USS Somerset Crew Make Memorable Landfall in Somerset County

The ship USS Somerset carries a poignant legacy as it is named after Somerset County, commemorating the 40 passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93 who perished during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. These brave individuals thwarted the hijackers’ plans, leading the plane to crash in Stoneycreek Township, Somerset County, rather than its intended target.

Recently, ten Sailors from the USS Somerset visited Somerset County to participate in the annual Flight 93 National Memorial observance. This multi-day trip aimed to solidify their bond with the community and honor the Flight 93 heroes’ families.

Religious Program Specialist 2nd Class Denzell Washington, from Buffalo, New York, visited Somerset for the first time. He shared his newfound appreciation for the phrase “Let’s roll,” famously spoken by passenger Todd Beamer during the Flight 93 incident. “I chose this line of work to be of service to my country, and I pray I can be half as brave as those 40 heroes,” Washington stated.

USS Somerset’s crew’s visit is an annual tradition that nurtures the strong relationship between the ship and the county while educating Sailors on the global impact of Flight 93. Cmdr. Aaron Gorum, the ship’s executive officer, expressed his gratitude, saying, “This has been a truly unique experience. I’m humbled to be here, and extremely grateful to the people of Somerset.”

During their trip, the Sailors participated in various community activities. They planted flags at a historic turnpike, engaged with local media, met farmers and students, toured a dairy farm, visited the county courthouse, dined with veterans at the Stoystown American Legion, and attended the Flight 93 National Memorial ceremony. At the event, they had the opportunity to meet President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

USS Somerset is a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship based in San Diego. The ship’s construction includes steel from a mining machine near the crash site in Somerset County. Inside, the ship features numerous mementos from Flight 93, including a passageway to the Memorial Room, which lists the names of the passengers.