Local woman on board USS New York

MANHATTAN, N.Y. (WIVB) - Ashley Roberts is a gunner's mate from Springville.

She is among the 360 sailors on board, most of the from New York, who are proud to make history and preserve the legacy of American Freedom.

A fanfare fleet greeted the USS New York, as it pulled into Manhattan Monday.

The ship was build in Louisiana and is made from the stuff of sacred ground, the bow is constructed from 7.5 tons of steel from the World Trade Center.

The ship's motto reads "strength through sacrifice."

Her legacy began eight years ago on the fateful day, when thousands of lives were lost in the September 11th attacks.

For the many who remember that day nine years ago, the ship carries on the legacy of the lives lost.

Sailor Jamal Headen said, "I have gone past it since 9/11, the skyline looks a little different, it is missing."

"I find it very healing that we've taken that tragedy and turned it into such a magnificent vessel," said New York resident Bill Ellison.

The USS New York will be commissioned on Saturday, before heading to its home port in Norfolk, Virginia.

The ship's main mission will be to carry sailors and marines wherever they are needed in the world.