By Seaman Angus Beckles, USS New York Public Affairs navy.mil
Amphibious landing dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) celebrated its holiday party at the downtown Marriott Jan. 23.
This celebration had been planned for Dec. 13, 2012, but was postponed due to an extension of New York’s maiden deployment. The crew finally celebrated the holidays with their families, friends and shipmates.
The event was coordinated by the ship’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) committee, which provided a buffet-style dinner and prizes such as gift certificates, iPads, sound and game systems, tool sets and a grand prize of a 51-inch television. Awards were also given out to the most outstanding chief petty officer, athlete of the year and USS New York rising star.
“After a long, nine-month deployment the decision was made to still hold the party, because the New York crew deserved it,” said Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Juan Canales, MWR president.
“This event also embodies the motto of New York: ‘Strength Forged Through Sacrifice,'” added Canales, recipient of the Most Outstanding Chief Petty Officer of the Year award.
“Seeing everyone having a great time and interacting outside the confines of the ship is what makes moments like this worthwhile,” said Capt. Jon C. Kreitz, USS New York commanding officer.
New York recently returned from its maiden deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and Arabian Gulf as part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group.
