USS NEW YORK (LPD 21)

👏 Empire State Sailor and Marine of the Week! 🤩

This week’s Empire State Sailor is with Air Department ABF2 Frank Frimpong, from Alexandria, VA. He is 1 of 2 JP-5 Pump room Operators who manage the JP-5 fuel system during Flight Operations. During MDVR, he led a team of 4 junior ABFs in the removal and replacement of a degraded JP-5 transfer pump discharge valve as part of a V401 work package. His efforts and leadership resolved an ongoing issue of inadequate discharge pressure while maintaining the overall JP-5 system at 100% operational readiness. In addition, as ATTT member, he assisted in conducting ATFP drills for D/S 2, ensuring duty section personnel are adequately trained to protect the ship. ABF2 recently passed his ESWS murder board, and the Chiefs' walkthroughs. ABF2 Frimpong embodies the fighting spirit of NEW YORK daily with a devoted work ethic and his significant contributions is felt throughout Air Department and the command as a whole.

Our Empire State Marine of the Week is Cpl. Alyson Lee, from Burlingame, CA. Cpl Lee was instrumental in the removal and replacement of the #3 engine on an aircraft during the MDVR. Her efforts as a new Collateral Duty Inspector increased the mission capability of the 24th MEU and the CH-53E detachment aboard the USS New York. Her knowledge, leadership and technical skills allowed her to remove and repair engine wiring and install the harness on the new engine. This process which normally takes three to four shifts was completed in two shifts and resulted in the successful diagnosis of a bad fuel control on the new motor. Her efforts increased the CH-53E Dets readiness allowing the ACE to support further future missions. Her efforts as a new Collateral Duty Inspector were instrumental to the success of the 24th MEU and the CH-53E detachment aboard the USS New York.


📸 MC2 Jesse Turner

🫡Never forget! 🇺🇸

Last week, Sailors and Marines aboard USS New York (LPD 21) were motivated to honor and remember the sacrifice of 9/11 first responders by holding a memorial run and ladder climb. As well, hull technicians with Assault Craft Unit Four presented Capt. Oakes, New York's commanding officer with a shadow box containing a firefighting coat from a 9/11 first responder. The shadow box has been added to the many memorabilia items adorning the passageways of the ship.

📷: MC2 Jesse Turner

USS New York (LPD 21) is the fifth ship of the United States Navy to bear the name New York. Designed to transport and land Marines, equipment and supplies, the ship is equipped to operate in high-density and multi-threat environments, either independently or as a key member of an amphibious readiness group. New York is a multi-mission warship capable of conducting a wide range of operations, including ship-to-shore and air missions.

New York was the first of three U.S. Navy ships built to honor the victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. USS Arlington (LPD 24) and USS Somerset (LPD 25) are the other two San Antonio-class ships built to serve as living memorials.

In September 2003, 7.5 tons of steel recovered from Ground Zero were melted down and forged into the New York’s bow stem, embedding the DNA of the 2,977 victims into the heart of the vessel. The ship's interior is adorned with murals, posters and patches that serve as reminders of that tragic day, allowing the crew moments to pause and reflect on the ship's profound connection to 9/11.

“Every ship in the Navy has an important namesake,” said Capt. Benjamin W. Oakes, commanding officer of USS New York. “However, the relationship this ship has with the state of New York, New Yorkers, first responders – past and present – survivors, victims' families, and the events of 9/11 make New York special. There is an increased sense of purpose here. This ship and its legacy continue to inspire each crew to rise to the highest level of performance. Every Sailor and Marine wants to be at their best here.”

Lt. Jason Moore, chaplain representative of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC), along with Lt. Camea Baksh, provides spiritual support to the Sailors and Marines aboard New York. When at sea, they carry on a daily tradition of reading a short epitaph of a 9/11 victim before the evening prayer broadcasted over the ship’s public address system. These spoken memorials share not only the victim's biographical details but also their interests, passions and personal stories.

“I enjoy reading these stories because they remind me why we serve and what this ship represents,” said Moore. “The events of that day had a profound effect on our country and my generation in particular. When I joined the Marine Corps, 9/11 was front and center in our minds.”

