HII launches Fort Lauderdale amphibious transport dock
Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) launched the USN’s new San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) on 28 March in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
A rail car system was used to move the ship to HII’s dry dock which was then flooded after it was moved away from the pier leaving it to float in the dock.
The vessel is 684ft long and 105ft wide and is designed to land and embark Marines, equipment and military supplies using an air cushion or conventional landing craft or amphibious assault vehicles. It is powered by a MAN Diesel & Turbo PC2.5 STC marine engine.
HII also suggests that LPD 28 may be used for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions alongside maritime security carried out by a Marine Air Ground Task Force.
The company is constructing a total of 26 San Antonio class ships including 13 Flight I and 13 Flight II models.
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