The US Navy’s 14th San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, LPD 30, was christened at Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division.
Named in honour of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the ship reflects the city’s legacy and contributions to the US military history, the company notes.
Harrisburg (LPD 30), co-sponsored by Alexandra Curry of Middletown and Jennifer Díaz of Philadelphia, is the first Flight II variant of the class.
It is designed to support a range of operations, including expeditionary warfare, humanitarian aid, and disaster response.
Ingalls Shipbuilding president Brian Blanchette said: “Today is more than just a christening; it is a celebration of craftsmanship, commitment and the enduring purpose of the work we do every day at Ingalls.
“Like its namesake, Harrisburg — with its rich history of strength, resilience and leadership — shares the same qualities reflected in our shipbuilders, whose dedication ensures the Navy and Marine Corps have the advanced ships they need to protect and defend our nation.”
The vessel fabrication began in 2020 with the cutting of 100 tonnes (t) of steel.
This was followed by a keel-laying ceremony in 2022, and its launch in October of the same year.
Ingalls Shipbuilding, as the exclusive builder of the LPD 17 San Antonio-class ships, has delivered LPDs 17 through 29 and continues to work on additional vessels.
This includes Harrisburg and Pittsburgh (LPD 31), with preliminary activities for Philadelphia (LPD 32) also in progress.
In addition, the division secured a Navy contract in September 2024 to construct three more ships in the class (LPDs 33-35).
These ships are said to be integral to the Navy’s capabilities, providing support for amphibious assaults, special operations, and serving as secondary platforms for aviation during amphibious missions.
In the updated report titled ‘Navy LPD-17 Flight II and LHA Amphibious Ship Programs: Background and Issues for Congress’, the Navy's five-year shipbuilding strategy for FY2025 encompasses the acquisition of three LPD-17 Flight II class vessels, scheduled for procurement in fiscal years 2025, 2027, and 2029.
In addition, the Navy's FY2025 30-year shipbuilding plan anticipates sustaining a fleet of 31 amphibious ships. Within the proposed FY2025 budget, the Navy has earmarked $1.56bn to cover the remaining costs associated with the LPD-17 Flight II ship slated for procurement in FY2025.
