Official U.S. Navy website - Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet

September 11 Memorial Ceremony Held at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado
By: Naval Surface Forces Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO – The “September 11 Memorial Day Remembrance” was held at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado’s U.S. Navy/U.S. Coast Guard Vietnam Unit Memorial Monument, Council International Sport Military (CISM) Field, Friday at 7:30 a.m.
The ceremony observed the eighth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States, and honored those who lost their lives and loved ones that tragic day in 2001.

This year’s Chief Petty Officer Selectees were given the honor of arranging and conducting the event. “It’s important that we remember all the people who were affected; not only those who perished, but also their families,” said Yeoman Chief Petty Officer (SCWS) (Select) Adriana Lopez, Tactical Air Control Group One (TACRON). “It’s a chance for us to remember who they were and honor them on this anniversary and to not forget the impact 9/11 had on all of us.”

Gas Turbine Systems Technician – Mechanical Chief Petty Officer (SW) (Select) Matthew Kunitzer, a Landing Craft Air Cushioned (LCAC) Engineer Instructor at Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Pacific (EWTGPAC), was also a key player in putting the memorial ceremony together. “It’s important to have these types of ceremonies every year to remember what happened on 9-11,” said Gunitzer. “I think if we didn’t, the importance of the event would diminish over time and it’s an important part of our history. What I remember most from that day are the looks on the faces of the people at work, and the sadness I felt in my heart when I watched it on TV.”

There were 2,792 people killed as American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 crashed into the World Trade Center towers, 40 passengers and crew died when United Flight 93 went down in Pennsylvania, and 184 perished as American Flight 77 flew into the Pentagon. These numbers do not reflect the rescue workers who lost their lives that day, or military lives lost in support of the War on Terrorism. 

REMEMBRANCE 2-2-2

Naval Surface Forces Chief of Staff, Captain John Gelinne, a survivor of the Pentagon attack, attended the memorial service. “COS QUOTE,” said Gelinne.