NORFOLK, Va. — USS New York is on it's way back to it's namesake, with several families and first responders on board to honor the lives lost during 9/11.
The ship is unique in both it's name and history. The Navy made an exception in naming the ship after a state, but allowed it to commemorate the people who lost their lives during the terrorist attack.
Now, it serves to not only carry marines, sailors and aircrafts, but can also be described as a 'floating museum.'
"Not many of the people on this ship had been serving at the time of 9/11, but many of the crew joined the Navy and many of the marines joined the marines because of the events of 9/11 and inspired them to join, so this ship is a very special ship," said Captain Ben Oakes, USS New York.
On board is clothing worn by first responders as they raced to the World Trade Center, the names of the lives lost are etched into the walls, and the ship itself is built and carries seven tons of steel that comes from Ground Zero.
It's an emotional display that demonstrates heroism and lost to both crew members and those personally affected.
"My father, my mother's husband, is Detective Joe Vigiano. He lost his life while saving others in the twin towers," said Joseph Vigiano, his son.
"For those of us who live that day to be on here is...I can't even put it into words," said Stephen Ekizian, a New York Port Authority police officer.
25 New York Police Department, New York Fire Department and Port Authority officers also boarded USS New York in Norfolk.
These departments lost hundreds of people on 9/11, many of them volunteers who raced inside to save others.
USS New York should arrive in New York on Monday.