September 11, 2003
Patriots Day and Day of Remembrance
Ceremonies took place in New York City, Washington, DC,
Arlington National Cemetery, Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and at the
Pentagon today.
Family and friends gathered to hear the names of all 2,752 victims
of the bombings on September 11, 2001. The names of the victims
were read by victims children.
At the Pentagon a service was held in the new chapel. The space
the chapel is in was once in the midst of the bombed part of the
building. It truly rose from the ashes of the Pentagon.
Sec Rumsfield laid a wreath in front of the tombstone engraved
with all the victims names at Arlington National Cemetery.
The bell tolled after the name of each victim was read aloud at
Shanksville, PA.
Patriots Day and Day of Remembrance
Ceremonies took place in New York City, Washington, DC,
Arlington National Cemetery, Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and at the
Pentagon today.
Family and friends gathered to hear the names of all 2,752 victims
of the bombings on September 11, 2001. The names of the victims
were read by victims children.
At the Pentagon a service was held in the new chapel. The space
the chapel is in was once in the midst of the bombed part of the
building. It truly rose from the ashes of the Pentagon.
Sec Rumsfield laid a wreath in front of the tombstone engraved
with all the victims names at Arlington National Cemetery.
The bell tolled after the name of each victim was read aloud at
Shanksville, PA.
The White House
President George W. Bush
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 4, 2003
Patriot Day, 2003
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Two years ago, more than 3,000 innocent people lost their
lives when a calm September morning was shattered by
terrorists driven by hatred and destruction.
On that day, and in its aftermath, we saw the greatness of
America in the bravery of victims; in the heroism of first
responders who laid down their lives to save others; in the
compassion of people who stepped forward to help those
they had never met; and in the generosity of millions of
Americans who enriched our country with acts of service and
kindness. Since that day, we have seen the greatness of
America further demonstrated in the courage of our brave men
and women in uniform who have served and sacrificed in
Afghanistan, in Iraq, and around the world to advance
freedom and prevent terrorist attacks on America.
As we remember September 11, 2001, we reaffirm the vows
made in the earliest hours of our grief and anger. As liberty's
home and defender, America will not tire, will not falter, and
will not fail in fighting for the safety and security of the
American people and a world free from terrorism. We will
continue to bring our enemies to justice or bring justice to
them. This Patriot Day, we hold steady to this task.
By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public
Law 107-89), the Congress has designated September 11 of
each year as "Patriot Day."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of
the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September
11, 2003, as Patriot Day. I call upon the people of the United
States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and
activities, including remembrance services and candlelight
vigils. I also call upon the Governors of the United States and
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as appropriate
officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be
flown at half-staff on Patriot Day. In addition, I call upon all
Americans to display the flag at half-staff from their homes
on that day and to observe a moment of silence beginning at
8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time to honor the innocent victims
who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of
September 11, 2001.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
fourth day of September, in the year of our Lord two
thousand three, and of the Independence of the United States
of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
President George W. Bush
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 4, 2003
Patriot Day, 2003
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Two years ago, more than 3,000 innocent people lost their
lives when a calm September morning was shattered by
terrorists driven by hatred and destruction.
On that day, and in its aftermath, we saw the greatness of
America in the bravery of victims; in the heroism of first
responders who laid down their lives to save others; in the
compassion of people who stepped forward to help those
they had never met; and in the generosity of millions of
Americans who enriched our country with acts of service and
kindness. Since that day, we have seen the greatness of
America further demonstrated in the courage of our brave men
and women in uniform who have served and sacrificed in
Afghanistan, in Iraq, and around the world to advance
freedom and prevent terrorist attacks on America.
As we remember September 11, 2001, we reaffirm the vows
made in the earliest hours of our grief and anger. As liberty's
home and defender, America will not tire, will not falter, and
will not fail in fighting for the safety and security of the
American people and a world free from terrorism. We will
continue to bring our enemies to justice or bring justice to
them. This Patriot Day, we hold steady to this task.
