U.S. Senator Pat Toomey wants a new United States Navy ship honoring passengers of United Flight 93, which crashed near Shanksville in Somerset County on 9/11, to be commissioned in Philadelphia.
The USS Somerset is the ninth and newest amphibious transport dock ship in the San Antonio class. It joins the USS New York and the USS Arlington in remembering the heroes of September 11.
“The Somerset should be commissioned in Pennsylvania, and I have asked Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus to bring her to Philadelphia for the occasion,” said Senator Toomey. “The ship is named in honor of the courageous passengers whose action prevented the terrorists from killing many more Americans. Our state and our citizens would be privileged to have the ship begin its service to the country in the Port of Philadelphia. I hope Secretary Mabus agrees. ”
A ship is commissioned when it is put into active service. The Somerset was christened in July 2012.
Here is the letter Senator Toomey sent to the Secretary of the Navy:
January 24, 2013
The Honorable Ray Mabus
Secretary of the Navy
1000 Navy Pentagon
Washington, D.C. 20350-1000
Dear Secretary Mabus:
Thank you for your action in response to this office’s request for the Navy’s assessment of the suitability of Philadelphia to be the site of the commissioning ceremony for the USS Somerset.
I have received information that the Navy has cleared Philadelphia as a potential site, and local officials fully support. I therefore respectfully request that the Navy hold the commissioning ceremony in Philadelphia.
As you know, the ship’s name honors the passengers of United Airlines Flight 93 whose actions prevented terrorist hijackers from reaching their intended target, forcing the aircraft to crash in Somerset County, PA, on September 11, 2001. In the words of Secretary of the Navy Gordon England, “The courage and heroism of the people aboard the flight will never be forgotten and USS Somerset will leave a legacy that will never be forgotten by those wishing to do harm to this country.” It seems only fitting that the vessel’s commissioning ceremony be held at the closest port to Somerset County.
Thank you for your service and attention to my request.
Sincerely,
Pat Toomey
United States Senator