and Marine Corps. Finally, the

traditional Navy colors of blue and gold

are prominent in the crest, with blue

representing the sea and gold symbol-

izing excellence.

Food for Thought

The words Never Forget are embla-

zoned at the bottom of the crest. Those

words are the second half of New Yorks

motto: Strength Forged through Sac-

rifice. Never Forget. Those six words

carry a double message.

There is appropriate emphasis on the

importance of remembering the attack

on innocent civilians on 9/11 as well as

those who responded with great cour-

age on that day, running toward danger

and their duty when everyone else was

running away from peril.

Of equal importance, the statement is

also forward looking. It reminds us of the

special strength of the men and women

who will take USS New Yorkto sea now

and in the future in defense of their

country and their fellow citizens.

With thousands observing, Dotty H. England (right), ships sponsor, triumphantly raises the Champagne bottle she used to christen LPD 21, New York. The fifth Northrop

Grumman-built amphibious transport dock ship of the San Antonio class contains 7.5 tons of World Trade Center steel in her bow. Joining England in celebration are

(left to r ight) U.S. Navy Cmdr. F. Curtis Jones, LPD 21s prospective commanding officer; her husband, then-Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England; and Northrop

Grumman Shipbuilding President Mike Petters.


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On this special day, the familiesand friends of those we lost at the

Pentagon on September 11, 2001 risetogether to salute the crew and missionof the U.S.S. New York.

We stand with you in our beliefthat patriotism is a moral duty; thatfreedom must be defended; and that a

vigorous defense of freedom is the onlyguarantee of Americas enduring liberty.

The terrorist attacks on September 11, 200l took more than 3,000

lives in New York City, Shanksville, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.

The Pentagon Memorial Fund, Inc. was organized by the families of

victims to build and maintain a quiet, dignified shrine of reflection to

remember and honor the 184 men, women and children who lost their

lives in attack on the Pentagon.

Officially dedicated on September 11, 2008, the Pentagon

Memorial reminds visitors that every one of these lost lives was special their dreams cut short, their loved ones left behind. The Pentagon

Memorial will remind all who visit that patriotism is a moral duty; that

freedom comes at a price; and that the victims of the September attacks

paid the ultimate price.

The Pentagon Memorial is now complete, but critical resources

are still needed to preserve and maintain it for future generations of

visitors from around the world. Your support today can ensure that new

generations always have a special place to visit, to learn about and reflect

on the events on September 11, 2001.

Returning the Salute.

Th P ntagon m rial Fun , Inc.isa 01()(3)non-profitorga izationestablis ed torais f n s e dtoc truct an ai tain in erpetuity the P ntagonMemorial.

pentagonmemorialfund remember. reflect. renew.

Please contribute on-line by going to:

www.pentagonmemorial.orgOr mail your tax-deductible gift to:

Pentagon Memorial Fund, Inc.P.O. Box 3879

Gaithersburg, MD 20885


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USS NEW YORKLPD 21

44

USS New York(LPD 21) is also about the size of a young bat-

tleship. The famous Royal Navy battleship Dreadnought and

Germanys feared Graf Spee in World War II displaced less

tonnage. Her length of 684 feet is 110 feet longer than her be-hemoth World War II namesake, the battleship New York (BB

34). Today she arms herself with 30 mm chain guns and Roll-

ing Airframe Missile launchers instead of 14-inch guns; and

she carries a multitude of technologies that would bewilder

the builders of the old battlewagon. Yet New Yorks four super-

charged diesel engines give her a top speed nearly twice that

of comparable ships of the World War II engine era, with the

smooth handling of a speedboat.

USS New Yorkis special in another way, as well. In her bow

she carries 7.5 tons of steel melted down from the ruins of the

World Trade Center. Everywhere she goes she will be a visible

and defiant reminder of the 3,000 lives lost in the attack eight

years ago on 9/11: the worst attack ever suffered on American

soil.

New Yorks motto is Strength Forged through Sacrifice.

Never Forget. Her mission is force projection in the 21st cen-

tury. This is a ship built for action on a truly global scale.

She is designed to transport and land some 800 Marines,

plus their equipment and supplies, using LCAC air cushion

landing craft and EFVs, or Expeditionary Fighting Vehicles,

which travel as efficiently on land as they do at sea. These she

can carry in her 24,000 square feet of vehicle deck space,

along with an LCU (Landing Craft Utility), which can transport

three M1A1 Abrams battle tanks at a time. In addition, shell

offer a ride to more Marines using various combinations of MV-

22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, CH-53 Super Stallion helicopters, or

CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters, from her flight deck.

