The USS New York: An Inspiring Journey into Military Logistics

For centuries, we have understood that excellent logistical planning and execution is the foundation of success in the battlefield.

There is no greater example of this than the truly inspirational story of the construction and  USS New York. In an episode of its wonderful series “Mighty Ships,” The Discovery Channel takes viewers on a journey behind the scenes of this amazing multi-functional warship, taking us aboard to witness its final deployment exercises.

The the viewer who might be under-educated in the discipline of military logistics, like myself, will gain a new appreciation for the mastery of complexity and professionalism demonstrated by the officers and crew of the USS New York. Skilled veteran military logistics professionals may watch the production with pride as young marines and tacticians carry the torch with skill and determination.

The Discovery Channel describes the journey as follows:

The World’s Largest Amphibious Transport Dock

With 7.5 tons of steel salvaged from the wreckage of the Twin Towers forming her bow stem, USS New York is tribute to those who perished on September 11, 2001. From the images of the World Trade Center, to the banner listing the fallen, to the Broadway street sign donated by NYC’s mayor, this ship is a powerful symbol. But she’s more than that.

The US Marine Corps is the world’s most formidable fighting force, but as one Navy man aboard USS New York says, the Marines may have “20 million ways to kill us but only on the beach. That’s why they have us.” This ship is built to launch up to 800 Marines and their fierce battle hardware ashore. Her massive well-deck floods to unleash hovercrafts that fly across the seas at a speed of up to 40 knots, along with floating tanks that swim ashore and then rumble along the beach. All the while, New York’s flight deck sends helicopters aloft to move more Marines ashore and provide air cover. This is first-strike capability with a speed and versatility like never before.MIGHTY SHIPS follows USS New York as her 363-strong Navy crew welcomes some 800 Marines aboard for final deployment exercises. Off the Carolina coast, troops from the two forces rehearse the launch of air and sea attacks with the utmost speed and precision: everything from Marines scrambling into helicopters and Zodiacs to board a hostile enemy ship to a final nighttime amphibious shore invasion. It’s a loud, intense, action-packed voyage – the first time USS New York has ever performed all her functions and the last chance for the sailors and Marines to prove they are ready to serve by the ship’s motto: “Never Forget.”

USS New York and Statue of Liberty

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