Commissioning of the USS New York Home

Following Laura Bender, U. S. Navy Chaplain, to the USS New York Commissioning

Chaplain Laura J. Bender is command chaplain of the USS New York and provides pastoral care for the crew and families. A skilled educator, she has developed and instructed curriculum at the Navy Chaplain School, Newport, R.I., and in venues world-wide.

The USS New York is the Navy's newest amphibious warship to grace the Manhattan skyline as she eases into a Hudson River berth a few days ahead of her commissioning on November 7, 2009. More about the ship including video of her maiden voyage (a multimedia site including volume).

With seven-and-a-half tons of Twin Towers steel welded into her bow, this 21st-century ship will take a piece of New York with her wherever she goes. Her motto, 'Strength Forged through Sacrifice: Never Forget' pledges an undying commitment to freedom's defense.