By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public
Law 107-89), the Congress has designated September 11 of
each year as "Patriot Day."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of
the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September
11, 2003, as Patriot Day. I call upon the people of the United
States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and
activities, including remembrance services and candlelight
vigils. I also call upon the Governors of the United States and
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as appropriate
officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be
flown at half-staff on Patriot Day. In addition, I call upon all
Americans to display the flag at half-staff from their homes
on that day and to observe a moment of silence beginning at
8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time to honor the innocent victims
who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of
September 11, 2001.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
fourth day of September, in the year of our Lord two
thousand three, and of the Independence of the United States
of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
| Steel to Dust Towers tall - elegant - gleaming Day - dawn - sunshine beaming Eyes drawn - to the sky Silver bombs - jetting by Coast to coast - fully loaded Bleary eyed - trays unfolded Morning coffee - toast and jam Vacation traveler - busness man Cell phones off - computers on Fingers typing - email zone Hum drum - Ho hum - another day Nothing would ever be the same way Nineteen travelers - origin unknown Full of hate - all alone Young men all - mothers sons Sadness - horror - terror - just begun Hearts pounding - eyes wide Waiting - waiting - for the right time This is it - time to take control Sacrifice the body - save the soul? Day of Terror - Day of Fear Day of Horror - Day of Tears Day of Sorrow - Day of Woe Day of Tradegy - Stories yet untold Lavenia Ann Claman September 10, 2003 All rights reserved |
January 22, 2004
Official number of deaths on 9-11-2001
was released by the New York City
authorities. The total number of deaths
on that day is 2,749.
Official number of deaths on 9-11-2001
was released by the New York City
authorities. The total number of deaths
on that day is 2,749.
'Freedom Walk' to Commemorate 9/11, Celebrate Freedom
By Steven Donald Smith
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 9, 2005 – The Defense Department
today announced the first "America Supports You Freedom
Walk" to honor the victims of 9/11 and America's military
personnel, as well as to celebrate freedom.
The Freedom Walk will begin at 10 a.m. Sept. 11 in the
Pentagon South parking lot, near the site where the airliner
crashed into the Pentagon on 9/11. The walk route will
consist of a two-mile trek through Arlington National
Cemetery, over the Potomac River, and will end by the
reflecting pool on the National Mall, where a free concert
featuring country music star Clint Black will take place.
"I am proud and honored to be part of the America Supports
You Freedom Walk to honor the victims of 9/11 and to support
our men and women in uniform," Black said.
Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld made the announcement
today at the Pentagon.
"Every year since the Sept. 11 attacks, Americans have
commemorated that anniversary. This year the Department of
Defense will initiate an American Supports You Freedom Walk.
The walk will begin at the Pentagon and end at the National
Mall. It will include many of the major monuments in
Washington, D.C., reminding participants of the sacrifices of this
generation and of each previous generation that have so
successfully defended our freedoms," Rumsfeld said.
"America Supports You" is a nationwide program launched by
the Defense Department with the goal of highlighting how
Americans across the country are supporting the men and
women of the armed forces.
There will also be a private ceremony for the families of
the 9/11 victims prior to the walk.
To avoid long lines, America Supports You Freedom Walk
participants are encouraged to arrive at the Pentagon South
parking lot between 7 and 8 a.m. According to the Freedom
Walk Web site, the first 1,000 people to arrive will receive an
official America Supports You campaign lapel pin.
Participants also are encouraged to take the Metro to either the
Pentagon or Pentagon City stations and follow the signs to the
Freedom Walk staging area.
The walk was made possible with the help of several local in-
kind supporters, including Stars and Stripes newspaper,
Pentagon Federal Credit Union, Subway, Washington Post,
Lockheed Martin, WTOP, ABC/WJLA-TV Channel 7 and News
Channel 8, and the Washington Convention & Tourism
Corporation, according to the Freedom Walk Web site.
The goal for next year's walk is to get each state to host its own
Freedom Walk to provide an opportunity for as many citizens
as possible to reflect on the importance of freedom, according to
a DoD press release.
Those wishing to walk in this year's Freedom Walk can
register online by visiting www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil
and clicking on the Freedom Walk icon. Volunteer
opportunities also are available online. Registration is open
until 10 a.m. Sept. 9.
