by Lt. Wes Holzapfel, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Robert Zhan
(MAYPORT, Fla.) – As the nation prepares to observe the 16th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, a 2003 Taft High School graduate and New York, New York native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard a ship built using steel from the World Trade Center.
Petty Officer 1st Class Salomon Michel is a boatswain's mate aboard USS New York, responsible for operating, maintaining and driving the ship. USS New York, one of the Navy’s newest and most advanced amphibious ships, is designed to deliver Marines and their equipment where they are needed to support a variety of missions ranging from amphibious assaults to humanitarian relief efforts.
“My mom taught me that if at first you don’t succeed then keep trying,” said Michel. “This is a lesson that I take with me each day of my naval career.”
Serving aboard New York takes on a different meaning for each sailor.
“Since the ship is made with steel from the World Trade Center, we can take the World Trade Center to other countries,” said Michel. “I came to this country from Haiti a month before 9/11, and my school was near the Twin Towers. My friends and I used to stop everday and look up at the buildings and be amazed. The day the terrorists attacked I stayed back with my teacher. It was also the last day that I saw my friend. I say every day that I am on the Twin Towers by serving on the USS New York. This is why I serve. I had to be able to give back.”
Homeported in Mayport, Florida, USS New York, named for the state of New York, is longer than two football fields at 684 feet, is 105 feet wide and weighs more than 24,000 tons. It has four diesel engines that can push the ship through the water in excess of 26 mph.
According to the Navy, New York’s bow, forged from steel salvaged from the wreckage of the 9/11 World Trade Center attack, embodies the strength and determination of the people of the United States: to recover, rally, and take the fight to the enemy and honor the memory of those who were affected by the attacks. USS New York forges an enduring alliance between the people of New York, the ship, and her crew
Serving in the Navy and aboard New York, Michel is constantly learning how to be the best leader, Sailor and person possible by handling numerous responsibilities, meeting deadlines, and forging lasting professional relationships.
Sailors’ jobs are highly varied aboard USS New York. More than 400 men and women make up the ship's crew, which keeps all parts of the ship running smoothly, from washing dishes and preparing meals to handling weaponry and maintaining the engines. An additional 700 Marines can be embarked. New York is capable of transporting the Marines and landing them where they are needed via helicopters, vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and landing craft.
“It’s a ship like no other,” said Capt. Todd Vandegrift, commanding officer, USS New York. “It represents the fighting spirit and resiliency of our Navy and Nation. While 9/11 maybe a distant memory for many, the events of that day are ever present before the crew and they shape the service and performance of each Sailor. The USS New York is at the forefront of readiness, amphibious operations and warfighting innovation. From being the ship of choice for the most demanding mission, to the highest scores in the amphibious transport dock (LPD) fleet during the USS New York’s recent Board of Inspection and Survey Inspections Material Condition Inspection, this ship and its crew leads the LPD fleet. It’s an honor and a privilege to be able to help guide and mold these young men and women’s futures.”
Collectively, the San Antonio-class ships will functionally replace more than 41 ships providing the Navy and Marine Corps with modern sea-based platforms. Amphibious transport dock ships are warships that embark, transport, and land elements of a landing force for a variety of expeditionary warfare missions. These ships support amphibious assault, special operations or expeditionary warfare missions and can serve as secondary aviation platforms for amphibious ready groups. Because of their inherent capabilities, these ships have been and will continue to be called upon to support humanitarian and other contingency missions on short notice as well.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s high-tech amphibious assault ships, Michel and other New York sailors are proud to part of a warfighting team that embodies the spirit, strength and resilience of the American people.
“It is a duty and an honor to be able to serve this country which is now my home,” added Michel.