The historic commissioning of USS NEW YORK took place on November 7, 2009. During the ten days the ship was in New York City , some 65,000 people visited this state of the art ship. Among the visitors were several thousand 9/11 survivors, 9/11 family members, and First Responders. Approximately 4500 people attended the commissioning ceremony.

While the commissioning of the ship is over, you can still contribute to the ship's education fund and can also still purchase items from the Ship's Store. Proceeds from purchases go to the ship's education fund. This fund provide assistance to the crew for as long as the ship is in commission.