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A source of strength
Copan Marine takes part in commissioning

Staff Sgt. Shane Codding was an eyewitness to history last week when a newly built ship, the USS New York, was treated to a celebration as it entered New York harbor. The ship, which was commissioned Saturday in New York, was built with material that included more than seven tons of steel from the collapsed World Trade Center buildings. Courtesy

By MANNY GAMALLO World Staff Writer
Published: 11/9/2009 2:22 AM
Last Modified: 11/9/2009 3:54 AM

A homecoming of sorts last week in New York served to reaffirm and strengthen Marine Staff Sgt. Shane Codding's beliefs in his commitment to God and country.

A week ago, the 27-year-old from Copan was aboard the USS New York, newly built with material including 7 1/2 tons of steel from the collapsed World Trade Center buildings, as it entered the New York harbor.

Codding and about 250 fellow Marines were greeted by hundreds of boats and throngs of onlookers standing on shore.

As the $1 billion ship made its way north along the Hudson River, its suddenly came to a stop abreast of where the World Trade Center buildings stood until Sept. 11, 2001.

In its own way, the USS New York returned home again.

With all hands on deck and at full attention, the ship fired its guns in a solemn salute in memory of the victims of "ground zero."

"I had the best seat in the house," said Codding, who has served two combat tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan.

"Just being here gave me the realization of what I had been fighting for. Words can't express the unbelievable honor it was just to be part of this incredible experience."

Codding witnessed another celebration Saturday morning when Secretary of State Hillary Clinton commissioned the USS New York, an amphibious transport dock ship built in New Orleans.

After its arrival in Manhattan, the USS New York was docked across from the USS Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum, giving curious New Yorkers an up-close look at the city's newest namesake.

Of particular attention was the ship's bow section, which was made from the salvaged steel taken from the World Trade Centers site.

"The city of New York, the people, the hospitality has been unreal," Codding said. "Just to bring this back to them, the meaning of the ship, it was a true honor."

Codding, a 2000 graduate of Copan High School, was studying business management at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah when terrorists struck the next year.

He knew right away he would have to put his studies on hold. He felt his country needed him more.

"My college roommate was a Marine reservist so that pointed me in the right direction," Codding said.

Codding is normally assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. But for the assignment aboard the USS New York, he was assigned to the 26th special purpose, Marine Air Ground task force.

According to the Pentagon, the ship will support the Marine Corps' "mobility triad," which consists of air-cushioned landing crafts, expeditionary fighting vehicles and Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft.

The ship's motto is appropriate to its beginnings: "Strength forged through sacrifice. Never forget."

After its stay in New York, the ship will head to its home port at Norfolk, Va., where it will serve as part of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet.

Codding, meanwhile, will head to Camp Lejeune, N.C., to await further duty orders.

Manny Gamallo 581-8386
manny.gamallo@tulsaworld.com By MANNY GAMALLO World Staff Writer

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	Report Comment EagleMom, Classified (11/9/2009 10:21:33 AM) Semper Fi!
	Report Comment Elusive, the burbs (11/9/2009 1:48:45 PM) Touching to see this ship and all that it means to Americans. Thank you all of those who serve to protect us.
	Report Comment Few Clothes, America (11/9/2009 2:15:33 PM) God bless you Staff Sargent for serving our country like all volunteers do.
	Report Comment aint missbehavin, .. (11/9/2009 2:58:17 PM) Bet that was an honor.Thanks for all who have served.God bless America.
	Report Comment myownguy, Tulsa (11/9/2009 3:08:52 PM) Semper Fi! Thanks for your service.
	Report Comment Thunder196, Tulsa (11/9/2009 7:20:56 PM) What a moving story. Thanks to all those serving. God bless all of you.
	Report Comment Elusive, the burbs (11/10/2009 12:05:20 AM) It brought tears to my eyes when I first saw it. I can imagine how the feel in NY and those who are serving on this glorious ship.

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