WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Navy is considering U.S. Senator Pat Toomey’s (R-Pa.) request that the USS Somerset, a new Navy ship honoring the passengers of Flight 93, be commissioned in Philadelphia. Sen. Toomey received a letter from the office of the Secretary of the Navy, saying that Philadelphia “will be given every consideration.”
“I’m pleased to see that Philadelphia is being considered as a commissioning site for the USS Somerset,” said Sen. Toomey. “The ship is named in honor of the courageous passengers whose action prevented the terrorists from killing many more Americans on Sept. 11, 2001. Our state and our citizens would be honored to have the ship begin its service to the country in the Port of Philadelphia. I hope Secretary Mabus agrees.”
Sen. Toomey wrote a letter expressing his request to Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus on Jan. 24.
The senator plans to introduce a resolution in the Senate next week supporting the commissioning of the USS Somerset in Philadelphia.
The Navy’s reply to Sen. Toomey is below:
January 30, 2013
The Hon. Pat Toomey
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator Toomey:
Thank you for your recent letter expressing interest in conducting the commissioning ceremony for USS SOMERSET (LPD 25) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I am responding on behalf of Secretary Mabus.
Commissioning site assessments are being made for SOMERSET. Philadelphia is one of the locations that is getting strong support from business leaders, elected officials and members of the local community. A thorough analysis of a number of factors will be conducted to determine the best location for the commissioning site. A recommendation based upon that analysis will be made to Secretary Mabus who will determine the location for the ceremony. At present, the commissioning is tentatively projected for January 2014. We appreciate your interest and your recommendation will be given every consideration.
If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Pamela S. Kunze
Captain, U.S. Navy
Special Assistant for Public Affairs to the Secretary of the Navy
