I.F. native serving aboard U.S. Navy ship forged from World Trade Center steel
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MAYPORT, Florida -– As the nation observes the 15th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, a 2011 Idaho Falls High School graduate and Idaho Falls native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard a ship built using steel from the World Trade Center.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Allison Hodge, is a machinist’s mate aboard USS New York, responsible for refrigeration and air-conditioning systems aboard 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.
“I enjoy the hands on aspect of working with the equipment and the customer service that I provide in helping my fellow shipmates,” said Hodge.
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, Hodge said she is constantly learning how to be the best leader, Sailor and person possible by handling numerous responsibilities, meeting deadlines, and forging lasting professional relationships.
“There is a tight family atmosphere here at the command, everyone takes care of one another which will build friendships for a lifetime,” said Hodge.
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.
“The sailors who serve aboard USS New York are exceptional in so many ways,” said Capt. Kenneth M. Coleman, the ship’s commanding officer. “They represent some of the hardest working and most dedicated Americans I have served with in 25 years of naval service. They exhibit an impressive level of pride for serving onboard a ship that means so much to so many Americans. I am honored to lead this crew and be a part of the special bond that this ship and her crew shares with her namesake.”
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, Hodge said she and other New York sailors are proud to part of a warfighting team that embodies the spirit, strength and resilience of the American people.
“I love serving here and I have a tremendous sense of pride and honor to pay tribute to the Americans that were affected by these attacks,” said Hodge.