Parents Proud Of Oklahoma Marine Who Serves Aboard The USS New York

By Craig Day, The News On 6

COPAN, OK -- A Washington County family is bursting with pride this week. Three of their sons have served in the military, now their Marine son is serving on a ship steeped in symbolism and tied to the 911 attacks.

When the billion dollar warship, the USS New York, sailed through New York's harbor, an Oklahoman was among the crew. Marine Shane Codding's dad, stepmom and other family members couldn't be more proud.

"You want to be modest, but you just want to stand up and tell the world too. When I first found out, I went from this coworker to that one to that one you know. It was really exciting," said Larry Codding, Shane's dad.

Codding, a Copan native, is the highest ranking non-commissioned Marine officer on the ship. After five deployments, including two to Iraq and one to Afghanistan, Codding's latest assignment aboard the USS New York is a unique opportunity.

"He said it's going to be part of history, and it really makes you feel good that he's doing all that," said Larry Codding.

The USS New York is partially made from seven tons of steel from the World Trade Center, most of it melted down and reforged as the bow of the ship. His family says for a small town boy from Copan, who plans to make serving his country a career, being in New York, being on board, being part of it all is special, humbling and awe-inspiring.

"That's representing all those people and their families," said Diana Codding, Shane's stepmom.

With every photo they get, and each time they see the ship on the news, they think of Shane, how proud they are, and the USS New York's special significance.

"It's an honor to have our son on that ship you know," said Diana Codding.

Shane's mother, grandmother and several other family members are on their way to visit him.

The USS New York will eventually call Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia its home port.