USS New York, and its Chapel, Commissioned

The USS New York was recently commissioned for sea service in its namesake state.  It is famous for the fact that seven and a half tons of steel from the World Trade Center were used in its bow.

According to a United Methodist news source, the ship’s Navy Chaplain, Chaplain (LtCdr) Laura Bender, requested that a few more pounds of that steel be used to create a Christian cross, Jewish Star of David, and Islamic crescent to be used in the ship’s chapel.  The symbols were a gift from the World Trade Center Tribute Center.

Kudos to the Chaplain for coming up with a unique way to help her Sailors and Marines integrate the faith of their soul with the soul of their ship, regardless of their religion.

First noted by Mitch Lewis.