HII Ingalls Shipbuilding has authenticated the keel of the US Navy’s 16th San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock vessel in Mississippi.
The event involved the marking of the ship sponsor’s initials into a ceremonial steel plate that will be attached to the hull throughout its service life.
It was attended by HII CEO and President Chris Kastner and Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Blanchette.
The system, named the USS Philadelphia (LPD 32), is the third platform of the San Antonio series to receive a Flight II configuration, which features around 200 modern upgrades to the structure compared to earlier models in the class.
Flight II vessels are set to replace the Whidbey Island-class and Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ships operational since the 1980s.
Alongside the Philadelphia, HII is building two additional Flight II hulls at its shipyard in Pascagoula, adding to the 13 systems already delivered to the US Navy.
“Every part we add to this ship — from the smallest weld to the largest grand block — reflects the skill and dedication of our Ingalls shipbuilders and our shared commitment to the sailors and Marines who will one day rely on her,” Blanchette said at the event.
“Their mission is our purpose, and we are honored to support the warfighter by delivering a ship worthy of the name Philadelphia.”
Expeditionary Force Support
The San Antonio transport dock is designed to provide comprehensive logistics services for expeditionary operations across the US Navy and US Marine Corps.
In addition to warfare, the ship is capable of supporting disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and maritime security.
The vessel measures 684 feet (208 meters) long and has a beam of 105 feet (32 meters).
It can carry up to 600 passengers, four helicopters, two land craft units, and 14 amphibious vehicles.
For protection, the ship is equipped with 30-millimeter close-in weapons, heavy machine guns, multi-domain missiles, and electronic warfare systems.
Each San Antonio is fitted with four Colt-Pielstick turbocharged diesel engines with a combined output of 41,600 horsepower, enabling a maximum speed of 22 knots (25 miles/41 kilometers per hour).