"It was eight days after the towers fell that we were steaming toward the Middle East. The entire crew and myself aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Roosevelt (CVN 71) were still in shock and confused about what happened as the bombs were dropped over Baghdad."

Fifteen years later, Chief Personnel Specialist Josh Laisure and millions of others remembered the moment they learned of the Sept. 11 terror attacks on the United States.

Sailors aboard guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73) gathered for a remembrance ceremony to mark the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The event, organized by Decatur chief petty officer selectees, consisted of Sailors who spoke about the importance of remembering those killed in the attacks and the global ramifications, as nations around the world strengthened their alliance with the United States as a result of the incidents that day.

"I was a lieutenant with the pre-commissioning crew of USS McCampbell (DDG 85), and it was a surreal experience watching the news that day," said Cmdr. Garrett Miller, commanding officer of Decatur. "Now 15 years later, we must never forget that it is important that Sailors learn how this event changed America and how and why we train the way we do."

As the ceremony continued, chief petty officer selectees recalled the tragic events of that day with photos and rang a bell for each of the planes that crashed.

"I was in 9th grade, Ms. Dickinson's Home Economics, and I saw the planes crash into the towers on the television, and I was in complete shock," said Master-at-Arms 1st Class Jennifer Andrews. "I always had a sense of patriotism, and I always wanted to protect and serve this great country; after seeing 9/11, that deepened my feelings for that."

As the ceremony concluded, a moment of silence was held in remembrance of the victims.

"It didn't seem real when I was sitting in class, and I saw the towers fall and saw the unnecessary loss of lives," said Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class James Evans. "But in the end, America came together to rebuild."

Less than two months after the attack, Sept. 11 was established as a national holiday known as Patriot Day.

"Our country will keep fighting and will keep getting stronger against terrorist, so events like September 11th don't happen again." said Miller.

Decatur is currently underway in the Indo-Asia-Pacific Region as part of a U.S. 3rd Fleet Pacific Surface Action Group with guided-missile destroyers USS Spruance (DDG 111) and USS Momsen (DDG 92), under the operation of Destroyer Squadron (CDS) 31.

The U.S. Navy maintains a presence in the region to help preserve peace and security and to further their partnerships with friends and allies. This forward presence contributes to freedom of navigation and lawful use of the sea, as well as furthers operational training and enables an exchange of culture, skills, and tactical knowledge.

Under the operational control of U.S. 3rd Fleet, the PAC SAG conducts routine patrols, maritime security operations, and theater cooperation activities to enhance regional security and stability.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil/, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy/ or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy/.

For more news from USS Decatur (DDG 73), visit http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ddg73/Pages/default.aspx/ or http://m.facebook.com/USS-Decatur-153483414672248/.

For more news from Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/c3f/.

For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element, visit http://www.navy.mil/.