Related Sites:
America Supports You
America Supports You Freedom Walk
By Steven Donald Smith
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 9, 2005 – The Defense Department
today announced the first "America Supports You Freedom
Walk" to honor the victims of 9/11 and America's military
personnel, as well as to celebrate freedom.
The Freedom Walk will begin at 10 a.m. Sept. 11 in the
Pentagon South parking lot, near the site where the airliner
crashed into the Pentagon on 9/11. The walk route will
consist of a two-mile trek through Arlington National
Cemetery, over the Potomac River, and will end by the
reflecting pool on the National Mall, where a free concert
featuring country music star Clint Black will take place.
"I am proud and honored to be part of the America Supports
You Freedom Walk to honor the victims of 9/11 and to support
our men and women in uniform," Black said.
Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld made the announcement
today at the Pentagon.
"Every year since the Sept. 11 attacks, Americans have
commemorated that anniversary. This year the Department of
Defense will initiate an American Supports You Freedom Walk.
The walk will begin at the Pentagon and end at the National
Mall. It will include many of the major monuments in
Washington, D.C., reminding participants of the sacrifices of this
generation and of each previous generation that have so
successfully defended our freedoms," Rumsfeld said.
"America Supports You" is a nationwide program launched by
the Defense Department with the goal of highlighting how
Americans across the country are supporting the men and
women of the armed forces.
There will also be a private ceremony for the families of
the 9/11 victims prior to the walk.
To avoid long lines, America Supports You Freedom Walk
participants are encouraged to arrive at the Pentagon South
parking lot between 7 and 8 a.m. According to the Freedom
Walk Web site, the first 1,000 people to arrive will receive an
official America Supports You campaign lapel pin.
Participants also are encouraged to take the Metro to either the
Pentagon or Pentagon City stations and follow the signs to the
Freedom Walk staging area.
The walk was made possible with the help of several local in-
kind supporters, including Stars and Stripes newspaper,
Pentagon Federal Credit Union, Subway, Washington Post,
Lockheed Martin, WTOP, ABC/WJLA-TV Channel 7 and News
Channel 8, and the Washington Convention & Tourism
Corporation, according to the Freedom Walk Web site.
The goal for next year's walk is to get each state to host its own
Freedom Walk to provide an opportunity for as many citizens
as possible to reflect on the importance of freedom, according to
a DoD press release.
Those wishing to walk in this year's Freedom Walk can
register online by visiting www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil
and clicking on the Freedom Walk icon. Volunteer
opportunities also are available online. Registration is open
until 10 a.m. Sept. 9.
Related Sites:
America Supports You
America Supports You Freedom Walk
| Copyright 1999 - 2007 Aspiring Writers All Rights Reserved |
Aspiring Writers
Many stories have been told since that beautiful September day. It was
much like today. The sun was shining, white fluffy clouds in a pale blue
sky. New Yorkers had started another work day. There was nothing
unusual to tell them their lives would end or be permanently changed.
Military and civilians were busy at work at the Pentagon in Washington
DC. A section of the building was being renovated and there were not as
many people in that section as there usually were. Many lives were
spared because of this.
Business and vacation travelers were on their way to the west coast on
Flight 93. After the flight was well on its way hijackers took over. One of
the stewardess's had the presence of mind to call her office and tell them
the seat numbers of the hijackers. This would help identify who they
were.
There have been so many stories of bravery about firemen, co-workers,
policemen, EMT's. Loss of life was less because of their valiant efforts.
The final death toll was still beyond belief.
This country is forever changed. We are forever changed as a people.
September 11, 2003
much like today. The sun was shining, white fluffy clouds in a pale blue
sky. New Yorkers had started another work day. There was nothing
unusual to tell them their lives would end or be permanently changed.
Military and civilians were busy at work at the Pentagon in Washington
DC. A section of the building was being renovated and there were not as
many people in that section as there usually were. Many lives were
spared because of this.
Business and vacation travelers were on their way to the west coast on
Flight 93. After the flight was well on its way hijackers took over. One of
the stewardess's had the presence of mind to call her office and tell them
the seat numbers of the hijackers. This would help identify who they
were.
There have been so many stories of bravery about firemen, co-workers,
policemen, EMT's. Loss of life was less because of their valiant efforts.
The final death toll was still beyond belief.