Historically, the U.S. Navys mission has dictated the shape

of every naval vessel bearing the name New York. There was

the gunboat of the American Revolution that served on strategi-

cally important Lake Champlain and the frigate that protected

U.S. commerce in the Mediterranean during the Quasi-War

with France. There was a 74-gun ship of the line built for a Navy

of wooden walls and iron men, when America sought to defend

herself from possible European adversaries. There was an ar-

mored cruiser commissioned in 1893, on the eve of the building

of the Panama Canal and creation of Americas first blue-water

fleet. Then came the battleship New York (BB 34), which was

USS NEW YORK:

A NEW SHIP,A NEW MISSION,A NEW RESOLVE

A San Antonio-class amphibious transport

dock (or LPD) is an impressive sight at sea or

in port. She may not have the majestic pres-

ence of a fleet aircraft carrier or the sleek

lines of an Aegis destroyer. But her broad,

confident bulk sits easy in the water; her mas-

sive twin masts stand proudly against the sky.

By Arthur Herman


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45

LPD 21USS NEW YORK

commissioned in 1917 and which served with distinction in two

world wars.

New York (LPD 21) is the sixth U.S. Navy ship to carry that

name and fifth in her class of amphibious transport dock ships,

which are an essential part of the new face of amphibious/ex-

peditionary warfare in the 21st century.

Once upon a time, amphibious/expeditionary warfare was

the neglected stepchild of naval strategy.

Americans have always been superb at putting fighting men

into action on land from the sea. The Navys first major amphibi-

ous operation came during the Mexican War in 1847, when its

ships landed more than 13,000 troops at Vera Cruz. It was the

single largest number of American soldiers to disembark on

hostile foreign soil until D-Day in World War II.

That latter war also saw the famous Marine amphibious as-

saults at Tarawa, Iwo Jima, Saipan, and a host of other lesser

islands. And of course, the Navy and Army joined forces in the

biggest and most famous amphibious attack of them all: D-Day,

on June 6, 1944.

A successful amphibious landing could change the course

of a war, as D-Day proved, and later Gen. Douglas MacArthurs

daring landing at Inchon during the Korean War. However, un-

less they achieved complete surprise, these old-fashioned fron-

tal assault landings were also highly risky.

Putting large numbers of men ashore in the presence of

an enemy left both men and ships exposed and vulnerable.

Lengthy bombardments from naval guns or from airplanes

were necessary to reduce enemy positions along the beach,

The future USS New York(LPD 21) during builders trials, a major piece of a new amphibious paradigm.


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USS NEW YORKLPD 21

46

and to secure approaches to the beachhead. The air bombard-

ment before the Marines stormed Iwo Jima lasted nearly sixmonths. For three days before the final assault, five battleships

steadily pounded the island at a range of less than 3,000 yards

(by a strange twist of historical fate, one of those battleships

was BB 34 New York).

Even after that, Marines landed in a hailstorm of enemy fire

that killed or wounded nearly 2,312 men in the first 18 hours.

At Tarawa in 1943 less than 30 percent of the first wave of Ma-

rines even reached the beach. That entire three-day operation

cost the Marine Corps 1,000 killed and 2,000 wounded all

for an island of less than 3 square miles. A year later, the first

hours on Omaha Beach cost more than 3,000 men and dozens of

amphibious vehicles. Things looked so bleak from Gen. Omar

Bradleys flagship USSAugusta, that he contemplated calling a

halt to the entire Normandy invasion.

It was not just the men in the assault waves who suffered,

or the crews of the DUKWs and amphibious tractors (or am-

phtracs) who transported them. As they waited offshore, Navy

ships were just as vulnerable. At the Veracruz landings in 1847,

a sudden storm tore more than 20 ships loose from their anchor-

ages and ran them aground. During landings in World War II

at Salerno and Anzio, American and British ships came under

constant air attack by German planes. During operations off

Okinawa in 1945, no less than 26 ships were sunk by Japanese

kamikazes, and another 368 damaged.

Amphibious warfare was demanding in other ways. The term

implies a dual capability, meaning for use on land and at sea.However, it was hard to judge which should take precedence,

and no armed service ever felt entirely at home with the notion.

