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6 May 2008
The LPD 17 class, the Navy's newest class of amphibious transport docks, has reached Initial Operating Capability. With the first three ships of the class commissioned, achieving IOC is an important accomplishment for this transformational class of amphibious warships.
"We've had some challenges to overcome with LPD 17," said Rear Adm. Charles Goddard, programme executive officer for ships. "But reaching this milestone is a testament to the collaborative efforts between the Navy and shipbuilding industry."
USS San Antonio, the first of the LPD 17-class of amphibious transport dock ships, completed a Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) underway material inspection in Novenber 2007, at Naval Station Norfolk. INSURV found that San Antonio was fit for sustained combat service in the Fleet. LPD 17's crew will continue to train and prepare for her maiden deployment, and will move from unit level training through integrated operations with its strike group.
The ship is on track to deploy with the USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) in 2008.
Two other ships of the class, USS New Orleans (LPD 18) and USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), have been commissioned and are also undergoing unit level training.
At least six more ships of this class will be joining the fleet over the next several years. Green Bay (LPD 20) is in the final phases of construction and is preparing for sea trials this summer. Perhaps the most well-known of these ships, because of the inclusion of World Trade centre steel in the hull, the future USS New York (LPD 21) was christened March 1. San Diego (LPD 22) and Anchorage (LPD 23) have already had their keels laid, and Arlington (LPD 24) and Somerset (LPD 25) are under contract with Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding.
The San Antonio class brings greatly improved capabilities to the US Navy including an advanced command and control suite, increased lift capacity with substantial increases in vehicle and cargo carrying capability and advanced ship survivability features. Each ship is capable of embarking a landing force of up to 800 Marines and supports the Landing Craft Air Cushion vehicle, the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle, and the MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft.
REF XQQAS XQQSA
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