Philippine Sea Crew Honors New York Fire Department
Story Number: NNS030529-11
Release Date: 5/29/2003 10:05:00 AM
By Journalist 1st Class Christopher E. Tucker, Naval Station Mayport Public Affairs
NEW YORK (NNS) -- USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) Sailors took time during Fleet Week in New York to honor Manhattan Fire Department Engine 16, Ladder 7. The fire department has a special tie to Philippine Sea due to the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001.
After the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center's twin towers, Ladder 7 was one of many fire and rescue teams on the scene to help get survivors to safety. Tragically, nine of their men were still inside and were lost when the towers fell.
One of those firefighters, Richard Muldowney, is the brother-in-law of Chief Fire Controlman (SW) George Meara.
Meara first received the news about the attacks of Sept. 11 and Muldowney's passing by email while the ship was deployed. When Meara later learned Philippine Sea would be launching one of the first Tomahawk cruise missiles into Afghanistan, he arranged with his division to be the one who "pushed the button." As the missile shot into the night, Meara said out loud, "This one's for Ritchie."
Meara thought the ship's visit to Fleet Week would be a perfect opportunity for the men of the cruise missile division to honor the passing of a family member. The entire division and several chief petty officers from the ship were present for the memorial service held at Ladder 7's fire station.
"This was a small ceremony to honor a brother, a father, an uncle and a good friend," Meara said.
During a speech to gathered friends, family members and Philippine Sea Sailors, Meara said a picture of a New York firefighter passing the American flag to a Soldier summed up how he felt when they launched the attack against Al Qaeda. "Take a rest brother, it's our turn," he said.
During the ceremony, Sailors presented Ladder 7 with a framed picture of the front page from the USA Today showing Philippine Sea's Tomahawk launch Oct. 7 with the words "We Will Not Fail." Ladder 7, in turn, presented the ship with pieces of steel from the World Trade Center.
"This ceremony today made us very proud," said Firefighter Stephen Lyons. "We support the military 100 percent. Because of the tragedy, we've made a lot of strong relationships. One of those is now with the Philippine Sea."
Sailors said they were honored to take part in the ceremony and meet some of New York's heroes firsthand.
"It feels good to meet some of the people we were out their defending," said Fire Controlman 3rd Class Ryan Dillon. "It makes me proud to be a part of the cruise missile division on Philippine Sea." Meara finished his speech by saying the military continues its battle against terrorism today and quoted President Bush in his remarks to the military Oct. 7. "We will not waiver; we will not tire; we will not falter and we will not fail. Peace and freedom will prevail."
