Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division has announced the launch of the first Flight II San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship, named Harrisburg (LPD 30).
The San Antonio-class is said to be a key component of the Navy’s amphibious assault force for the 21st century.
The future USS Harrisburg is the Navy’s 14th San Antonio-class vessel.
The fabrication of the vessel began in 2020, indicating the commencement of construction with the cutting of the first 100 tonnes (t) of steel.
In 2022, Ingalls Shipbuilding celebrated the keel-laying ceremony for Harrisburg, marking the start of the ship's construction.
The ceremony involved welding the initials of the ship's sponsor onto a steel plate.
Currently, the transition of Harrisburg from land to water was facilitated using translation railcars to support the movement of the ship across the pier.
While in the dry dock, the Ingalls team completed the preparations for the ship's launch into the water.
Ingalls Shipbuilding president Kari Wilkinson said: “We view this launch as a significant step toward fielding capability to our US Navy and Marine Corps partners, and a reminder of the importance of supporting national security.
“As shipbuilders, we are dedicated to this mission.”
The launch comes after the announcement of a contract worth $9.8bn for the construction of three San Antonio-class ships, LPD 33-35, last month.
The LPD Flight II is the replacement for the ageing Whidbey Island (LSD 41) and Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) dock landing ships.
Currently, Ingalls Shipbuilding is constructing two Flight II LPDs, including Harrisburg and Pittsburgh (LPD 31).
In addition, preparations are underway for Philadelphia (LPD 32), which will be the 16th San Antonio-class ship.
The San Antonio-class will be used to transport and disembark Marines along with their equipment and supplies.