Naval strategy, for example, focused on the clash of fighting

ships at sea; or later, on aircraft carriers, the queen of battles,

and submarines and nuclear deterrence from under the waves.

Army and Marine commanders kept their minds on what hap-

pened on the beach and farther inland; they largely took the

Navys role as a glorified shuttle service, for granted.

Organizing a major amphibious landing was an exercise in

improvisation, and frustration. It meant having to come up with

suitable vehicles (like the swimming Sherman tanks devised

for D-Day, many of which sank), equipment, and tactics. It also

required a sharing of resources and coordination of leadership

among services with very different cultures and command

structures. This ensured that things rarely, if ever, went strictly

according to plan.

And at every stage, one question dominated every task force

commanders mind: will the beachhead we have just taken with

such a loss of lives and vehicles, hold? After all, the scene at

the beachhead could be fast and furious, confusing to men and

officers alike. Having to decide from scant or contradictory

information whether a seemingly disastrous assault like

Omaha Beach might actually be a success, could stretch a

commanders judgment to the breaking point. The heavy stakes

Landing Craft Air Cushioned (LCACs) from the Norfolk, Va.-based Assault Craft Unit Four, move between the amphibious assault ship San Antonioand Onslow Beach at

Camp Lejeune, N.C., as the ship offloaded Marines and their equipment after its seven-month inaugural deployment to the Persian Gulf and Horn of Africa. The amazing

LCACs, which fly over water and land, are one leg of LPD 21s amphibious triad.


49/188

L-3com.comC3ISR > GOVERNMENT SERVICES > AM&M > SPEC IALIZED PRODUCTS

Photo courtesy of Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding.

L-3 is honored to have contributed our systems and expertise to this outstanding new addition

to the U.S. Navys fleet. We wish the USS New York and its crew great success in the years

ahead. You will carry the spirit of New York wherever your mission may take you.

THE SEAS ARE SAFER THANKS TO

THE USS NEW YORK

CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES TO THE UNITED STATES

NAVY ON THE COMMISSIONING OF THE USS NEW YORK (LPD 21)


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Gordon M. Aamoth Jr.

Joseph P. Anchundia

Thomas M. Brennan

Mark J. Bruce

Timothy G. Byrne

Kathleen Hunt Casey

Judson J. Cavalier

Jeffrey M. Chairnof f

Thomas R. Clark

Christopher R. Clarke

Thomas J. Collins

James L. Connor

John Cooper

Frederick J. Cox

Kevin R. Crotty

Thomas G. Crotty

Welles R. Crowther

David A. DeFeo

Constantine Economos

Michael H. Edwards

John W. Farrell

Thomas J. Fitzpatrick

Christina Donovan Flannery

Howard G. Gelling Jr.

Evan H. Gillette

Thomas Glasser

Douglas J. Irgang

Allison Horstmann Jones

Robert A. Lawrence Jr.

John R. Lenoir

Alan P. Linton Jr.

Salvatore Lopes

Stuart S. Louis

Garry W. Lozier

Vita M. Marino

Kevin D. Marlo

Kenneth M. McBrayer

John F. McDowell Jr.

Stacey Sennas McGowan

Daniel W. McNeal

Sharon Moore-Mohammed

James D. Munhall

Christopher Newton-Carter

Diana J. OConnor

J. Andrew OGrady

Peter J. ONeill Jr.

Christopher T. Orgielewicz

Debra Paris

Christopher Quackenbush

A. Todd Rancke

David H. Rice

John M. Rodak

Mark H. Rosen

Kristin Irvine Ryan

Frank G. Salvaterra

Michael V. San Phillip

Herman S. Sandler

Susan Kennedy Schuler

Davis G. Sezna Jr.

Linda J. Sheehan

Craig A. Silverstein

Bruce E. Simmons

Jeffrey R. Smith

Colleen M. Supinski

Richard J. Todisco

Kevin M. Williams

Alan L. Wisniewski

Martin P. Wohlforth

John W. Wright Jr.

Julie Zipper

We salute the men and women of USS New York (LPD21) as they sail in defense of freedom.

USS NEW YORKLong may she carry the memory of those we lost and love.

Sandler ONeill + Partners, L.P.

We will never forget them.


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49

LPD 21USS NEW YORK

of success or failure prior to the British landings at Gallipoli in

1915 forced one admiral to resign in a state of nervous collapse.

