Michael C. Fina Selected For Custom China Service For USS NEW YORK

NEW YORK, Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Michael C. Fina has been selected to create
the china service for the new U.S. Navy ship, USS NEW YORK. The ship, built
with 7.5 tons of steel from the fallen World Trade Center in its bow, is to be
commissioned in New York City on November 7th.

The special china service was commissioned by the ship's sponsor, Mrs. Dotty
England. Traditionally, the sponsor of each U.S. Navy ship presents a
personal gift to the ship and its crew, which can range from books to
paintings. Mrs. England chose an exclusive and uniquely designed set of china
for USS NEW YORK. Mrs. England said, "This magnificent ship is not only named
for a great State, it honors the thousands who were killed or injured on
September 11, 2001 and the sacrifice and heroism of all those who came to
their rescue."

She added, "Michael C. Fina has a reputation as a landmark New York retailer,
and it was a pleasure to work with them in providing a traditional gift in
tribute to this historic ship."

Mrs. England noted, "This china service will be used at formal occasions and
diplomatic gatherings on the ship as her sailors and Marines represent the
United States around the world in the years ahead."

"We are honored to have been a part of this endeavor," said Steven Fina, Vice
President of Michael C. Fina. "Bringing beauty and personality to each and
every home or home away from home has long been a mission of Michael C. Fina,
and we are happy to have been able to do this for USS NEW YORK."

The commissioning of USS NEW YORK will mark the ship's entry into the U.S.
Navy fleet. While in New York City, several events are planned to show New
York hospitality and to express appreciation to the men and woman who serve
our country.

The china service features traditional pieces including a dinner plate, salad
plate, bread & butter plate, and can cup & saucer, along with a can mug and
soup bowl. Many pieces in the custom service incorporate an image of the ship
and the words "Never Forget," the essence of the ship's motto, "Strength
Forged Through Sacrifice. Never Forget." Other pieces bear the ship's crest.

Pickard, a historic china house that has designed and produced its pieces in
the United States since 1893 for individuals as well as the White House and
various government organizations, created the service.

The ship's sponsor is not only the person who christens the ship, breaking the
champagne bottle over the bow of the ship, but is also the person who, at the
commissioning ceremony, gives the order to "Bring this ship to life!"

Mrs. England is the wife of Gordon England, former Deputy Secretary of
Defense. While serving as the 72nd Secretary of the Navy, Mr. England made
the decision to have the ship named for New York as well as naming sister
ships USS ARLINGTON and USS SOMERSET to honor those who were killed in
Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001.

More information about USS NEW YORK and the commissioning activities can be
found at the official website, www.ussny.org.

About Michael C. Fina
Michael C. Fina, New York's premier family owned and operated retail
destination, has been providing customers with quality products and
exceptional service for nearly 75 years. The flagship store, located at 545
Fifth Ave. New York, NY, offers a stunning variety of engagement rings,
wedding bands, jewelry, fine tableware, estate silver, art glass, and a bath &
home fragrance collection.

For more information, please visit www.michaelcfina.com.

SOURCE Michael C. Fina

Teegan Conti, Michael C. Fina, +1-212-557-2500, tconti@mcfina.com