U.S. Navy Commissions USS Bulkeley in NY
U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz called the USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) "an indispensable force for peace and freedom in the world" during commissioning ceremonies Saturday, December 8, 2001, near the World Trade Center site. The advanced Aegis guided missile destroyer is the 34th ship of the DDG 51 program and the 15th to be built by Northrop Grumman Corporation's Ingalls Operations in Pascagoula, Miss. "USS Bulkeley deploys the most advanced weapon systems afloat today. She also demonstrates the power that only a free nation can generate. It is a privilege for all of us to be here for the commissioning of a ship that is a product of the great partnership between government and industry that is crucial to the defense of our country and peace and freedom in the world…
USS The Sullivans Celebrates its 10th Anniversary
The crew of USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) with USS The Sullivans Foundation and the people of Staten Island celebrated the 10th anniversary of the ship’s commissioning June 16 at the pier where the ship was commissioned. The USS The Sullivans Foundation, a non-profit organization established to support the crew and ship, hosted the ceremony and following reception as a way to strengthen the tie between the people of Staten Island and the crew and ship. “Ten years ago there were 7,000 people here on this pier to celebrate this great ship,” said Nancy Pouch, a member of USS The Sullivans Foundation. Pouch described the support the foundation has given the ship since its commissioning including donations to the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Fund and a scholarship fund for family members.
Report: Ferries Remain Vulnerable to Attacks
The Advance reported that while terrorist attacks on Staten Island's bridges would be difficult, experts say, the Staten Island Ferry remains a high-profile, vulnerable target. Harvey Kushner, a Long Island University professor of criminal justice and a federal government counterterrorism adviser, said the payoff for terrorists would be the sea disaster spectacle value. Officials said city ferries remain vulnerable despite the post-9/11 ban on trucks and cars. Instead of using car or truck bombs to attack the ferries, terrorists simply could send suicide bombers aboard the boats posing as passengers, it was explained. Police and Coast Guard officials have beefed up security on the ferries since 9/11. The NYPD assigned additional officers to patrol the boats and the ferry terminals.
Lawmakers Push for Thorough Review
Last Monday, a $6.8 billion dollar deal put the operation and control of the major New York and New Jersey ports in the control of a firm in the United Arab Emirates and owned by the Government of Dubai, Dubai Ports World. Today, Senators Chuck Schumer, Tom Coburn, Frank Lautenberg, and Chris Dodd are being joined by Reps. Chris Shays, Vito Fossella and Mark Foley in sending a letter to Treasury Secretary John Snow urging him to review the deal immediately. The deal allows the UAE company to take control of most operations at six ports on the East Coast, including: New York, New Jersey, Baltimore, New Orleans, Miami and Philadelphia.
