The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) arrives in Miami March 26 to participate in the city’s inaugural Navy Week event.

The primary goal of Navy Week Miami is to share information about the Navy with residents in the Dade County area, through outreach and community service engagements. Naval personnel from a plethora of naval communities will be participating and hosting community events throughout the week.

"The goal of Navy Week Miami is to highlight the Navy in an area where it is rarely seen," said Lt. Stephen O’dell, New York assistant operations officer. "Multiple commands will be joining us in bringing naval culture and experience to South Florida, including USS Florida (SSGN 728), USS Constitution, the Navy Leap Frogs and the Naval Academy."

New York Sailors will host local residents aboard for tours of their ship to show what a typical day is like aboard the ship.

The crew will have the chance to participate in the Marlins opening day game; a Miami Heat game; a Miami Dolphins stadium tour; cooking competitions and the Miami Fair. They will also have opportunities to give back to the community, supporting a Habitat for Humanity project and several other community events.

South Florida Sailors serving aboard New York are proud to be able to come home, show off their ship and highlight their personal and professional achievements.

"It is an amazing opportunity to show the city of Miami that dreams do come true," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Laura Zapata-Volkmar, a Miami native. "I wanted to join the military in 2005 and was not able. Finally, in 2012, I received my green card and was able to enlist. This is a monumental moment for me because Miami is where my roots are, and after all the struggles, I come back a success story. This moment is special and I can’t wait to embrace the people of Miami’s warmth and hospitality.”

Homeported in Mayport, Florida, New York recently completed a continuous maintenance availability after returning from an overseas deployment in December.

The ship is named for the state of New York, and in remembrance of the attacks of 9/11. New York’s bow stem contains 7.5 tons of steel from the wreckage of the World Trade Center that serves as a constant reminder of the ship’s motto, "Strength Forged Through Sacrifice… Never Forget."

The ship incorporates advanced performance and warfighting technologies that enhance the fleet's operational flexibility with the ability to deploy landing force vehicles, equipment, and Marines in support of expeditionary warfare missions.

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For more news from USS New York (LPD 21), visit www.navy.mil/.