HII Ingalls Shipbuilding division has commenced fabrication for the US Navy’s LPD-17 San Antonio-class third Flight II amphibious transport dock ship, the future USS Philadelphia (LPD 32).
It marks a milestone with the first 100 tonnes (t) of steel being cut. It is the seventh vessel named after Philadelphia.
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This event follows a contract modification awarded to HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding in 2021, valued at $1.295bn, for the vessel’s detailed design and construction.
In the following year, HII engaged Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD) to provide support for the ship.
Ingalls Shipbuilding amphibious ship programme manager Stephen Janowski said: “From the earliest planning stages to the first cut of steel, every step of construction so far has been focused on building a capable ship for our Navy and Marine Corps partners.
“Our team is committed to continuous improvement and seeing Philadelphia built with the quality craftsmanship needed to support our nation well into the future.”
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By GlobalDataIngalls Shipbuilding is said to be the exclusive manufacturer of the LPD 17 San Antonio-class ships.
It has delivered LPDs 17 through 29 and is currently constructing three Flight II LPDs, including the Harrisburg (LPD 30), Pittsburgh (LPD 31), and Philadelphia (LPD 32).
Furthermore, Ingalls was contracted in September 2024 to build an additional three LPD vessels (LPD 33, LPD 34, and LPD 35).
The LPD Flight II ships are designed to be the next generation of amphibious vessels, set to replace the older Whidbey Island (LSD 41) and Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) classes.
These amphibious transport docks are deployed alongside a Marine Corps Air-Ground Task Force for a range of operations from deterrence and joint-force enablement to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
Additionally, the ships transport, deploy a landing force and support amphibious assaults, special operations, and serving as secondary aviation platforms.
According to the US Navy, LPD-17 Flight II class ships have an estimated unit procurement cost of around $2bn.
