MASD welcomes crew of USS Somerset

The Meyersdale Area School District welcomed crew members of the USS Somerset (LPD 25) on September 9. Crew members are currently in the region visiting schools and attending special events, including the 25th anniversary observance of the events of 9/11 at the Flight 93 National Memorial.

The USS Somerset is a United States Navy amphibious transport dock ship named to honor the brave actions of the passengers and crew who were aboard United Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. The Navy christened the ship on July 28, 2012, and commissioned it on March 1, 2014, in Philadelphia. Its home port is San Diego, California. The ship’s motto is “Virtus per Adversa,” which means virtue through adversity. The USS Somerset is a defensive ship that transports Marines, equipment and supplies to support amphibious assaults, expeditionary warfare and disaster relief. The USS Somerset is currently in dock for maintenance following a seven-month deployment with the Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

Crew members shared their experiences and backgrounds with students. Members said they are excited to visit the ship’s namesake and are honored for the opportunity to attend the 25th 9/11 observance. The USS Somerset not only bears the name of “America’s County,” but also has a museum that honors the crew and passengers of Flight 93 and photographs and other memorabilia chronicling the role of Somerset County in the events on 9/11.

Crew members also emphasized their own personal backgrounds and the educational paths that led to their enlistment in the U.S. Navy as they fielded questions from students in grades six through 12.

The USS Somerset is typically deployed for six or seven months at a time and has a crew of more than 350 highly qualified professionals. The ship can accommodate more than 700 Marines when actively transporting.
Thank you crew members of the USS Somerset for your service and the exemplary job you do each day!