This country is forever changed. We are forever changed as a people.
September 11, 2003
Brother's Keeper
By: Lavenia Ann Claman
Copyrighted: February, 2002
What science fiction novel can compare to what is going on in the
world today? What new horrors can compare to the death of
thousands of innocent people? What horror is greater than the
death of innocent children by someone who is supposed to love
them?
The twenty first century should be a time of growth that would
out do the industrial age. A time of peace because of all the ways
that are now available for the purpose of mass extinction and the
end of the world as we know it. A time for the sharing of
knowledge in all fields of science.
It seems not much has changed since the beginning of man when
Cain slew his brother Abel. He asked God if he was his brother's
keeper when God asked him where his brother was; God already
knowing the answer. Cain knowing he was guilty of a heinous
crime. The beginning of death and the killing of our fellow man
has continued to this day. The earth from which we came is
constantly soaked with the blood of our brother's and sister's.
For we are all children of God.
Every century has gone through sequences of great violence.
Violence is a great part of the Old Testament along with
invasions and marked differences of beliefs. When rulers were
treated as God's and greatly feared.
The ancient Romans always stand out in my mind as being the
epitome of violence and cruelty. Killing was a sport and human
life was considered worthless if a person was a slave or foreigner.
Later in the Roman era Christian's bore the brunt of unspeakable
violence. They were put in arena's with starving animals of every
carnivorous species known to man at that time. Almost causing
mass extinction of many animals, including lions and tigers. Men,
women, and children being murdered for sport and for the
amusement of the Roman emperor.
We can now watch carnage from all parts of the globe. We can
see first hand the murdering of the innocents either directly or
indirectly by way of modern communications such as television,
radio, and now the internet.
We watched as two commercial airplanes were deliberately flown
into two giant steel structures once thought to be almost
indestructible. The word TERRORISM brought to life in our
own country and before our own eyes.
The killing continues with the confirmation of the death of the
Wall Street Journal's Daniel Pearl. A good and kind man, a man
respected by all who knew him. A good husband to his wife who
begged for his safe return. Danny was enticed by a good story
and killed by the person or person's who contacted him. These
same people taped his vicious murder, leaving no doubt that he is
now dead. Leaving his unborn child without a father, a wife
without the person she loved most in the world, a help meet and
loving husband.
The sad thing is, the killing will not stop, the senseless acts of
terrorism will not stop. The deaths of the innocents will not
stop. The suffering of the poor and oppressed will not stop.
Innocents in refugee camps will still go to bed hungry. Mothers
will still be watching their children sicken and die because of the
malnutrition that severely weakens their small bodies, rendering
them unable to fight off infections and diseases. Mother's all over
the world will lose more sons and daughters.
This century has become the same as all others, brother is still
killing brother.
By: Lavenia Ann Claman
Copyrighted: February, 2002
What science fiction novel can compare to what is going on in the
world today? What new horrors can compare to the death of
thousands of innocent people? What horror is greater than the
death of innocent children by someone who is supposed to love
them?
The twenty first century should be a time of growth that would
out do the industrial age. A time of peace because of all the ways
that are now available for the purpose of mass extinction and the
end of the world as we know it. A time for the sharing of
knowledge in all fields of science.
It seems not much has changed since the beginning of man when
Cain slew his brother Abel. He asked God if he was his brother's
keeper when God asked him where his brother was; God already
knowing the answer. Cain knowing he was guilty of a heinous
crime. The beginning of death and the killing of our fellow man
has continued to this day. The earth from which we came is
constantly soaked with the blood of our brother's and sister's.
For we are all children of God.
Every century has gone through sequences of great violence.
Violence is a great part of the Old Testament along with
invasions and marked differences of beliefs. When rulers were
treated as God's and greatly feared.
The ancient Romans always stand out in my mind as being the
epitome of violence and cruelty. Killing was a sport and human
life was considered worthless if a person was a slave or foreigner.
Later in the Roman era Christian's bore the brunt of unspeakable
violence. They were put in arena's with starving animals of every
carnivorous species known to man at that time. Almost causing
mass extinction of many animals, including lions and tigers. Men,
women, and children being murdered for sport and for the
amusement of the Roman emperor.
