N e w York City's Big A p p l e Goes To Sea

The Big Apple, symbol of New York City's economic and entertainment life, was utilized by Jackson Engineering Shipyard recently in a most unusual ceremony. The company designed a flag with the New York City red apple symbol on a field of white. While hundreds of invited guests and shipyard employees looked on, New York City's economic development commissioner Kenneth S. Schulman gave the signal that sent the first Big Apple flag up the mast of the USS Waterford (ARD-5). At the same time, flags were raised on the USNS Comet, other vessels in the yard, and a New York City fireboat that presented an impressive water display. The opening and closing flag ceremonies were performed by the color guard from Kings Point Merchant Marine Academy.

In addition to the flag, an appropriate engraved Big Apple Citation was presented to the commanding officers of each vessel. A personal citation was also awarded Mayor Koch, honoring him for his continuing efforts on behalf of the maritime industry of the Port of New York.

City councilman Nicholas LaPorte praised the shipyard for its ongoing expansion program.

Other guest speakers included L.J.

Bettencourt, first selectman, City of Waterford, Conn.; Paul Proske, president, Staten Island Chamber of Commerce; and John Fanelli, vice president, New York City Convention Bureau. In addition, representatives from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and various city agencies attended the affair.

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Maritime Reporter

First published in 1881 Maritime Reporter is the world's largest audited circulation publication serving the global maritime industry.