Ep 4. USS New York

The show Mighty Ships takes viewers on a journey with some of the world's most impressive vessels, and season 6 episode 4 is no different. This episode focuses on the USS New York, a ship that pays tribute to the victims and heroes of the September 11 attacks.

The USS New York is an amphibious transport dock ship, also known as an LPD. She was built by Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding in Avondale, Louisiana, and was commissioned in November 2009. The ship is 684 feet long and can carry up to 800 Marines, as well as a variety of vehicles and helicopters.

In this episode, viewers get to see the USS New York in action as she prepares for a deployment. The crew goes through extensive training to make sure they are ready for any situation that may arise while at sea. They practice launching and recovering helicopters, conducting medical evacuations, and operating the ship's various weapons systems.

One of the unique features of the USS New York is her bow stem, which contains 7.5 tons of steel salvaged from the World Trade Center. This steel was melted down and incorporated into the ship's construction, serving as a constant reminder of the events that inspired her creation.

As the ship sets sail, viewers get a glimpse of life onboard. They see the sailors and Marines going about their daily routines, whether it's working in the ship's kitchen, maintaining the engines, or conducting training exercises. For many of these young men and women, this is their first deployment, and they take their responsibilities very seriously.

One of the challenges of this deployment is the large number of sailors and Marines on board. The crew has to work closely together to make sure everything runs smoothly, whether it's conducting a practice amphibious landing or transferring personnel and supplies to other ships.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a sense of the scale and complexity of life aboard the USS New York. They see the challenges the crew faces, from rough seas to mechanical problems, and the teamwork required to overcome them.

As the ship nears the end of her deployment, the crew reflects on what they have accomplished. They have conducted numerous training exercises and mission rehearsals, and have worked closely with other branches of the military.

For many of the sailors and Marines on board, the USS New York is more than just a ship. She is a symbol of resilience and strength, a tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. And as the ship returns to port, her crew can be proud of what they have achieved - and the ship they call home.