U.S. Ambassador to the French Republic and the Principality of Monaco Jane D. Hartley, U.S. Defense Attache in Paris Army Col. Brendan B. McAloon, Admiral of French Firefighters Jean-Yves Le Borgne, and other guests, toured the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) July 1.

Quotes:
"It is an honor and privilege to have the ambassador to France, the U.S. senior defense official in France, and the French admiral of firefighters aboard to give their respects to the 343 firefighters that perished during the 9/11 attacks."

-USS New York Commanding Officer Capt. Kenneth Coleman

"The bravery of the French firefighters of Marseilles that are here reminded me so much of the firefighters in New York that I knew and their bravery when they ran into the Twin Towers while other people were running out. This event celebrates the relationship of the French and American military as we continue to work together and fight for freedom."

-Jane D. Hartley, U.S. Ambassador to the French Republic and the Principality of Monaco

Quick Facts:

-This is the first port of call for the Sailors and Marines after re-entering the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations and marks the beginning of the ship's homeward journey after spending more than six months at sea.

-New York, deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group/24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (IWO ARG/24th MEU), is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.

-Along with the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York, the IWO ARG/24th MEU is comprised of embarked Marines from the 24th MEU, the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43).

-U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and promote security and stability in Europe and Africa.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/