To honor the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the Damage Control “Flying Squad,” which is a team made up of the ship’s first responders to casualties, and the 2025 fiscal year Chief selectees will lead a ramp "climb" walk, representing the 110 flights of stairs that New York City firefighters ascended during rescue efforts at the World Trade Center. Additionally, a new mural commemorating 9/11 will be unveiled to the commanding officer and crew to honor the lives lost on that fateful day.

“On 9/11, first responders ran full force towards the threat ,” said Oakes. “This same sense of purpose exists in our commitment to our duties. As the nation’s 9/11 ship, with the global 9-1-1 force embarked onboard, this crew is ready to answer any call and sail bow-first into danger. This ship and her crew embody the same resilience, grit, and determination as the first responders and those who have fought for our freedom and democracy for over 250 years.”

While operating in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) area of responsibility, USS New York supports U.S., Allied, and partner interests, including in the Eastern Mediterranean, to promote regional stability and deter aggression. The presence of the integrated Navy-Marine Corps team aboard New York provides flexibility and enhanced capability to both NAVEUR-NAVAF and U.S. 6th Fleet.

USS New York departed Norfolk, Virginia, on May 22, 2024, for a scheduled deployment to the NAVEUR-NAVAF area of operations.

The Wasp Amphibious Ready Group consists of the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), USS New York, Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (L*D 51), and the embarked 24th MEU SOC.



🧭📄: Lt. j.g. Jorge Ilagan

👏 Empire State Sailor and Marine of the Week! 🤩

This week’s Empire State Sailor is with the Engineering Department: HT2 Tysin Edwards, from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. HT2 Edwards expertly led an 8-member team in the corrective repairs of 2 aft VCHT sewage ejector pumps. He committed over 34 hours of troubleshooting reviving the aft VCHT system that services over 500 personnel, 109 toilets in 68 heads directly affecting 65% of New York's Crew. His efforts ensured New York's ability to remain at sea and continue its mission, while greatly increasing comfort and habitability.

Our Empire State Marine of the Week is Sgt. Eduardo Reyes, from Arlington, Texas. Sgt. Reyes serves as the Distribution Liaison Cell Expeditor and PMC coordinator. He is instrumental in providing critical support services to the Marines and green side sailors aboard the USS New York. He has tracked, coordinated, received, and distributed 2,725 mission critical parts from around the world totaling over 1.7 million dollars. This has enabled the 24th MEU to maintain a high material and mission readiness aboard the USS New York by ensuring the repair parts are distributed to the correct sections and ensuring the transfer of personnel and equipment between ships in a timely manner.


📸 MC2 Jesse Turner

🫡Another month down! From small boat operations to gun shoots, check out how the blue-green team aboard New York trained, fought and won during the month of August. ⚓

New York is conducting operations in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) area of operations as part of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (WSP ARG)-24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC). The WSPARG-24th MEU (SOC) is on a scheduled deployment to the NAVEUR-NAVAF area of operations, supporting U.S., Allied and partner interests in the region, including the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, to continue promoting regional stability and deterring aggression.

📷: MC2 Turner

👏 Empire State Sailor and Marine of the Week! 🤩

This week’s Empire State Sailor is with Combat Systems Department: ET2 Hongzhi Yu, from San Diego, CA. ET2 Yu supervised the restoration of four 1MC loops and 32 fire sensors maintaining New York’s critical communication and damage control capabilities. ET2 is also one of four aloft qualification training facilitators; successfully qualifying New York sailors in the aloft Job Qualification Requirements, significantly improving safety standards for nearly every aloft operation. Finally, as one of the Assistant urinalysis program coordinators he has Conducted 24 urinalysis samples maintaining adherence to Navy standards, ensuring crew health and safety while contributing to overall operational readiness and mission integrity.

