Bollinger Shipyards Commemorates 9/11 with Steel Transfer Ceremony Involving Coast Guard and Community Leaders

Last week, Bollinger Shipyards, a prominent name in crafting high-performance military and commercial vessels, held a poignant ceremony at its Lockport facility. They received two steel beams salvaged from the wreckage of the World Trade center after the tragic events of September 11, 2001. These pieces will be integrated into two U.S.Coast Guard Sentinel-class Fast Response cutters named in honor of 9/11 heroes Vincent Danz and Jeffrey Palazzo—both Coast Guard reservists who also served as first responders.

Ben Bordelon, President and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards, expressed deep respect for these individuals: “September 11 was a day that showcased remarkable bravery amidst chaos.Vincent Danz and Jeffrey Palazzo exemplified this courage.” He emphasized how incorporating this steel into the USCGC Vincent Danz and USCGC Jeffrey Palazzo would keep their legacies alive as they patrol our waters.

The event drew representatives from various sectors including the U.S. Coast Guard and local officials alongside Bollinger’s dedicated workforce. It’s worth noting that handling steel from Ground Zero is treated wiht utmost reverence—similar to how one would treat human remains. Four retired Port Security Chiefs escorted these beams on their journey from New York to Louisiana, highlighting the strong bond between first responders past and present.

Bollinger plans to create memorial plaques from this steel for both cutters as lasting tributes to Danz’s and Palazzo’s heroism during one of America’s darkest days when they made the ultimate sacrifice while trying to save lives.

Both men were not only reservists but also committed public servants; Danz was an NYPD officer while Palazzo served with FDNY. Their dedication shone through on that fateful day when they risked everything during the attacks on September 11.Currently under construction at Bollinger’s facility in Lockport, both vessels are set for delivery later this year.

ABOUT BOLLINGER SHIPYARDS

with nearly eight decades under its belt, Bollinger Shipyards stands out as a top designer and builder specializing in military patrol boats among other maritime assets across its thirteen shipyards located throughout Louisiana and Mississippi. As Gulf America’s largest vessel repair company, it prides itself on innovation coupled with quality craftsmanship in shipbuilding.

ABOUT THE FAST RESPONSE CUTTER PLATFORM

The Fast Response Cutter (FRC) has been described by senior Coast Guard officials as revolutionary for operational capabilities within various missions across branches of service due to its adaptability and performance excellence—even reaching far-off locations like the Marshall Islands over extensive nautical miles! At 154 feet long with speeds up to 28 knots equipped with advanced technology systems including C4ISR capabilities (Command Control Communications Computers Intelligence surveillance Reconnaissance), FRCs are designed for versatility featuring launch ramps for smaller interceptor boats too!

VINCENT DANZ’S STORY

On November 12, 2019, a ceremony honored Vincent Danz by naming an FRC after him—a testament not just to his service but also his character as he worked tirelessly aiding victims during those harrowing moments before losing his life when towers fell down around him.

JEFFREY PALAZZO’S STORY

Similarly recognized was Jeffrey Palazzo whose legacy continues through another FRC bearing his name announced on that same day back in Battery Park by Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Karl Schultz honoring his commitment both militarily & publicly serving New Yorkers until he too made sacrifices while rescuing others amid chaos post-attack!

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