This is the blog for Launch 5 where we detail all of the missions that she has undertaken for all of the various organizations and events throughout the Hudson Valley, New York City, and New Jersey.
The year started off early for Launch 5 with being contacted by the Construction Industry Council of Westchester to arrange a trip for all of the local and regional media to the new Tappanzee Bridge being built across the Hudson.
Read MoreIt was back in the water for Launch 5 on this day at Shattemuc Yacht Club in Ossining, NY!
Read MoreThe Launch’s year started out a little rocky, with some much needed repairs made before she was put back in the water for the summer season. One of Launch 5’s most valuable volunteers, Sgt. Michael Murphy from the NYPD Harbor Repair Unit performed the necessary repairs, outfitting her with some brand new propellors. After she was outfitted with some shiny new propellors it was back in the water!
Read MoreAs the summer came to a close and fall was setting in, Launch 5 made one of its last trips down the Hudson River to New York harbor for the 18th Annual Working Harbor Committee’s Tugboat Race.
Read MoreLaunch 5 travelled up to Constitution Island, docked at their dock, and gave tours of the vessel during the weekend in support of the organization’s fundraising efforts to restore key historical buildings on the island and to raise awareness about the environmental conservation efforts of the organization.
Read MoreThe Launch was contacted once again that summer to be the on-water security and safety vessel for another prestigious event, the Mayor’s Cup New York City Kayak Championships.
Read MoreLater in the summer, Launch 5 was hired by New York Outrigger to be the on-water security and safety vessel for the prestigious annual Liberty Challenge Outrigger Race.
Read MoreEach year for 32 years, Shattemuc Yacht Club has hosted the Pedlow Cup. This year, Launch 5 was retained as the racing committee boat, and good times were had by all!
The crew of Launch 5 were invited to participate in the Passaic River Maritime Festival, in Newark, NJ. As a vessel and foundation that promotes environmental safety, we decided to participate because of the festival’s mission “to raise awareness of the need for improvement of the Passaic River after years of neglect, to organize and conduct riverbank cleanups in the community, to set a standard for the businesses and communities along the river, and to reestablish the Passaic River as a recreational destination.”
Read MoreIts motto is simple and powerful: "Strength forged through sacrifice. Never forget."
The U.S. Navy's USS New York, an instrument of freedom and peace, was commissioned Nov. 7, 2009 in New York City. Cutting through the water with a bow forged from 7.5 tons of World Trade Center steel, the USS New York carries much more than just the name of the Big Apple wherever it travels.
Launch 5 was commissioned by the US Department of Defense to be one of the guiding vessels for the commission of the USS New York. We were extremely proud.
2008 was a big year, and Launch 5 stepped right up to the plate with all of the missions thrown its way. On several weekends during the summer, Launch 5 hosted the children from St. Christopher’s, an “adolescent development organization dedicated to helping children with special needs and their families by delivering seamless continuum of care.” The children were taught about on-water safety, the importance of respecting our earth and waterways, and forging better relationships with police officers. The Launch was also called out to assist in the rescue of the operators of a tug boat whose barge had caught fire. The Launch was able to get all operators to safety before the tug boat was affected.
Launch 5 and her crew participated in a multi-agency drill designed to test radiation detection equipment in a real world situation.
Read MoreDuring several weekends in April 2007, many dedicated volunteers came out to work on Launch 5 and get her ready for what should be an active 2007 season.
Read MoreLaunch 5 and her crew were honored to take ten wounded combat soldiers for a tour of NY Harbor.
Read MoreFor a period of three days around January 17th, 2006, the Launch 5 crew were given the opportunity to act as extras in the two part film "Che", directed by Steven Soderbergh.
Read MoreLaunch 5 got underway with a special guest for a photographic mission - her last mission for 2005.
We were joined by renowned celebrity portrait photographer Len Irish who was excited by the prospect of photographing the city from a unique perspective.
Read MoreLaunch 5 attended the NYPD Memorial Dedication Ceremony in North Cove Marina. Buffs from all over came to show support.
Read MoreLaunch 5 was asked to participate in a multi-agency drill on the Hudson River with several other law enforcement and search and rescue agencies.
We were asked to be a part of the security detail for the New Jersey Offshore Grand Prix. Check out the photos below, especially one of the boats that disintegrated!
The Queen Mary 2 and the Queen Elizabeth 2 created history when they sailed from New York Harbor together today. This particular trip was the Queen Mary 2's maiden voyage, and the Queen Elizabeth 2's final voyage.
Read More