We can now watch carnage from all parts of the globe. We can
see first hand the murdering of the innocents either directly or
indirectly by way of modern communications such as television,
radio, and now the internet.
We watched as two commercial airplanes were deliberately flown
into two giant steel structures once thought to be almost
indestructible. The word TERRORISM brought to life in our
own country and before our own eyes.
The killing continues with the confirmation of the death of the
Wall Street Journal's Daniel Pearl. A good and kind man, a man
respected by all who knew him. A good husband to his wife who
begged for his safe return. Danny was enticed by a good story
and killed by the person or person's who contacted him. These
same people taped his vicious murder, leaving no doubt that he is
now dead. Leaving his unborn child without a father, a wife
without the person she loved most in the world, a help meet and
loving husband.
The sad thing is, the killing will not stop, the senseless acts of
terrorism will not stop. The deaths of the innocents will not
stop. The suffering of the poor and oppressed will not stop.
Innocents in refugee camps will still go to bed hungry. Mothers
will still be watching their children sicken and die because of the
malnutrition that severely weakens their small bodies, rendering
them unable to fight off infections and diseases. Mother's all over
the world will lose more sons and daughters.
This century has become the same as all others, brother is still
killing brother.
| No man is an Island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the Continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friends or of thine own were; any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind; And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee. - John Donne, poet (1573-1631) From A Word A Day |
May 05, 2004
Ground will be broken for what will be
the tallest building in the world on July
04, 2004. This will mark the beginning
of the new WTC. Years of construction
lay ahead.
Ground will be broken for what will be
the tallest building in the world on July
04, 2004. This will mark the beginning
of the new WTC. Years of construction
lay ahead.
No. 879-04
IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 9, 2004
Navy Honors Sept. 11 by Naming New Ships for Arlington and
Somerset
Secretary of the Navy Gordon England named the eighth and
ninth ships of the San Antonio-class of Amphibious Transport
Dock ships as Arlington and Somerset.
The future USS Arlington and USS Somerset will join USS New
York as living tributes to those who suffered in the terrorist
attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and to the nation.
Arlington was chosen to honor the county in northern Virginia,
and especially, the 184 victims, aboard American Airlines Flight
77, and on the ground, who died during the Sept. 11 attack on the
Pentagon.
Somerset honors the county in Pennsylvania where United
Airlines Flight 93 crashed after courageous passengers stormed
the cockpit in an attempt to regain control from the terrorists on
board. Their actions prevented the airplane from reaching its
destination and inflicting further casualties and damage, and the
heroic sacrifice of these 40 passengers and crew rallied and
inspired the nation.
In naming these ships, England noted the impact these vessels
will have on the terrorist infrastructure that led to their naming.
"USS Arlington and USS Somerset will help America project
power to the far reaches of the earth and will support the cause
of freedom as we engage in the current war on terrorism,"
England said. "The courage and heroism of the people aboard
those flights, and in the Pentagon, will never be forgotten by the
American people, and as these ships engage in combating
terrorism, they will leave a legacy that will never be forgotten by
those wishing to do harm to this country.
Two previous vessels have been named Arlington. The first was
a steel-hulled C1B type cargo ship operating during World War
II. The second USS Arlington was a 14,500-ton major
communications relay ship, originally commissioned in July
1946, which saw heavy use during the Vietnam War, including
helping with communications during a June 1969 conference
between U.S. President Nixon and Republic of Vietnam
President Thieu.
Two previous Navy ships have carried the Somerset name as
well. The first Somerset, a wooden-hulled, side-wheel ferryboat,
performed blockade duty and made reconnaissance expeditions
for the Union, until she was sold at public auction on July 12,
1865.
The Navy acquired the second Somerset, a wooden motorboat
built in 1917, on April 10, 1918, under free lease from the
Conservation Commission of Maryland. Designated Id. No.
2162, Somerset served on section patrol duty in the Chesapeake
Bay area during World War I. After the armistice was signed, she
was returned to her owner on Nov. 26, 1918.