No wonder Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower wrote out a letter of

resignation as Allied Supreme Commander the day before the

Normandy invasion, just in case the landings failed. And no

wonder President Harry S Truman preferred to drop the atomic

bomb to force Japan to surrender at the end of World War II,

rather than risk the horrendous American casualties that an

amphibious invasion of Japan would have cost (Japanese navy

planners estimated that kamikazes alone could wipe out 30 to

50 percent of the Allied invasion fleet).

Today, the old paradigm is gone, along with Mae West life

vests and DUKWs. Contemporary amphibious warfare, known

more accurately as expeditionary warfare, is no longer impro-

vised or undersized or precariously perched between victory

and disaster. In fact, the new joint-force, combined arms expe-

ditionary era, of which USS New York(LPD 21) is an essential

part, is going to set the new paradigm for al l warfare in the 21st

century.

This marks a sea change in military thinking. For all its risks

and costs, the Navy, Army, Marines, and Air Force used to see

the amphibious battlefield as only a transitional phase between

their normal modes of engaging the enemy on the land, at sea,

or in the air. The beachhead itself was a temporary foothold be-

fore men and machines got down to the real business of fight-

ing farther inland, and before ships returned to their normal

duties at sea.

A globalizing age has forced military strategists to envision

a very different scenario. It can be summed up as continuous

forward deployment. In an era in which dire threats can mate-

rialize with dizzying speed at any point on the globe, from pi-

racy and terrorism to natural disasters like the 2003 tsunami in

the Indian Ocean, the U.S. Navy will need a steady and strong

forward-presence posture in order to be the first responder. Its

Expeditionary Strike Groups are the foundation of this capa-

bility. The new amphibious transport dock ships like USS New

Yorkare the building blocks on which that foundation is built.

In the new paradigm of expeditionary warfare, Navy amphib-

ious assault ships enable the Marine Corps to set its mobility

triad in motion. These are the air-cushioned LCACs, which can

transport 24 Marines and 60 tons of their equipment into battle;

the EFVs, which can hit the beach with 17 troops on board and

An HH-60H Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Tridents of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) 3 takes off from the flight deck of USS San Antonio (LPD 17)

during a vertical replenishment with the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Tippecanoe(T-AO 199). San Antoniowas the flagship of Combined

Task Force 151, a multinational task force established to conduct counter-piracy operations in and around the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, and the Red Sea.

San Antonios use as flagship on the deployment confirms the advanced command and control and other capabilities of the San Antonio class, of which New Yorkis a

part. This photo also shows the very large flight deck and hangar area of the class.


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USS NEW YORKLPD 21

50

drive inland at speeds up to 45 mph; and the new vertical take-

off, tilt-rotor aircraft known as the Osprey, which has a combat

range of more than 400 miles and can put up to 32 Marines into

action at a time.

The new amphibious transport dock will allow an Amphibi-

ous Ready Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit or ARG/MEU to

project American power just about anywhere from the sea and

then withdraw; or if need be remain on station over the hori-

zon and out of sight to watch and wait for a crisis to dissipate;

or alternately, to move in to dominate and control events.

At the typical ARG/MEUs core is a cruiser-destroyer squad-

ron consisting of an Aegis cruiser, Aegis destroyer, and a frig-

ate; a submarine; and the ships of the Amphibious Readiness

Group proper. These include an amphibious assault ship (LHA)

carrying a formidable combination of helicopters and vertical

take off aircraft; a landing ship dock (LSD); and one or more

LPDs like New Yorkor one of her sister ships, plus the men,

tanks, and equipment of a Marine Expeditionary Unit or MEU:

some 2,200 Marines in all. These in turn can be augmented by

special operations forces, including Navy SEALs and Marine

Force Reconnaissance detachments.

Once set in motion, the ARG/MEU is a smooth, well-oiled

machine geared for forward deployment and force projection.

It involves a seamless coordination of ships, Marines, and air

support into a single integrated battle force, ready to move into

action from 200 miles at sea to 150 miles inland.

What will be the new face of amphibious operations? While

submarines clear the water ahead of the strike group, un-

manned aerial vehicles (UAVs) circle overhead providing infor-

mation on the enemys positions and capabilities. Aircraft like

the AV-8B Harrier II and AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopters

provide 360 degree protection from the air as Marines load up

in their LCACs, EFVs, and Ospreys some 20 miles from their

target even as special operations teams are flown in by Os-

preys or landed covertly in LCACs in order to reconnoiter the

situation on the ground, disable enemy defenses, or secure key

positions in advance.

