HII has successfully launched the first Flight II San Antonio-class landing platform dock (LPD) ship at its shipyard in Mississippi.
The event saw the transfer of the USS Harrisburg (LPD 30) from land to a floating dock, marking the vessel’s first contact with water since construction began.
“We view this launch as a significant step toward fielding capability to our US Navy and Marine Corps partners, and a reminder of the importance of supporting national security,” HII Ingalls Shipbuilding Division President Kari Wilkinson remarked. “As shipbuilders, we are dedicated to this mission.”
The USS Harrisburg is the US Navy’s 14th San Antonio-class vessel, and its launch follows HII’s acceptance of a $9.5-billion contract in September 2024 to build the service’s final three San Antonio-class vessels (LPD 33 to 35).
Simultaneously, the company secured a $3.6-billion contract for advanced procurement and associated work to build a fifth America-class amphibious assault ship.
US Navy’s San Antonio Warship
The San Antonio-class LPD, also known as an amphibious transport dock, is designed to replace aging 1960s-era US Navy vessels.
Each LPD supports amphibious vehicles and aircraft, facilitating the transfer of troops and equipment from sea to land.
The ship measures 684 feet (208 meters) long and can carry more than 600 personnel depending on mission requirements.
It has room for hovercrafts, conventional landing boats, and up to two V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft.
The LPD is equipped with surface search and fire control radar, electronic warfare systems, rolling airframe missiles, air defense missiles, and machine guns.
It is powered by four Colt-Pielstick diesel engines with 41,600 horsepower, enabling speeds of more than 22 knots (25 miles/41 kilometers per hour).
