US-based military shipbuilding company Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HHI) Ingalls Shipbuilding division has met the electronic systems light-off requirements of amphibious transport dock Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28).
In March, the US Navy announced the launch of USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28).
Go deeper with GlobalData
The division supplied 11 San Antonio-class ships to the US Navy and three additional ships are currently under construction. They include Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28), Richard M McCool Jr (LPD 29), and Harrisburg (LPD 30).
In April, Ingalls received a contract worth $1.5bn to build LPD 31.
The San Antonio-class is the latest addition to the 21st century amphibious assault force of the US Navy.
This 684ft-long, 105ft-wide vessel is used for the embarking and landing of the marine, its equipment and supplies using air cushion or conventional landing craft and amphibious assault vehicles.
This is supported by the helicopters or vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, which includes the MV-22 Osprey.
Throughout the operation, the ships provide support to the Marine Air Ground Task Force.
They also carry out amphibious and expeditionary missions, as well as conduct naval control and power projection for humanitarian aid and rescue missions.
Ingalls LPD programme manager Steve Sloan said: “Electronic systems light-off signifies that the network and consoles of the ship’s hull, mechanical and electrical systems are up and running.
“This is a significant achievement in the construction timeline of the San Antonio-class LPD. We are proud of our crew for reaching this milestone, and we look forward to continuing to work toward the delivery of this strong and capable amphibious warship.”
In April this year, Ingalls Shipbuilding division commenced fabrication of the US Navy’s Harrisburg (LPD 30).
