Article Posted on : - Jul 31, 2012

The amphibious transport dock Anchorage (LPD 23). Photo: Huntington Ingalls Industries.

PASCAGOULA, MISSISSIPPI (BNS): The US Navy has awarded Huntington Ingalls Industries a $1.5 billion fixed-price incentive contract for the detail design and construction of the amphibious transport dock LPD 27.

Ingalls is building the entire San Antonio (LPD 17) class of ships, the newest addition to the Navy's 21st century amphibious assault force.

The LPD 17-class ships are 684 feet long and 105 feet wide and displace approximately 25,000 tons. Their principal mission is to deploy the combat and support elements of Marine Expeditionary Units and Brigades.

The ships can carry up to 800 troops and have the capability of transporting and debarking air cushion (LCAC) or conventional landing crafts, augmented by helicopters or vertical take-off and landing aircraft such as the MV-22.

The 11 ships of the LPD 17 class are a key element of the Navy's ability to project power ashore.

Collectively, they functionally replace more than 41 ships (the LPD 4, LSD 36, LKA 113 and LST 1179 classes of amphibious ships), providing the Navy and Marine Corps with modern, sea-based platforms that are networked, survivable and built to operate with 21st century platforms, such as the MV-22 Osprey.