The amphibious dock landing ship pre-commissioning unit (PCU) New York (LPD 21) transits New York Harbor past the Statue of Liberty Nov. 2. The ship has 7.5 tons of steel from the World Trade Center in her bow and will be commissioned Nov. 7 in New York City. U.S. Navy photo by MCC Eric M. Durie.

The crew brought the more than 80 DVs on board in Marine Corps CH-46 Seaknight helicopters.

They will remain on board for the transit into New York City Nov. 2.

“This is just unbelievable,“ said Rich Goldberg, a guest from DRS Technologies. “It's the experience of a lifetime for someone like me. My company makes a lot of the equipment for the military, and it's so great to get the chance to get out here and actually meet the men and women who use our products.“

Once aboard, Cmdr. Curtis Jones, the ship's commanding officer, personally welcomed the guests to the ship. Crew members then escorted guests to their quarters and provided them with a “Navy and Marine Corps 101“ brief held in the ship's chapel, which was followed by lunch and some interaction with the crew.

“I'm so glad we're finally here and get to show off all the hard work we've put into bringing this ship to life,“ said Hull Technician Fireman Apprentice Ty Ottbeiriger, an escort from the ship's “Crash and Smash“ team. “Being on this ship is like being part of a family, and we're really proud of the work we do.“

After lunch, the embarked Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force 26 provided the guests with their “Green“ tour. This included a hands-on tour of the cargo and well deck spaces which house embarked tanks, landing craft air cushions, amphibious assault vehicles and the Marine Corps' newest expeditionary fighting vehicles.

“This is a great evolution because it gives the guests a sense of what we do and how we do it,“ said Chief Information Systems Technician (SW⁄AW) Hakim Bristow, a group tour leader for the event.

Next, guests received a “Blue“ tour from Sailors on board. This interactive tour included an in-depth look at the Navy's newest innovations in crew living spaces, messing accommodations and the ship's bridge.

“Being here brings back a lot of memories from that day. I worked near the World Trade Center on 9⁄11 so it's great to be able to see this ship bring some of them home in a way,“ said Sean George, a guest from Deuschte Bank. “I was looking forward to this whole experience, but I'm most looking forward to the 21-gun salute as the ship passes ground zero tomorrow.“

Following the tours, guests again dined with crew members and were allowed the opportunity to visit the ship's store where future USS New York (LPD 21) memorabilia is available for purchase. The final event of the evening was an informal social mixer with the ship's crew, which included members of the embarked Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force 26.

“I served in Vietnam, and when we came home, it wasn't a very welcoming experience,“ said Tim Dolman, a guest from the New York Yacht Club. “New York is a very eclectic place, and it makes me feel good to see the men and women serving on this ship getting such a welcome homecoming. I think this will help give a sense of peace to many people who lost friends, neighbors and loved ones on that day.“

The ship is scheduled to sail up the Hudson River Nov. 2 and dock in New York City where city officials will welcome the future USS New York and its crew.

“I think the ship pulling in tomorrow is going to send the message that New York went down on 9⁄11, but they can't keep us down,“ said Bristow, also a native New Yorker.

This embark is an opportunity unlike any other, and few non-military personnel will ever get the chance these men and women did. To walk the passageways of this great ship, is to witness first-hand an epic part of U.S. Navy history.