USS New York marks another milestone

USS NEW YORK, at sea (WAVY) - USS New York continues to meet milestones. The latest was on May 9, when the amphibious transport dock ship completed a successful transit through the Suez Canal.

The ship is now operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR).

“Today was another important day for the New York…the first time she successfully and safely transited the Suez Canal and the first time the ship had made it to the Fifth Fleet,” said New York’s Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Will Herrmann, in a news release. “We are prepared and ready to accomplish all missions tasked.”

Constructed in 1869, the Suez Canal is a 120-mile man-made waterway that connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Gulf of Suez. The Suez Canal's width, which averages 673 feet, presents navigational challenges for large ships, such as the New York.

New York is part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the 5th Fleet AOR.