Posted on September 14, 2021
A Message From Eastern Shipbuilding Group on the 20th Anniversary of 9/11
On behalf of the workers at Eastern Shipbuilding Group, we honor the memories of the lives lost on that horrific day on September 11, 2001. On that day, twenty years ago, the United States Coast Guard and New York City Fire Department led one of the largest water evacuations in history helping 500,000 people from Manhattan get to safety in the midst of chaos and terror. Their courage and heroism are shining examples for all of us.
In the years to follow, our shipyard has played a small role in response to that tragedy and built two fireboats for the incredible men and women of the FDNY. These boats are floating monuments to the 9/11 heroes, and symbolize the resolve to always be prepared to answer the call.
The first vessel was launched at our Nelson Street Shipyard on September 11, 2009 and is named the THREE FORTY THREE in honor of the 343 firefighters who died at the World Trade Center. The name on the bow, was hand-cut by FDNY firemen from World Trade Center steel and welded on the bow.
These fireboats are a direct response to the needs the FDNY noted during the weeks after 9/11, and are able to resupply city fire mains in the event of a similar disaster, conduct a water rescue from a downed aircraft, or remove passengers from a Staten Island Ferry in a crisis.
These fireboats are capable of pumping 50,000 gallons per minute with 11 fire monitors and can achieve a speed of over 20 mph. They are firefighting warships forged by the courage and strength of New York’s finest. It was our humble privilege to do this job with and for the FDNY.
And this year, the New York City Department of Transportation will commission the brand new Staten Island Ferry SSV MICHAEL H. OLLIS. Built with the lessons of 9/11 in mind, and in honor of one of our soldiers who selflessly gave his life to save others in the War on Terror. We honor the heroes of 9/11 and we will never forget.
Respectfully,
Jessica Ditto | VP, Communications
Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc.
Mobile: (850) 628-0247
