The US Navy will christen its new amphibious transport dock, USS Arlington, on 26 March at Northrop Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi, US.

USS Arlington is one of three US Navy Ships to honour the heroes of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and is intended for use in modern expeditionary combat situations.

The 684ft-long, 24,900t ship was launched in November 2010 and christening will lead to commissioning, scheduled for 2012.

The ship will enter service with a crew of 363 officers with accommodation for up to 800 Marines who can be transported around the world with equipment and aircraft.