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Wilton Native Serves In Navy Aboard USS Somerset

WILTON, Conn. -- Ensign Jennifer Abbott, a native of Wilton and a 2010 graduate of Wilton High School, is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard USS Somerset, one of the world's most modern, networked, survivable, and transformational warships.

Wilton native Jennifer Abbott is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Somerset.

Wilton native Jennifer Abbott is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Somerset.

Photo Credit: U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialis

Abbott swam for the U.S.Naval Academy's swim team, and swam for the Wilton High School team and Wilton Wahoos.

USS Somerset is named in commemoration of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. The name honors the passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93 whose actions prevented terrorist hijackers from reaching their intended target, forcing the airplane to crash near Shanksville, Pa., in Somerset County. 

About 22 tons of steel from a crane that stood near Flight 93's crash site was used to construct Somerset's bow stem.

"A ship is but a steel vessel, it is the crew that brings a ship to life. USS Somerset is truly a fine warship and this crew that mans her is second to none. The Sailors and Marines of Somerset have been working diligently to prepare this war ship. Through our service in the United States Navy, we will strive to honor those who have sacrificed so much to preserve the freedoms we cherish today," said Capt. Thomas L. Dearborn, the ship's commanding officer. 

About 28 officers, 333 enlisted men and women and three Marines make up the ship's company, which keeps all parts of the ship running smoothly -- this includes everything from washing dishes and preparing meals to handling weaponry and maintaining the engines.

The San Diego-based USS Somerset is a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, protecting and defending America on the world's oceans.

Amphibious transport dock ships are warships that embark, transport, and land elements of a landing force for a variety of expeditionary warfare missions. These ships support amphibious assault, special operations or expeditionary warfare missions and can serve as secondary aviation platforms for amphibious ready groups.

About 28 officers, 333 enlisted men and women and three Marines make up the ship's company, which keeps all parts of the ship running smoothly -- this includes everything from washing dishes and preparing meals to handling weaponry and maintaining the engines.

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