By Roger Clark NY1
A new Manhattan photo exhibit, “Sailing Into Harbor,” salutes the USS New York — the ship built in part from steel from the World Trade Center. NY1’s Roger Clark filed the following report.
A new Manhattan photo exhibit, “Sailing into Harbor,” salutes the USS New York — the ship built in part from steel from the World Trade Center.
A shot of the USS New York after an overnight rain is one of photographer C.R. Richardson’s favorite pictures.
“The surface of the ship was wet and the clouds were just sort of breaking up. To me, that represents what the boat [sic – ship] looks like,” Richardson said.
The Navy ship is deeply connected to New York City, as its hull was constructed with seven tons of steel salvaged from the Twin Towers after September 11th.
Richardson was the only civilian member of the media approved by the Navy to travel on board the vessel back in 2011, for its three-day voyage from Norfolk, Va. to New York Harbor to mark the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.
Her photos are now on display at the Jadite Gallery at 413 West 50th Street in Hell’s Kitchen.
“It was great opportunity for me. I had no idea how powerful the experience would be once I got on board,” Richardson said.
She photographed crew members of the amphibious assault ship, and invited guests, including first responders and 9/11 victim family members.
“I was deeply moved as a human being, and as a citizen of the country and of New York City,” she said.
Richardson’s trip was arranged by friend Steven Honigman, the general counsel of the Navy for five years during the Clinton administration. It was timed to take place during Fleet Week, which usually coincides with Memorial Day weekend.
Fleet Week was canceled this year due to the federal government’s sequester.
“It’s important to connect the Navy and its sailors with the people in New York City, and Fleet Week was a great high. The city was filled with uniforms,” Honigman said.
The former Navy counsel hopes Fleet Week will return next year. For now, the photos remind visitors of the relationship between the Navy and New York.
“I think people are going to be proud to see them and admire them,” said Roland Sainz of Jadite Gallery.
Richardson’s photos are on display at the Jadite Gallery through May 30. For more information, visit jadite.com.
