Watch CBS News

Philadelphia To Host Dedication of US Navy Ship Honoring 9/11 Victims

By Pat Loeb

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Planning is underway for a big event scheduled to take place on Philadelphia's waterfront on March 1st: the commissioning of the US Navy ship USS Somerset, honoring those who died in Somerset, Pa., in the crash of Flight 93 on September 11th, 2001.

The transport dock ship Somerset is the third and final ship ordered by the US Navy after September 11th to honor the victims of the terrorist attacks, joining the New York and the Arlington.

The ship officially gets its commission March 1st and, as the closest port to Somerset, Pa., Philadelphia will host it.

"I think it's only fitting the Somerset has the opportunity to commission in Philadelphia," says Capt. Thomas Dearborn (below), who commands the ship that is currently docked in Louisiana.

Thomas is in town to help get logistics ready for what promises to be a major event.  Military and elected officials will be joined by more than 200 family members of the victims.

"Those 40 heroes that perished on that fateful day," says Capt. Thomas, "had it not been for their brave actions, many more lives would have been lost."

dearborn_thomas capt _loeb
(US Navy captain Thomas Dearborn is planning for the commissioning of his ship, the USS Somerset. Photo by Pat Loeb)

-----

The ship arrives February 21st and will be open for tours during the ten days it is here.

For more information go to http://usssomersetcommissioning.org/.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.