“We Will Never Forget” was the siren call amidst the settling debris and in honor of the lives tragically taken and the first responders who bravely answered the call on 9/11.
Twenty-two years ago today on September 11, 2001, nineteen al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four passenger airliners so they could be flown into buildings in suicide attacks. Two of those planes, American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175, crashed into the North and South towers, respectively, of the World Trade Center complex in New York City. Within two hours, both towers collapsed with debris, and the resulting fires caused partial or complete collapse of all other buildings in the WTC complex, as well as major damage to ten other large surrounding structures.
A third plane, American Airlines Flight 77, crashed into the Pentagon (the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense), leading to a partial collapse in its western side.
The fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, was targeted at Washington, D.C., but crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania after its brave passengers tried to overcome the hijackers.
In total, 2,977 people died in the attacks, including the 227 civilians on the four planes and 412 first responders in New York City.
I remember this day as if it were yesterday.
I was attached to the USS KEY WEST a submarine homeported in Pearl Harbor. We were deployed and transiting to a port in the Persian Gulf for load out.
I had just finished the 1200-1800 watch as a Diving Officer and was conducting my after-watch walk-thru, checking on the after-watch clean-up, as the ship wrapped up our periscope depth evolution. I was coming up the ladder from the mess deck into the Navigation Center when I saw the Commanding Officer (CO) exciting the Radio Room. As he passed I heard him mumble, #$%@&! My first thought was he had walked into the radio and the Radioman of the Watch was goofing off. Before I could get into the Radio Room to find out what had happened, the CO came over to the ship announcing system and announced that the World Trade Centers and Pentagon had been attacked by terrorists, that the World Trade Centers had collapsed, and we were ordered to make our best speed to a new location.
While we transited, we gathered personal information and made reports to Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet on a few crew members who had family that either worked at the World Trade Center or Pentagon or were some of the First Responders. It was a miracle that none of those family members were killed that day.
For the next 30 days, we received sporadic photos via our secure internet, which while unbelievable did not have the same impact as when we finally received a video of that terrible day. There wasn't a dry eye on the mess decks when we first played the video, and I think everyone gasped when the planes crashed into the towers. The entire crew was in a state of shock.
But we had a renewed sense of mission and for approximately 75 days we would patrol our designated area anxiously waiting for the order that would allow us to get our opportunity for payback. When it finally came, it was a moment of great relief for the entire crew to finally do something. I will never forget!
Let Us Pray as we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice on this day. Let us also remember the families and loved ones they left behind, and the pain this day brings. Please pray that God comforts them in their time of sorrow.
"Father God, we come together to lift up and pray for the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives on September 11th. Lord, their lives will never be forgotten, and our hearts go out to those who lost someone dear from the events of that day. Those left behind were robbed of such important and valuable people, Lord. Please comfort them as this anniversary returns yet again. Be present among them in their grief, and Lord, we pray that those surrounding them would offer kindness where they can. That they would be able to celebrate the precious lives of those who died with honor. May sweet memories of good times be shared and recalled, and may there be a sense of peace in knowing they do not grieve their loss alone. Please be bless them with Your love this day. In Jesus Name, Amen"
For Freedom,
Brett Kulbis
Hawai'i Grassroot Coordinator
About "Ask The Chief" - Ever since the U.S. Navy established the enlisted rank of Chief Petty Officer (April 1, 1893), “Ask the Chief" has resounded throughout the ranks by both enlisted and officer. For over 125 years the Chief has been the expert leaders & trainers, fountain of wisdom, ambassadors of good will, authority in personnel relations as well as in technical applications. Chiefs are the backbone of the Navy always have been and always will be. Just like the grassroot volunteers are the backbone of COS, always have been and always will be.