Within an hour or two the first Marines are landing not as

exposed targets on the beach but snug and secure in their

armored EFVs as they move quickly from the shore and drive

inland to dominate and control vital strategic points. At the

same time, satellite links enable the Navys Force Net system

to convey images of the assault to, and maintain real-time com-

munications with, the strike groups commander and his staff in

his combat information center (CIC), as well as a multitude of

status screens at the Pentagon and the White House.

In the new expeditionary warfare, the old beachhead con-

cept is gone, along with many risks and uncertainties. Instead,

Representing two generations of Marine Corps rotary-wing aircraft, a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter completes a landing near a V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft aboard the

amphibious transport dock USS San Antonio(LPD 17). San Antoniowas conducting several tests in the Atlantic Ocean using the Osprey and Sea Knight to determine

what these aircraft are capable of doing with the Navys newest class of amphibious transport dock ships.


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USS NEW YORKLPD 21

52

a coordinated combined arms warfare approach enables the

Navy and Marines to control the tempo of the operation fromstart to finish. And since the amphibious fleet may be dozens

of miles from the objective, and since there is no prolonged

naval bombardment, the enemy have no idea when the Marines

are coming or where they will strike. Even when it is operat-

ing alone, USS New Yorkwill be able to deploy EFVs, LCACs,

and Ospreys from sea to shore to points inland with a seamless

speed that will surprise and frustrate our foes just as it reas-

sure friends and neutrals on the ground.

In fact, the new expeditionary paradigm dissolves the differ-

ence between land and sea fighting, creating a true joint hybrid

form of warfare. The same hybrid effect can be seen in the

new technologies that are vital to it. The EFV is an amphibi-

ous assault vehicle like its World War II ancestors the DUKW

and amphtrac. But it is also an armed and dangerous light tank

free to maneuver many miles inland. The Osprey is a tilt-rotor

aircraft that is half a helicopter and half a twin-engine aircraft,

able to transport Marines into the combat zone and then carry

the wounded, or move civilians, out of harms way.

Likewise, the new New York will be connected to a joint

command and control system that dissolves the old conflict be-

tween the different services cultures and resources. In fact,

the ARG/MEU can be commanded by a Navy admiral or a Ma-

rine general, since both wil l know what the other services men

and resources can do, and what they can accomplish together.

Backed by a lean core staff of no more than 12 members, this

marks a major breakthrough in joint arms warfare and inter-service cooperation.

All this is made possible by the Navys new communications

technology, or Force Net, which has in effect linked every ves-

sel into a single integrated network. It is apparent everywhere

you go on USS New York, where 500 miles of electrical cable

service the computer systems that make it one of the smartest

ships afloat.

Step into her combat information center, and you are as close

to the bridge of the starship Enterpriseas youll ever be. Com-

puter screens and video displays surround you on all sides,

monitoring every aspect of the ships position, weaponry, and

performance. Force Net also enables commanders half a world

away to see what her captain sees in the CIC, and monitor the

ships progress as she sails into port or sails into the battle

zone.

The same internal net system allows New Yorks engineers

to drive her four supercharged diesels and check their status,

not just on the bridge or in the engine room, but from a variety

of points in the ship. Damage control officers use the same sys-

tem to check electrical relays and watch for warning signs of

a possible fire outbreak or other threats to the ship. Add in the

unceasing round of damage and fire control drills; special anti-

chemical and anti-bio warfare equipment; and anti-terrorist

force protection training exercises involving every member of

The Marine Corps EFV is several times faster in water than its predecessors, representing a game-changing capability in amphibious tracked vehicles. On land, its speed,

agility, networking capabilities, and firepower make it a formidable fighting vehicle.


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We Will Never Forget.Deloitte is proud to

congratulate the

United States Navy on

the commissioning of t

USS New York.


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55

LPD 21USS NEW YORK

the crew, and USS New Yorkis not only a smart but a safe and

secure vessel for everyone on board.The weapons, warfare, and technology at this level of sophis-

tication demand a skilled and motivated crew. When you meet

the men and women of USS New York, you realize that they are

switched-on in the best, military sense of the word: alert, fo-

cused, and confident even under adverse circumstances. New

Yorks Executive Officer Cmdr. Erich Schmidt, has guided

them through every step of their pre-commissioning training.

