Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Q1. Where is the event ?
Event takes place outdoors at Northrop Grumman’s New Orleans Operations in Avondale, Louisiana. The ceremony will take place rain or shine and will not be under cover.

Q2.Which airport and hotel should I use?
Airport
Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl. Airport
900 Airline Drive
Kenner, LA 70062
(504) 464-0831

Hotels
The following hotels are offering special rates for the New York (LPD 21) Christening.
The Hilton New Orleans Riverside, 504-584-3959 - Refer to Group Code - NYL
Hilton New Orleans Airport Hotel, 1-800-872-5914
Westin New Orleans Canal Place, www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/NYB27A

With the exception of the Official Party, transportation to the shipyard from the hotels will not be available. Directions from the hotel to the shipyard are available.

Q3.Where do I park and how far will I have to walk?
Free parking is available near the shipyard. Please refer to the color-coded parking pass included in your invitation package for further direction. You will have a very short walk to the loading area (depending on when you arrive). A bus will transport you to the ceremony site near the waterfront where you can select a seat. Following the ceremony, the bus will transport you back to the parking lot area. The ceremony should end around 1:00 p.m.

ADA parking is available, please call 228-935-1256 or email ngsschristenings@ngc.com to reserve your space.

Q4. Do I need an invitation to attend the event?
Yes, Invitations are required to attend and can be obtained by calling 228-935-1256 or by sending an email request to ngsschristenings@ngc.com. All requests will be fulfilled until seating capacity has been reached. (Note: a message will appear here when seating capacity has been reached.)

Q5.Will there be food and drinks served?
Yes. Light refreshments and snacks will be provided at the ceremony site. It is an alcohol-free event.

Q6. What should I wear?
The attire is business. Please be prepared for inclement weather conditions.

Q7. Can I bring my children to the event?
Yes. Children are welcome.

Q8. Who is the PCO of this ship?
Prospective Commanding Officer, CDR Frank C. “Curt” Jones, USN

Q9. Will I be able to tour the ship?
Ship tours will not be given .

Q10. When and where will USS New York be Commissioned?
USS New York will be commissioned in New York City. Date TBD. For information regarding the Commissioning events, please contact:

RADM Robert Ravitz USNR (Ret.) Co-Chairman and Executive Director
USS New York Commissioning Committee
Bravitz@optonline.net
203.979.8099

CAPT Sally McElwreath, USNR (Ret.)
Director
USS New York Commissioning Committee
SallyMC79@verizon.net
212.972.8667

Q11. How did steel from the World Trade Center make its way to USS New York?
From the onset of the initial idea that was sparked during an event in New York in September of 2002, Governor George Pataki was instrumental in pulling together a team to select, treat and package the pieces, which were loaded on a flatbed. The shipment was transported to a Gulf Coast foundry in Amite, Louisiana that typically makes the bow castings for this class of ship.

The crew at the foundry prepared the steel by cutting it into manageable sections, and then poured the casting. Once the casting was complete and inspected, it was transported to the New Orleans Operations of Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, where the ship is being built along the banks of the Mississippi River in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Building a large Navy ship such as New York (LPD 21) is a years-long process. Construction of New York actually began in 2004. As the ship construction progresses, large sections of the ship (called grand blocks) are built on the ground, and then lifted by crane onto the ship. At the appropriate time in construction, the bow stem was integrated into the front of the ship. After, the bow/forepeak section was lifted aboard and positioned atop and encasing Unit 1120, which is the bow stem made of the World Trade Center steel.

Q12. Was the main reason for using WTC steel symbolic or is it because steel is the most recycled material on earth?
The primary reason for using steel from the world trade center was to symbolically imbue the ship with the spirit of strength and resiliency of the people of New York – the heroes that provided aid in the 9-11 crisis and those that still work with indomitable sprit to restore and rebuild. And, most importantly to honor those who lost their lives. It is meant as a symbol of freedom and ideals for which our nation holds dear. Incidentally, every Navy ship has a crest and a motto that lends its “esprit de corps” or a devotion to a cause among the crew members. The official motto of New York (LPD 21) is : “Never Forget.”