This is the Gator Life! "Gator Navy" refers to the U.S. Navy ships that are dedicated to amphibious operations of the U.S. Marines, like the HII-built USS New York (LPD 21). Recently, USS New York conducted well deck operations with Landing Craft Air Cushions (LCACs) and Landing Craft Utility (LCU).
LPD 21, with embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), is currently underway in the Atlantic Ocean completing integrated training as a WSP ARG-24th MEU team.
USS New York is a San Antonio-class ship built at HII’s Avondale facility and named to commemorate the tragic events of 9/11. In tribute to the people that died during the 2001 terrorist attacks, USS New York was built using 7.5 tons of steel salvaged from the World Trade Center and cast as the ship’s bow stem. This represents less than one-thousandth of the total weight of the ship.
LPD 21 is the sixth ship of the U.S. Navy to be named after the state of New York. The ship was christened in March 2008 at the Avondale facility in New Orleans.
For more than 85 years, Ingalls shipbuilders have served as the backbone of our nation’s defense, building ships that project power, maintain peace and safeguard seas across the globe. We remain committed to this important work, knowing that THEIR Mission is OUR purpose.