The 684-foot-long amphibious transport dock ships will be built
by Northrop Grumman Ship Systems in New Orleans and will
each carry a Navy crew of 363 and 699 Marines. The ships will
be used to transport and land Marines, their equipment and
supplies by embarked air cushions or conventional landing craft
or amphibious vehicles, augmented by helicopters or vertical take
off and landing aircraft in amphibious assault, special operations,
or expeditionary warfare missions.
The ships will also incorporate the latest quality of life standards
for the embarked sailors and Marines, including the sit-up berth,
ship services mall, a fitness center and learning resource center
and electronic classroom with the flexibility to accommodate
mixed gender sailors and Marines as part of the crew and
embarked troops. The design team also incorporated hundreds of
suggestions and recommendations from more than 1,000 sailors
and Marines in the design for ownership process to ensure that
these ships will meet their needs throughout the first half of the
21st century.
For more information on San Antonio-class amphibious
transport dock ships, visit
http://www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/factfile/ships/ship-lpd.html.
IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 9, 2004
Navy Honors Sept. 11 by Naming New Ships for Arlington and
Somerset
Secretary of the Navy Gordon England named the eighth and
ninth ships of the San Antonio-class of Amphibious Transport
Dock ships as Arlington and Somerset.
The future USS Arlington and USS Somerset will join USS New
York as living tributes to those who suffered in the terrorist
attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and to the nation.
Arlington was chosen to honor the county in northern Virginia,
and especially, the 184 victims, aboard American Airlines Flight
77, and on the ground, who died during the Sept. 11 attack on the
Pentagon.
Somerset honors the county in Pennsylvania where United
Airlines Flight 93 crashed after courageous passengers stormed
the cockpit in an attempt to regain control from the terrorists on
board. Their actions prevented the airplane from reaching its
destination and inflicting further casualties and damage, and the
heroic sacrifice of these 40 passengers and crew rallied and
inspired the nation.
In naming these ships, England noted the impact these vessels
will have on the terrorist infrastructure that led to their naming.
"USS Arlington and USS Somerset will help America project
power to the far reaches of the earth and will support the cause
of freedom as we engage in the current war on terrorism,"
England said. "The courage and heroism of the people aboard
those flights, and in the Pentagon, will never be forgotten by the
American people, and as these ships engage in combating
terrorism, they will leave a legacy that will never be forgotten by
those wishing to do harm to this country.
Two previous vessels have been named Arlington. The first was
a steel-hulled C1B type cargo ship operating during World War
II. The second USS Arlington was a 14,500-ton major
communications relay ship, originally commissioned in July
1946, which saw heavy use during the Vietnam War, including
helping with communications during a June 1969 conference
between U.S. President Nixon and Republic of Vietnam
President Thieu.
Two previous Navy ships have carried the Somerset name as
well. The first Somerset, a wooden-hulled, side-wheel ferryboat,
performed blockade duty and made reconnaissance expeditions
for the Union, until she was sold at public auction on July 12,
1865.
The Navy acquired the second Somerset, a wooden motorboat
built in 1917, on April 10, 1918, under free lease from the
Conservation Commission of Maryland. Designated Id. No.
2162, Somerset served on section patrol duty in the Chesapeake
Bay area during World War I. After the armistice was signed, she
was returned to her owner on Nov. 26, 1918.
The 684-foot-long amphibious transport dock ships will be built
by Northrop Grumman Ship Systems in New Orleans and will
each carry a Navy crew of 363 and 699 Marines. The ships will
be used to transport and land Marines, their equipment and
supplies by embarked air cushions or conventional landing craft
or amphibious vehicles, augmented by helicopters or vertical take
off and landing aircraft in amphibious assault, special operations,
or expeditionary warfare missions.
The ships will also incorporate the latest quality of life standards
for the embarked sailors and Marines, including the sit-up berth,
ship services mall, a fitness center and learning resource center
and electronic classroom with the flexibility to accommodate
mixed gender sailors and Marines as part of the crew and
embarked troops. The design team also incorporated hundreds of
suggestions and recommendations from more than 1,000 sailors
and Marines in the design for ownership process to ensure that
these ships will meet their needs throughout the first half of the
21st century.
For more information on San Antonio-class amphibious
transport dock ships, visit
http://www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/factfile/ships/ship-lpd.html.