Article Posted on : - Nov 26, 2010

The Northrop Grumman-built amphibious transport dock ship Arlington(LPD 24). Photo: Northrop Grumman

PASCAGOULA (BNS): The US Navy's future amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) was successfully launched from Northrop Grumman Corporation's Shipbuilding sector.

LPD 24 is the eighth ship of the USS San Antonio (LPD 17) class, which is being built at the Gulf Coast facilities. LPD 24 is the third US Navy ship with the name Arlington.

"This ship was the most complete LPD to date at time of launch and the schedule was also the shortest time from keel laying to launch,” Doug Lounsberry, LPD 17 program manager, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, said.

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

Collectively, these ships functionally replace over 41 ships (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 and the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV).

The LPD 17-class ships are 684 feet long, 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 ship can carry up to 800 troops and have the capability of transporting and debarking air cushion (LCAC) or conventional landing craft and EFVs, augmented by helicopters or vertical take-off and landing aircraft such as the MV-22.

Arlington (LPD 24) is one of three ships that Northrop Grumman is building to honor the heroes and victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.