Multi-million warship sets sail

BUFFALO, N .Y. (WIVB) - A multi-million dollar naval warship is preparing to set sail from Buffalo's Waterfront Monday. The USS Freedom docked in the Queen City for a one day sneak peak at the state of the art prototype.

It was a rare chance to see the newest generation of navy warship, and even the brisk wind howling off Lake Erie wasn't going to keep these folks away. Retired Navyman Jerry Nowak wanted to see what the new Navy is all about.

"Certainly a big difference from when I was in. This is an awesome ship," said the Navy veteran.

The USS Freedom is awesome from stem to stern. The ship is longer than a football field, yet it can accelerate from a dead standstill to full throttle in 90 seconds. And has great versatility, USS Freedom can navigate in waters as shallow as 14 feet.

Donald Gabrielson, USS Freedom Commanding Officer said, "We'll have the ability with this ship to cover a wide range of missions from humanitarian all the way up to sustained combat operations."

Commander Gabrielson and his crew of forty are on a tour of the Great Lakes to showcase the USS Freedom, it's playing to rave reviews.

Russ Klass from Orchard Park said, "It's like the Starship Enterprise versus a row boat. Really a big difference, but it was worth the wait. It was cold but it was worth waiting for to see this."

Julie Ponkow said, "I think it's really an honor that they stopped here in Buffalo. I've had a love of the Navy and ships since my brother was on the USS."

A flag ceremony signals the end of another day as the sun sets.  Tuesday, the USS Freedom will hit the lake to continue its tour.