Naval Station New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Naval Station New York |
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| Staten Island, New York | |
Guided-missile frigate USS Stephen W. Groves (FFG 29), guided-missile cruisers USS Hue City (CG 66) and USS San Jacinto (CG 56), and guided-missile destroyers USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) and USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) tied up at the home port pier during Fleet Week in 2007.
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 Naval Station New York
Naval Station New York
Naval Station New York
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| Coordinates | 40°37′49″N 74°4′23″W / 40.63028°N 74.07306°W |
| Type | U.S. naval station |
Naval Station New York was a United States Navy base located on Staten Island in New York City. It was a place where Navy ships could dock and sailors could live and work. The station opened in 1990 but closed just a few years later in 1994.
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Naval Station New York opened in 1990. It was part of a special plan by the government called the "Strategic Homeport" program. This program aimed to spread out Navy ships to different ports across the country. The idea was to have ships based in more places, making the Navy stronger.
The station had two main parts. One part was in a place called Stapleton, where the Navy ships would dock at a pier. The other, larger part was at Fort Wadsworth. This area had offices for Navy staff, plus homes for both single sailors and Navy families. The entire station covered about 266 acres. It also had a special office called NAVRESSO, which helped with Navy stores and services.
The Sullivan Brothers Pier
A special pier was built at Stapleton for the warships. This pier was later named after the Sullivan brothers. They were five brothers who all served in the Navy during World War II. Sadly, they died together when their ship sank.
Several Navy ships used this pier as their home. These included frigates like the USS Donald B. Beary, the USS Ainsworth, and the USS Oliver Hazard Perry. A cruiser, the USS Normandy (CG-60), also called it home. The famous battleship USS Iowa was also supposed to be based there. However, an accident happened on the Iowa before it could move to New York. The ship was then taken out of service. Even today, the area around the pier is still often called "The Homeport."
Why Did the Base Close?
Naval Station New York was suggested for closure in 1993. This decision was made by a special group called the Base Realignment and Closure Commission. They decided the base was too small. It was also expensive to house Navy personnel there. With some changes happening in the Navy, the base was no longer seen as necessary.
The station officially closed in 1994.
What Happened to the Land?
After the base closed, the land was given new purposes.
Fort Wadsworth
In 1995, the Fort Wadsworth section was given to the Department of the Interior. Today, it is managed as part of the Gateway National Recreation Area. This means it is now a public park where people can visit and enjoy nature.
Stapleton Pier Area
The Stapleton pier area was given to the City of New York. This area is now being changed into a new neighborhood. It will have homes, shops, and other buildings along the waterfront. This project is called Stapleton Homeport. Work on this long-awaited project started on June 20, 2013.
The pier is still used today. A new station for the fire boat Fire Fighter II opened there in 2012. The Navy also still uses the pier each year during New York City's Fleet Week celebrations. During Fleet Week, Navy ships visit the city, and people can come see them.
