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HII Christens USS Harrisburg Amphibious Transport Dock

Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) has christened the US Navy’s 14th San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock vessel, the USS Harrisburg, in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

The hull was named after Pennsylvania’s capital city to honor the region’s continuous support for the US armed forces as well as its critical role in the country’s industrial history.

Notable contributions by the Harrisburg were recorded throughout the Westward Migration, the American Civil War, and the Industrial Revolution.

At the ceremony in Pascagoula, US Navy Ships Program Executive Officer Rear Admr. Tom Anderson provided the keynote address for the event.

Sponsors of the ship — including Alexandra Curry, wife of the mayor of Middletown, Pennsylvania, and Jennifer Díaz, wife of the Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Navy — attended the christening.

“To the sailors and shipbuilders of the future USS Harrisburg, I extend to you my deepest congratulations,” Anderson remarked.

“Thank you all for the work and sacrifices you have already made, and for everything you will do to bring this ship to life.”

The USS Harrisburg will be the first of its class to receive a Flight II configuration, which equips a vessel with more cost-effective components and over 200 upgrades to the overall system, supporting expanded capabilities for logistics and hospital operations as well as future deck modifications.

HII is the sole provider of the entire San Antonio-class platform, with 13 already delivered to the US Navy.

Work is ongoing to complete the future USS Harrisburg, the USS Pittsburgh (LPD 31), and the USS Philadelphia (LPD 32).

In September 2024, HII accepted a $9.5-billion contract to construct three more San Antonio ships for the navy by 2035.

USS San Antonio (LPD 17)
USS San Antonio (LPD 17). Photo: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason R. Zalasky/US Navy

US Navy’s San Antonio LPD

The San Antonio-class ship is designed to replace the US Navy’s older LPDs in service since the 1960s. The new vessel combines accommodations for troops, amphibious vehicles, and aircraft for secure transport between sea and land.

It measures 684 feet (208 meters) long and can accommodate over 600 passengers, depending on missions.

The ship is fitted with electronic warfare systems, a search and rescue radar, missiles, and machine guns.

It is powered by four diesel engines with a collective 41,600 horsepower for a speed of more than 22 knots (25 miles/41 kilometers per hour).

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