Ive watched this crew come together for almost two years,

he said, they are truly the best America, and the Navy, have

to offer.

The crew comes from a variety of backgrounds and from

a spread of states from Hawaii and Kansas to New York. But

all share a dedication to their work, to their service, and to

the New York Navy tradition. The building and christening

of this New Yorkhas enabled them to meet and stay in touch

with the World War II veterans who served in the old BB 34

battleship, and who wear the same USS New Yorkball cap

with pride.

However, there is also a special pride in serving in LPD 21:

its direct ties to 9/11 and its legacy for this country. For many, it

was 9/11 that got them into the Navy in the first place or kept

them in it. Chief Petty Officer Keenan Gresham, for example,

was headed for retirement after 22 years in the Navy when the

planes hit the Twin Towers. I knew then we were at war, he

recalled. He put off retirement, and swung back into active ser-

vice with an extra sense of purpose and will. Now, to actuallyserve on board the Twin Towers ship is, Gresham admitted,

the highlight of a two-decade-long career.

Other sailors and officers feel the same. One said he knows

he will have other tours of duty on other ships, after New York.

But hell always ask himself, Will they be as good as my first

ship, LPD 21?

Others have an even more personal connection. Her skipper,

Cmdr. F. Curtis Jones, is a native New Yorker; Yeoman 2nd Class

Aaron Palacio was sitting in his high school class in Manhattan

on Sept. 11, 2001, when his stunned teacher had to tell her stu-

dents that the World Trade Center had just been attacked.

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Kevin Muses high school

teacher had a brother who was in the WTC when the planes

hit. Both of Muses grandfathers had been in the Navy, but the

incident galvanized his decision to join. It gave me a chance

to fight back, he said.

Muse originally chose to fight back as part of the Marines,

and served a full tour of duty in Iraq. That gave him a chance to

see the war on terror up close and personal, and see American

courage and resolve in action. They tried to break our spirit

on 9/11, Muse added, but it didnt work. Now he has a chance

to vindicate the sacrifice of 9/11 in an even more direct way.

At least two members of New Yorks fire and damage con-

trol team know that sacrifice, as well. At her firefighting train-

Sailors aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga(LSD 46) launch a Landing Craft Utility (LCU) during training exercises. LCUs are also employed by am-

phibious transport dock ships like the New York, and can carry three M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks or more than 400 Marines at a time.


58/188

CORNELL

PO Box 807, Woodbury, NJ 08096

www.cornellcraneandsteel.com


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57

LPD 21USS NEW YORK

ing school, Damage Controlman 3rd Class Christina Gallegosworked with civilian firefighters who knew 9/11 firsthand. Fire-

fighters from as far away as Norfolk, Va., and Washington, D.C.,

had been summoned to help to fight the conflagration. Many

had colleagues who had died there.

These civilian firefighters were, she said, a constant source

of awe and inspiration to her. For Gallegos, serving in the ship

made from steel from those Twin Towers is a matter of supreme

pride.

Damage Controlman 1st Class (SW/AW) Bershers has

watched firefighters working with steel from the Twin Towers:

men from his grandfathers fire station in Long Island making

crosses at the request of victims families, after they them-

selves fought the horrific blaze in vain. Bershers is a career

Navy man as well as a New York native; USS New Yorkis going

to be his seventh ship. Bershers had planned to be in lower

Manhattan on that fateful September 11, on leave with friends:

I would have been seven blocks away, he remembers, when

the planes hit.

Instead, his leave was canceled and he remembers the wave

of emotion that swept over him when he heard the news back

in Norfolk. He tried desperately to go to New York City to help

in the volunteer effort, but he was ordered to stay: The whole

base [Norfolk Naval Station] was in lockdown at the time. How-

ever, like many on the crew he fought long and hard to get a

berth in LPD 21. At his own expense, he drove down to NewOrleans to attend the ships christening. Serving in USS New

Yorkis more than the culmination of 18 years in the Navy; for

Bershers, it is a personal mission.

Finally, there is Personnelman Specialist Seaman Dupree.

Shes from Kansas, but comes from a Kenyan family.

She had heard the news of 9/11 on the radio, when it really

hit home what this country meant to her. I had to give back to

the society that has changed so many peoples lives for the bet-

ter, including her own family, she said with quiet pride. I knew

I needed to join the military.