Our Empire State Marine of the Week is LCpl. Donan Fisher, from Clark, Nevada. Lance Corporal Fisher is a Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Response Marine with the Command Element. He provided over 10 hours of instruction to 60 Marines and Sailors aboard the USS New York, consisting of Landing Force Marines and Sailors and blue side medical personnel. As a result, 30 medical personnel gained a better familiarization on CBRN Hazards and Effects, and 30 Marines were trained to be Monitoring and Detection Team Members. LCpl Fisher refined existing products to facilitate practical training aboard the ship in order to increase efficiency and ease of use with the limited spaces provided on ship to conduct both classroom instruction and practical application. LCpl Fisher’s hard work and dedication to duty improves overall operational readiness and ensures mission accomplishment for the 24th MEU.


📸 MC2 Jesse Turner

🫡Congratulations to USS New York's newest Chief Selects! ⚓

New York is conducting operations in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) area of operations as part of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (WSP ARG)-24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC). The WSPARG-24th MEU (SOC) is on a scheduled deployment to the NAVEUR-NAVAF area of operations, supporting U.S., Allied and partner interests in the region, including the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, to continue promoting regional stability and deterring aggression.



📷: MC2 Jesse Turner

👏 Empire State Sailor and Marine of the Week! 🤩

This week’s Empire State Sailor is with Deck Department SN Cheenee Lim, from Manila, Philippines. SN Lim is a motivated self-starter, taking the initiative to meticulously accomplish any task. She demonstrated high proficiency and competency in completing 67.5 hours of preventative maintenance on critical lifesaving equipment. She discovered, reported, and repaired 57 MOBI serialization discrepancies pivotal to DECK department INSURV preparations. Executing over 168 man-hours, she aided in the complete overhaul and reorganization of BOS'N Storeroom #1 essential to safety, gear management, and work efficiency. SN Lim's focus, clarity, and attention to detail contribute measurably to the overall performance of the department, demonstrating commitment and productivity.

Our Empire State Marine of the Week is Cpl. Zachery Perkins, from Whitfield, Georgia. Lance Corporal Perkins is the Boat Mechanic for the MSPF. Since he embarked on the USS New York, he has spent over 30 hours on zodiac and engine maintenance, 10 hours of SL3 maintenance and inventory, and has participated in every training evolution thus far, maintaining interoperability within his unit. As an innovative problem solver, he ensured the operational readiness of three zodiacs and four engines, as well as 4 utility tactical vehicles. While in Latvia for BALTOPs, LCpl Perkins conducted field maintenance of two CRRC engines to ensure mission capability for interoperability training with Spanish Reconnaissance partners. Lance Corporal Perkins is one of the most junior Marines in the MSPF, but takes unmatched initiative to lead the preparation and post-op maintenance procedures of MSPF’s small boats, and ensure MSPF’s amphibious capability.



📸 MC2 Jesse Turner

👏 Empire State Sailor and Marine of the Week! 🤩

This week’s Empire State Sailor is with Operations Department: QM2 Samantha Vintimilla, from Columbus, Ohio. She has served the Navy for 3 years and has been part of the New York team since Comptuex. QM2 Vintimilla continues to set the bar high amongst her peers aboard New York. This week, she went from a TEMADD to a permanent gain as well as becoming one of New York's newest Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialists! She also coordinated and completed 5 training objectives for her division as the Training Petty Officer and put in 7 hours of off the clock helm time as New York's up and coming Master Helmsman. QM2 Vintimilla is a TRAINER, FIGHTER AND A WINNER and we are glad to have her as an addition to the NEW YORK Family!

Our Empire State Marine of the Week Is Cpl. Tyler Johnson, from Westminster, Colorado. Cpl Johnson has been in the Marine Corps for 3 years. He has acted as the primary maintainer for the LAV anti-tank variant, dedicating many hours of labor and troubleshooting to ensure a rapid return to 100% mission capable status whenever dead lining issues are detected. As the platoon’s only certified UTV mechanic, Cpl Johnson has been essential to ensuring the readiness of both of the platoon’s UTV’s. He has accomplished all of this while also serving in a billet outside of his MOS field as an LAV driver for the platoon’s maintenance vehicle during field ops and has assisted in several vehicle recovery operations. Cpl Johnson’s efforts are of vital importance to LAR Company on the USS New York!



