HII starts fabrication of Harrisburg (LPD 30)
Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) has begun the fabrication of the USN’s 14th San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, USS Harrisburg (LPD 30).
In a statement released by the company on 16 April, it was confirmed that the first 100t of steel had been cut for the construction of the new vessel.
Steve Sloan, HII LPD programme manager, said: ‘LPD 30 is the start of an exciting new era for the San Antonio-class… Through learning structured around consistent production, we’ve been able to identify design and construction modifications to make future ships in the class more affordable while fulfilling Navy and Marine Corps requirements.’
The company has supplied 11 San Antonio-class vessels to the USN and two others are under construction alongside Harrisburg.
Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) was recently launched in March 2020 and this vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2021.
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