It was built with 24 tons of scrap steel from the World Trade Center.
It is the fifth in a new class of warship - designed for missions that include special operations against terrorists.
It will carry a crew of 360 sailors and 700 combat ready Marines to be delivered ashore by helicopters and assault craft.
Steel from the World Trade Center was melted down in a foundry in Amite, LA to cast the ship's bow section. It was poured into the molds on Sept 9, 2003. It was a spiritual moment for everybody there.
The ship's motto: "Never Forget"
