Gosport - September 21, 2018 by Ballinger Publishing

PAGE

September 21, 2018

GOSPORT

Navy remembers 9/11, honors victims By Yonca Poyraz-Dogan Navy Office of Information Public Affairs

ASHINGTON (NNS) – The U.S. Navy community remembered 9/11 and honored those who lost their lives with somber tributes held across the United States and around the globe Sept. 11 as people paused to commemorate the events that changed the world. Special ceremonies were held on the three naval ships that bear the names of the 9/11 crash sites. Three years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 and injured more than 6,000 others when hijacked airplanes slammed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field near Shanksville in Somerset County, Pa., Sept. 11, 2001, the Navy announced it would commission three ships to honor victims and first responders. One of the commemorations was on the USS New York (LPD 21), named in honor of New York City where American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 crashed into the World Trade Center. “It’s really difficult to pause and take a break and for us to remember,” Capt. Brent DeVore, commanding officer of USS New York said during the ceremony. “But that is precisely what we must do ... We must never allow 9/11 to simply be a day when the flag flies at halfmast. Here we honor 9/11 every day.” USS New York, which was commissioned in 2009, has been

a vessel of remembrance and a force that fortifies the nation’s future with its motto: “Strength Forged Through Sacrifice – Never Forget.” The amphibious transport dock ship returned to homeport at Naval Station Mayport Sept. 19 last year, after it was deployed to various locations of duty. The ship had passed the World Trade Center site for the first time and gave the site a 21-gun salute Nov. 2, 2009. New York’s bow stem includes 7.5 tons of steel salvaged from the World Trade Center site. Sailors paid tribute to the 9/11 victims during ceremonies also aboard two other ships dedicated and named after the locations where 9/11 attacks occurred. USS Arlington (LPD 24), named in honor of Arlington County, Va., where American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the west wall of the Pentagon, carries a “Tribute Room” that includes a section of an I-Beam and remnants from the site. USS Arlington, whose motto is “Strength, Honor, Fortitude,” came to life April 6, 2013. Another U.S. Navy ship honoring the victims and first re-

Onboard NAS Pensacola, the events of Sept. 11, 2001, were marked with an observance in the base’s National Naval Aviation Museum. NASP Commanding Officer Capt. Christopher Martin provided opening remarks for the event, which was followed by a “Where Were You” tribute, a traditional “Two-Bell Ceremony” and the playing of “Taps,” performed by the NASP Honor Guard. Guest speakers were OSC Reginald Nero and MAC Daron Tyler, both of whom shared their recollections of Sept. 11, 2001. Photo by Mike O’Connor

sponders is USS Somerset (LPD 25). It was named for the county in Pennsylvania where United Airlines Flight

93 crashed into a field. The Somerset has 22 tons of steel in its bow stem from mining excavations present at the crash site.

Commissioned March 1, 2014, Somerset’s motto is “Let’s Roll!” which has a special significance. Todd Beamer, a passenger on Flight 93 had made an inflight call to a call center to report that their plane was hijacked. After prayers with the operator, he had left the phone, and his last words were, “Let’s roll,” to attempt a heroic action with some other passengers and the crew to stop the plane from reaching its intended target by forcing it to crash in Somerset County. Onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola, 60 chief petty officer selects, under the supervision of more than 120 chief petty officers from the Pensacola-area and Naval Air Station Pensacola Corry Station CPO Mess, participated in a 9/11 commemoration. Another observance took place at the National Naval Aviation Museum onboard the base. In the nation’s capital, the American flag was unfurled on the west side of the Pentagon near the 9/11 Memorial at sunrise Sept. 11 in recognition of the victims of the terrorist attacks. The U.S. Naval Academy Glee Band was ready at the observance ceremony at the Pentagon in front of the stars and stripes. As the country honored the lives that were lost and the courage exhibited by many people, flags were flown at half-staff, #NeverForget hashtag remained at top on Twitter for most of the day, remembrance walks or runs were held in various locations, and solemn statements came in from officials on the anniversary of the tragic day.

THE OPERA FASHION SHOW DECEMBER 4, 2018

Enrich your opera and date night wardrobes with a luncheon fashion show featuring celebrity models, evening gowns, and cocktail dresses with a pop-up vendor shopping area before the show. 10:00 AM | Early Entry Shopping and Silent Auction 11:00 AM | General Admission 11:30 AM | Lunch 12:00 PM | Fashion Show 1:00 PM | Raffle and Silent Auction Winners Announced Early Entry Price: $60 General Admission: $50

850.433.6737 PENSACOLAOPERA.COM

Keep Our Friends Safe

44602-0818 WSRE PM-BC Sept - StudioAmped.indd 1

8/21/18 9:39 AM

Adopt-A-Manatee

Here for you, so you can be there for them. When the unexpected happens, we’re here. We serve families displaced by healthcare emergencies by providing them with free shelter, food and support. Lean on us as you care for your loved ones. Learn more, donate, or get involved at VineyardFamilyHouse.org.

850.469.1466 • VineyardFamilyHouse.org