One of the treats for New Yorkers, adults and kids alike, is to go aboard military ships during New York City Fleet Week, which is in full swing. As media, you can even stay overnight on a ship. Two years ago, Untapped Cities’ photographer Erica Price went aboard the USS Bataan, a US Navy Wasp-class amphibious assault ship named in honor of the defense of the Bataan peninsula in Manilla Bay, the Philippines, during World War II. The ship, commissioned in 1997, has a strong connection to New York, being part of the force that were the first to respond after the September 11th attacks, where it could have been utilized as a floating hospital had there been more survivors.
We’re publishing this gallery of photographs for the first time, and Erica shared her experience with us embedded with the ship while it came into New York Harbor. She says:
It was a bit of a whirlwind. It was great getting to know the sailors and officers on the ship, getting a sneak peak of how life looks aboard the ship. It’s quite an honor to have been there and everyone is super friendly, courteous and proud of what they do. A few excited sailors questioned if they were standing on the right side of the ship to get that passing view of the Statue of Liberty. It was nice to play a little bit of a tour guide role of the city’s port and seaside views. There were other visiting media and guests on board that totaled around 100 people. It’s super easy to get lost and takes a while to get bearings on where one is inside the vast ship. There’s more than one way to get to certain spots. Felt like shoots and ladders. Going down a few flights and one port hole in the floor, taking a left and then a right.
Michelle is the founder of Untapped New York and the author of The Art Spy (HarperOne, forthcoming) Secret Brooklyn, Secret New York Hidden Bars & Restaurants, and Broadway. michelleyoungwriter.com
