The following is a news release from Rear Adm. Michael Alfultis, president of the State University of New York (SUNY) Maritime College:
(THROGGS NECK, N.Y.) — Empire State VI docked at the Inner Navy Mole pier in Key West on Sunday morning at 0950.
With many people still without power and water, and few parts of the Florida Keys escaping storm damage, the Maritime Administration and FEMA made the decision that the ship and the supplies it carries are more desperately needed in Key West.
The damage from Hurricanes Irma and Harvey has been shocking, and I am proud that our training ship has been activated and sent to where it is most needed. The severity and scale of these tragic storms has shown the vital need served by the nation’s fleet of training ships, and underlines the importance of finding suitable replacements for them.
We are unsure how long Empire State will be deployed to Key West. I will continue to send updates as we learn more.
