The commissioning ceremony for the USS New York warship, built partly from steel salvaged from the World Trade Centres, will take place in November.

The USS New York LPD-21 warship – built in part using steel salvaged from the World Trade Centres (WTCs) – has set sail from New Orleans and will arrive in New York harbour on 2 November, where it will be commissioned the following week (7 November).

The ship was built as a tribute to the 3,000 people who lost their lives in the September 11 tragedy – its crest includes images of the tower. After inspecting the twisted steel to check it was of sufficient strength, 7.5 tonnes of it was then used within the construction of the ship’s bow stern.

Commander Quentin King, the US Navy Programme Manager on the shipbuilding site, commented on the use of salvaged steel: “The significance of where the WTC steel is located on the 684-foot-long ship symbolises the strength and resiliency of the citizens of New York as it sails forward around the world

“It sends a message of America becoming stronger as a result, coming together as a country and ready to move forward as we make our way through the world.”

There have been five other ships named after the major city. The decision to name this ship in honour of the tragic event was officially announced in 2002, when the then Secretary of the US Navy, Gordon England, said: “From the war for independence through the war on terrorism, which we wage today, the courage and heroism of the people of New York has been an inspiration.

“USS New York will play an important role in our Navy’s future and will be a fitting tribute to the people of the Empire State.”

USS New York’s commissioning will take place on 7 November 2009 – 2,948 days since the attacks – at the Intrepid Museum Pier 88 South, Pier 86 North NYC, New York.