The Coast Guard held a commissioning ceremony for its fast-response cutter named for Officer Vincent Danz.
Danz served in the Marines, the Coast Guard and as an NYPD officer.
He was only 38 years old when he was killed trying to save people on September 11th, but those who came to watch the birth of the new ship have never forgotten.
"On his last day, he was a light and to this world, on probably the darkest day, one of the darkest days in the history of our nation," said Ret. U.S. Coast Guard Master Chief Petty Officer Heath Jones.
Danz's widow, Angela, and daughters were on board for the ceremony.
His daughter, Emily, assisted in setting the ship's first watch and Danz's widow, the ship's sponsor, gave the ceremonial order as the crew began to man the ship bearing her husband's name.
Officer Danz stood watch over our country in three different uniforms throughout his life, which were all represented.
There is also something special embedded in the ship.
"Steel recovered from the World Trade Center was permanently incorporated into the cutter, a piece of New York," said U.S. Coast Guard Vice Commandant Admiral T. Allan.
And for those who knew Danz the best...
"It goes to the core of your heart, because you know how good these people were and Vinnie was amongst the top of all them," said NYPD ESU Det. Steven Stefanakos.
The cutter is beginning its 67-day journey to Guam, but it will forever take the values of Vincent Danz with it.
"Being part of the team that other officers call when the situation is at its worst," said NYPD Patrol Chief Phillip Rivera.
And now it will stand watch across the globe.
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