📸 MC2 Jesse Turner

Attention to award! 🎖

Capt. Ben Oakes, commanding officer of the USS New York presented the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (NAM), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (COM) and Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) pin to Sailors during an all-hands call on the ship's flight deck. Join us in congratulating our hardworking shipmates!

COM:
Lt. Gale

NAM:
MM2 Mccall
EM2 Brown
EM2 Chavez
IC2 Collier
BM3 Allen
RS3 Amado
PS3 Scott
EMFN Remilien

ESWS:
ITC Tribble
AS1 Mark
RP1 Edwards
QM2 Vintimilla



📷: MC2 Jesse Turner

🫡Training with the Royal Marines! ⚓️

USS New York, U.S. Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Special Operations Capable and Royal Marines with 42 Commando conducted visit, board, search and seizure training aboard New York. The teams worked together to share methods, gain and maintain proficiency across a variety of different tactical techniques.

New York is conducting operations in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) area of operations as part of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (WSP ARG)-24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC). The WSPARG-24th MEU (SOC) is on a scheduled deployment to the NAVEUR-NAVAF area of operations, supporting U.S., Allied and partner interests in the region, including the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, to continue promoting regional stability and deterring aggression.

📷: MC2 Jesse Turner

⚓️Every Sailor is a Damage Control man!🧯

In the past week, USS New York conducted Damage Control drills to gain and maintain our proficiency. New York is conducting operations in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) area of operations as part of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (WSP ARG)-24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC). The WSPARG-24th MEU (SOC) is on a scheduled deployment to the NAVEUR-NAVAF area of operations, supporting U.S., Allied and partner interests in the region, including the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, to continue promoting regional stability and deterring aggression.

📸 MC2 Turner

👏 Empire State Sailor and Marine of the week! 👍

For this week's Sailor and Marine of the week, we recognize LS2 Brandon Matthews, from Los Angeles, CA. and Lance Cpl. Prestiege Kahookelehimalaya, from Honolulu, HI.

LS2 Matthews is the Hazmat Leading Petty Officer onboard NYK. He was directly responsible for the offload of over 1,300 lbs. of hazardous waste and the procurement of $15K in hazardous material. He ensured that all 42 work centers and embarked units have hazmat onboard in order to accomplish their preventative and corrective maintenance. LS2 Matthews' dedication to his craft and the crew ensures the Blue-Green team maintains material and war fighter readiness.

Serving as the Motor Transport Assistant Chief for the Artillery Battery aboard the USS New York, Cpl Kahookelehimalaya oversees maintenance and accountability of the Battery's vehicles and associated SL-3. He has displayed initiative and commitment as a Martial Arts Instructor, training Marines aboard the New York in MCMAP techniques and developing them mentally, ethically, and morally. Cpl K is the epitome of what it means to be a Non-Commissioned Officer and is instrumental to the success of the team of teams aboard New York.

📸 MC2 Turner

👏 Empire State Sailors and Marines! 😍

Every week, we recognize an Empire State Sailor and Marine for their exceptional work, character, and dedication to our everyday attitude of "Train, Fight, Win!"

Keep up the great work team and Never Forget!

📸 MC2 Jesse Turner

⚓ Another month down, training never stops! 👏

Take a look at what we have accomplished in the month of July! USS New York is conducting operations in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) area of operations as part of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (WSP ARG)-24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC). The WSP ARG-24th MEU (SOC) is on a scheduled deployment to the NAVEUR-NAVAF area of operations, supporting U.S., Allied and partner interests in the region, including in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, to continue promoting regional stability and deterring aggression.

📸 MC2 Jesse Turner

⚓️ Full Power Run, Hooyah Engineering! ⚙️

A full power run is conducted periodically to test engine capabilities and efficiency. New York is conducting operations in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations as part of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (WSP ARG)-24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC). The WSPARG-24th MEU (SOC) supports high-end warfighting exercises while demonstrating speed and agility operating in a dynamic security environment.

📸 MC2 Jesse Turner

The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) was awarded the 2023 Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Fund Award for U.S. Fleet Forces on July 10, 2024.

