After three years of construction at Avondale, people lined both sides of the Mississippi to pay tribute to a vessel that was born out of the steel that was once the framework for the nations tallest towers, the Twin Towers. 7 ½ tons worth of its steel was used to craft the ships bow stem. Now, completely built, painted and equipped, The USS New York was cheered on by thousands as it headed for New York City where it will be commissioned on November 7^th.

The New York set sail down the Mississippi River, through downtown New Orleans and eventually to the Gulf, where it will eventually round Florida and head up the Atlantic seaboard.

As it meandered down the Mississippi, celebrations of pride and outpourings of tribute overwhelmed the thousands who lined the banks of the Mississippi and gathered at several designated locations where the ships builders, Northup-Grumma,  and local civic associations distributed three thousand American flags which were raised in defiance of those who attacked our nation and brought down the steel that was used to make the majestic ship floating past them and waved in satisfaction and hope.

Two separate 21 gun salutes were provided during its exit from New Orleans and the Mississippi.  Sailors along the Admiral’s Pier at the Naval Support Activity joined with the Navy Band New Orleans which played “Anchors Aweigh” for the New York as she passed by. And in In Belle Chasse, near the Naval Air Station-Joint Reserve Base’s main entrance and across from the Naval Federal Credit Union, another 21 gun salute was offered by sailors. A military color guard that was also present, honored the passing ship.

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