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"This ship will be a symbol," said Capt. Bill Galinis, the LPD 17-class program manager for the Navy's Program Executive Office for Ships in a prior navy news article concerning the Navy's acceptance of the New York. "The Navy and the shipbuilder have worked hand-in-hand to deliver this highly capable warship to the Navy and our nation. It has been a tremendous privilege for all of us who have had an opportunity to participate in the construction of this ship."
The bow stem of USS New York (LPD 21) was constructed with 7.5 metric tons of salvaged steel from the World Trade Center.
The primary mission of LPD 17-class amphibious transport dock ships is the transport and deployment of necessary combat and support elements of Marine expeditionary units and brigades. The ship will embark approximately 720 troops and have the capability of transporting and deploying air cushion (LCAC) or conventional landing craft as well as expeditionary fighting vehicles (EFV). The ship will also be augmented by helicopters or vertical take off and landing aircraft MV 22 Ospreys. These ships will support amphibious assault, special operations and expeditionary warfare missions well into the first half of the 21st century.
USS New York (LPD 21) is the fifth ship of the San Antonio class and is also the sixth naval vessel to be named after the state of New York, the ship's motto is "Strength forged through sacrifice. Never forget."
The 9/11 ships of the San Antonio Class (LPD 17) amphibious ships are USS New York (LPD 21), USS Arlington (LPD 24), and USS Somerset (LPD 25).