The award is presented annually by the Chief of Naval Operations to one ship in the Atlantic Fleet and one in the Pacific Fleet based on overall readiness and includes a small monetary stipend, which will be given to the ship’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation fund to benefit crewmembers.

New York’s crew was cited for their indomitable spirit, superior performance and consistently high standards of readiness.

“The Sailors, senior enlisted leaders, and officers of USS New York represent the best fighting force ever gathered,” said Capt. Ben Oakes, New York’s commanding officer.

“I am extremely proud of this team and all that they accomplished in the past year. There is no doubt that we are ready and will continue to perform at our highest while forward deployed. I could not be more honored to bring this award back home to New York where it all started with one young girl’s patriotic act out of love for her country.”

This marks the second time New York was selected to receive this prestigious award. In May 2014, New York was selected as the fiscal year 2013 winner amongst the amphibious ships of the Atlantic Fleet.

The Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Fund was established in 1917 by the New York Tribune Association.

It was initiated by a letter written by 13-year-old Marjorie Sterrett, February 1916.

Marjorie, who lived in Brooklyn, contributed her weekly allowance of a dime to “Help build a battleship for Uncle Sam.”

Prior to World War II, income from this fund was used to pay prizes annually to turret and gun crews making the highest scores in short-range battle practice, as well as submarine crews making the highest scores in torpedo firing.

It is now used to recognize those ships which display battle efficiency and emphasize readiness and fitness of the ship.

Accordingly, the reward has been used to recognize the most battle-efficient or battle-ready warship on each coast.

We are thrilled to be named winner of the Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Fund Award 2023 for superior performance and battle efficiency among amphibious ships in U.S. Atlantic Fleet!

The Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Fund Award was established in 1917 by the New York Tribune Association. The fund was initiated by a letter from 13-year-old Marjorie Sterrett in February 1916. Marjorie, who lived in Brooklyn, contributed her weekly allowance of a dime to "Help build a battleship for Uncle Sam." Prior to World War II, income from this fund was used to pay prizes annually to turret and gun crews making the highest scores in short-range battle practice, and submarine crews making the highest scores in torpedo firing. It is now used to recognize those ships which display battle efficiency and emphasize readiness and superior performance of the ship.

"The Sailors, Senior Enlisted Leaders, and officers of USS New York represent the best fighting force ever gathered. I am extremely proud of this team and all that they accomplished in the past year. There is no doubt that we are ready and will continue to perform at our highest while forward deployed. I could not be more honored to bring this award back home to New York where it all started with one young girl's patriotic act out of love for her country."
-Capt. Ben Oakes, Commanding Officer

https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/NAV2024/NAV24139.txt?ver=UTul6hH0v5CReteTHqq6-g%3D%3D

🌊 Replenishment At Sea! ⛽️

Ever wonder how we receive fuel, food, and mail at sea? Have a look!

These are some of our favorite days when we receive mail from our loved ones, thank you for always supporting us New York family and friends. 😍

📸 MC2 Jesse Turner

😍Hello Sunny Corfu, Greece! Thank you for having us!

CORFU, GREECE (July 5, 2024) The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New York enters port in Corfu, Greece, July 5, 2024. New York is conducting operations in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations as part of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (WSP ARG-24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC). The WSP ARG-24th MEU (SOC) supports high-end warfighting exercises while demonstrating speed and agility operating in a dynamic security environment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jesse Turner)

😎 Strait of Gibraltar Transit🌊

STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR (June 30, 2024) The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) transits the Strait of Gibraltar, June 30, 2024. The Strait of Gibraltar is the western entrance to the Mediterranean Sea. New York is conducting operations in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations as part of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (WSP ARG)-24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC). The WSP ARG-24th MEU (SOC) supports high-end warfighting exercises while demonstrating speed and agility operating in a dynamic security environment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jesse Turner)

Hallo Germany! Thank you for hosting us! 🇺🇸🤝🇩🇪

😎To the Skies!🤙

The "Blue Knights" of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced) took some of New York's crew members for ride-along flights in the Baltic Sea, June 20, 2024.



📷: MC2 Jesse Turner