Like the rest of the crew of USS New York, Dupree knows the

terrorists hate us for not for what America has done wrong, but

for what it has done right as a haven of prosperity, freedom, and

liberty for all peoples of all races and religions. Serving in this

ship is her way of thanking America for extending a helping

hand to her, a legacy for my children and family, and a way to

remember the thousands who unexpectedly paid the ultimate

sacrifice for freedom on 9/11.

The motto is: Strength Forged through Sacrifice. Never for-

get. As New Yorks skipper Jones said: The men and women

of USS New Yorkwill never forget. Nor will we. And we will

always feel grateful for these men and womens brave dedi-

cated service and the ship that proudly carries them across

the seas.

The amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall(LSD 50), the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio(LPD 17), and the guided-missile destroyer USS

Roosevelt(DDG 80) transit the Atlantic Ocean. Carter Hall, San Antonio,and Rooseveltwere deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group, which was

supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. Navys 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. Expeditionary Strike Groups can project American combat power

from the sea to almost any place on Earth.


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USS NEW YORKLPD 21

58

He sought easy passage to the Orient. What he found was

something quite different: Passage to the interior of a vast wilder-

ness that time and toil would transform into an American state of

the first rank by some standards, a great nation in its own right.

New York, in its 50-million-square-mile entirety, is a study in

physical contrast, cultural conflict and hopeful aspiration. Its

history parallels Americas indeed, in some ways American

history begins in New York.

Hudson could push Halve Maen, scarcely 85 feet long, only

to present-day Albany, 150 miles upriver from the great bay tothe south. Beyond that, travel along the Hudson all the way to

its wellspring, Lake Tear of the Clouds, deep in the Adirondack

high peaks was by Iroquois canoe, or by foot.

That would change.

The first Europeans most of them mapmakers had quick-

ly grasped the strategic character of the Hudson River-Lake

George-Lake Champlain corridor. Armies French, English,

American moved up and down its length for decades. And

so it was not by happenstance that in the autumn of 1777, a Brit-

ish invasion force under Gen. John Burgoyne was southbound

along the Hudson, intent on bisecting the fledgling American

revolution.

Battle was joined at Freemans Farm, and concluded at Be-

mis Heights, both overlooking the widening river at present-daySchuylerville. When the Battle of Saratoga was over, George

Washingtons ragtag army had gained international credibility

and an independent United States of America had become a

very real possibility.

And so it came to pass.

Soon Robert Fultons steam boats were plying the Hudson to

Albany, and railroads were running along its banks. A grand

canal was dug, linking the river to the Great Lakes, transport-

ing the Industrial Revolution first into the Mohawk Valley and

then to the vast interior of America transforming the entire

continent in the process.

New York, especially.

Tangible wealth, personal freedom and seemingly limitless

opportunity worked as magnets among the restless poor of Eu-

rope and beyond.

Waves of immigration broke over the state: first came the

Irish, Germans and Italians; then Eastern Europeans, Jews and

African-Americans and, most recently, newcomers from Cen-

tral and South America, Southwest Asia, the Caribbean Basin

and Africa.

This was and remains a fractious mix. But therein resides

the magic the genius of New York.

Its politics are contentious, and often corrosive but four

of its governors have gone on to the White House, including

the transformative Roosevelt cousins, and thats more than any

other state can claim.

Its economics can bewilder vast wealth arrayed conspicu-

ously alongside crippling poverty. But appearances deceive:

New Yorkers care for their own, and penniless new arrivals

through hard work, entrepreneurial spirit and an occasional

touch of good fortune are soon on their way to the economic

and cultural mainstream.

And nowhere more quickly than in New York City, where The

Bronx is still up, the Batterys still down, and the people stillride in a hole in the ground. After all these years, still a helluva

town.

There is friction; how could there not be. And theres been

wrack and riot across the decades because of it. But friction

generates energy, too, vast pools of it an essential raw mate-

rial for material success and cultural cohesion.

In that respect, New York is peerless.

The city can seem forbidding to newcomers. And in fact it is

not for everybody.

Yet those who arrive and l inger find it intoxicating, compel-

ling. Broadway. Museum Mile. Ruth and Mantle and Maris. The

Giants. The Jets. The 69 Mets. It may n

first responder - uss new york commissioning

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