By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zane P. Ecklund, USS New York Public Affairs navy.mil
USS NEW YORK, At Sea (NNS) — The amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) celebrated Thanksgiving while underway during her maiden deployment, Nov. 22.
New York’s Food Service division prepared 60 turkeys, as well as hundreds of pounds of ham, sweet potatoes and cranberry sauce for 937 service members on board the ship.
“The entire Food Service staff puts 100 percent effort into every meal, but today, they kicked it up a notch with 120 percent,” said Senior Chief Culinary Specialist Devon Knight. “If the crew cannot be home with friends and family, we wanted to bring a taste of home to everyone.”
In addition to the meal, New York’s Commanding Officer, Capt. Jon Kreitz, had a message for service members.
“Today we pause, to give thanks for the food we will enjoy, the labor of those who prepared it and freedoms that have been safeguarded by those who have come before us,” said Kreitz. “Today, I pause to thank you all for all the sacrifices you have made and continue to make in support of this great ship, our Navy and Marine Corps team and this great nation.”
“The food was great and we had plenty to eat,” said Cpl. Derek Monday of the embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). “It was a traditional Thanksgiving meal that reminded me of home.”
“I didn’t expect everything to be as festive,” said Hull Maintenance Technician 3rd Class James Cowley. “The ship did a great job with the food, decorations and establishing a family atmosphere.”
New York is part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group with the embarked 24th MEU. USS New York is the sixth ship named for the state of New York, and the fifth amphibious transport dock ship in the San Antonio class. Her motto is “Strength forged through sacrifice. Never forget.”
