USS Anchorage (LPD 23), the US Navy’s seventh San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship, has successfully completed its final contract trials.
During the contract trials, conducted by the navy’s board of inspection and survey (INSURV) as part of a series of post-delivery testing, the vessel demonstrated operational capability.
The ship’s crew demonstrated all the ship’s systems such as the main propulsion, engineering and ship control systems, combat systems, damage control, food service and crew support.
In addition to performing steering and anchor handling demonstrations, the ship conducted a full power run and self-defence detect-to-engage exercises as well as rapid ballasting and deballasting.
US Navy’s programme executive office, ships LPD 17 programme manager captain Darren Plath said: "This is a major accomplishment for the crew of Anchorage as post-delivery test and trials are completed in preparation for joining the fleet."
Built by Huntington Ingalls Industries, the LPD-23 ship can transport air cushion (LCAC) or conventional landing crafts, as well as supporting amphibious assault, special operations and expeditionary warfare missions.
The ships’ flight deck can accommodate two Sikorsky CH-53E Sea Stallion helicopters, six Bell AH-1W Super Cobra helicopters, four Boeing Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters or two Boeing Bell MV-22 Osprey tilt rotor aircraft.
The LPD 17-class ships will significantly replace the ageing LST 1179 Newport-class tank landing ships, LKA 113 Charleston-class amphibious cargo ships, Anchorage-class dock landing ships and Austin-class ships.
Delivered to the US Navy in September 2012, the HII-built USS Anchorage will undergo further testing and maintenance period as part of post-shakedown availability.
Image: USS Anchorage (LPD 23) arrives in San Diego homeport. Photo: courtesy of US Navy.
